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HB 2891

Relating to the imposition of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violating certain statutes under the jurisdiction of, rules or orders adopted by, or licenses, permits, or certificates issued by the Railroad Commission of Texas; increasing criminal penalties.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Rafael Anchía

HB 2891 increases administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for Railroad Commission of Texas violations, strengthening enforcement against oil and gas industry non-compliance and regulatory breaches.

Left pending in committee
#civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #oil&gas(i0545) #railroadcommission(v0089) #stateagencies'rules(s0346) #safety(i0740) #utilities--naturalgas(i0001)
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Bill Summary · HB 2891

Legislative bill overview

HB 2891 enhances enforcement mechanisms for the Railroad Commission of Texas (RCT) by increasing administrative, civil, and criminal penalties for violations of RCT statutes, rules, orders, and permit conditions. The bill specifically increases criminal penalties for offenders, strengthening the agency's ability to punish non-compliance with oil, gas, and energy resource regulations.

Why is this important

The Railroad Commission regulates Texas's oil and gas industry, a sector generating substantial state revenue and employment. Stronger penalties aim to deter violations ranging from improper well operations to environmental violations, potentially improving regulatory compliance and protecting public lands and water resources from industrial misconduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Energy companies may face significantly higher financial exposure, potentially affecting operational budgets and competitiveness, particularly for smaller operators
  • Enforcement discretion: Increased criminal penalties grant RCT greater prosecutorial power, raising concerns about potential regulatory overreach or uneven enforcement across companies of different sizes
  • Definition clarity: The bill's scope depends on how "certain statutes" and violations are defined—vague language could create uncertainty about which activities trigger enhanced penalties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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