Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Neutral | Positive | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
HB 2207, if passed, would amend the Property Code (Subtitle
B, Title 5) by adding a new chapter (Chapter 66). This Chapter essentially
states, that if surface and mineral rights have already been separated on a
given piece of property, the mineral rights have been leased, and the surface
rights are foreclosed upon, then the mineral lease is unaffected by the
foreclosure. The bill also includes a set of relevant definitions and more
details concerning royalties, and the priorities of certain rights.
HB 2207 is a beneficial bill on a number of grounds. It eliminates
ambiguities regarding the separation of surface and mineral estates, effectively
maintains contract and property rights, and preserves the dominance of mineral
rights under Texas law. These developments are welcome and the bill affirms limited government and property rights principles.
We support HB 2207.