Bill > HB3156

This bill modifies Texas law regarding fluid oil and gas waste by introducing a new definition of "treated product" as a processed waste material that has been transformed to have a beneficial use, and clarifies ownership and liability issues related to such waste. The bill establishes that when fluid oil and gas waste is transferred to a person for generating a treated product, that waste becomes the property of the person processing it, and when that treated product or its byproducts are subsequently transferred, ownership transfers to the new recipient. The legislation also significantly limits tort liability for entities that generate, treat, or transfer fluid oil and gas waste and its byproducts, protecting them from legal action unless they demonstrate gross negligence, intentional wrongdoing, or fail to comply with specific environmental regulations. Furthermore, the bill requires the Texas commission to adopt rules governing the treatment and beneficial use of oil and gas waste, treated products, and related byproducts. The changes will apply only to causes of action accruing on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring existing legal matters are not retroactively impacted.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3156