Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC)

Sunset Review Documents for 2012-2013 Review Cycle, 83rd Legislative Session

• Summary of Results (Jul 2013)
• Final Report with Legislative Action (Jul 2013)
• Report to the 83rd Legislature Agency Section (Feb 2013)
• Self-Evaluation Report (Sep 2011)

Legislative Documents

• Senate Bill 212 (May 2013)

Final Results from Last Sunset Report

The Railroad Commission Sunset legislation was not enacted in the 83rd session.  Instead, the agency was continued for four years in House Bill 1675.  The following material summarizes Sunset recommendations adopted in other legislation and management actions directed to the agency that did not require statutory changes.  For additional information see the Railroad Commission of Texas Sunset Final Report with Legislative Action.

Continuation

• Continues the Railroad Commission for four years until 2017; requires the Sunset review to include an assessment of other state agencies that are able to perform the Railroad Commission’s functions; and requires the Railroad Commission to pay all costs of the review.  (H.B. 1675)

Ethics

• Directs the Commission to review its recusal policy, and revise as necessary to ensure Commissioner’s awareness of, and compliance with, these requirements.  (management action – nonstatutory)

Funding Cap

• Increases the statutory cap on the Oil and Gas Regulation and Cleanup Fund from $20 million to $30 million, and increases the Fund’s floor from $10 million to $25 million.  (H.B. 3309)

Mineral and Land Owner Rights

• Directs the Commission to study the use and development of telecommunication technology designed to increase the transparency of, and the public’s participation in, agency hearing processes and better protect the rights of mineral owners and land owners in the state of Texas.  (management action – nonstatutory)
• Directs the Commission to develop a fee schedule for increased charges associated with re-filing previously withdrawn applications for forced pooling or field spacing exceptions.  (management action – nonstatutory)