Relating to the ownership of the pore space underlying the surface of land.
HB 2762 clarifies that the owner of land surface rights automatically owns the underground pore space (geologic voids and cavities beneath the land) unless a deed, lease, or contract specifically states otherwise. This directly affects landowners, particularly in areas with oil, gas, or mineral exploration, as it defines ownership of subsurface spaces tied to surface ownership. The bill adds new provisions to Texas Property Code, stating surface owners hold pore space rights by default, without altering existing legal relationships between mineral and surface estates. It takes effect immediately if passed with a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 19, 2025
Last action Mar 19, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 19, 2025
Committee
Referred to Energy Resources
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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