Rep. Sullivan’s Mineral Rights Legislation Signed Into Law

 

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) authored House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1617, which increases workforce development by clarifying Indiana’s mineral rights laws, was ceremoniously signed into law by Governor Mike Pence.

“As a professional, I understand the importance of having efficient avenues for conducting business and this legislation streamlines the process for developers when mineral rights become difficult to establish,” said Rep. Sullivan. “This clarification to Indiana’s code will help secure jobs as developers will be able to continue their work and not stop projects prematurely.”

HEA 1617 clarifies Indiana law and allows a developer to harvest mineral rights on a plot of land where the owner is unknown or if initial action to find the owner is unsuccessful. Instead of stopping the process, developers can now go to court to create an established lease for mineral rights so that production can continue.

“We appreciate Representative Sullivan’s efforts as this bill resolved a long-term issue for this industry when mineral estates with unknown ownership are encountered,” said Bruce Stevens, President of the Indiana Coal Council. “Properties of this nature can cause significant operational difficulties for underground mining operations and the passage of this bill provides a process to remedy those situations allowing operations to continue.”

By not requiring developers to find unknown mineral owners before continuing their work, mining minerals decreases complexities and becomes more effective. The legislation also allows for a lease and procedure to be created so that unknown mineral owners are correctly compensated if or when they come forward with proof as the mineral rights owner within seven years.