COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

FOR

H. B. 2585

(By Delegates Border, Anderson, Ireland, Miller, Kessinger,

  Zatezalo, Kelly, Cadle, R. Smith, L. Phillips and Caputo)

(Originating in the House Committee on Judiciary)

[February 27, 2015]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §36-4-9b, relating to requiring leaseholders of mineral interests to notify the owners of the minerals in writing when there is an assignment of the lease to another party.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §36-4-9b, to read as follows:

ARTICLE 4. COVENANTS.

§36-4-9b. Leaseholder of mineral interest; transfer; notice.

            In order that owners of the mineral interests may know who is responsible for any severance operations and who is responsible for paying royalties, leaseholders of mineral interests shall notify the owners of the minerals by written notice when there is an assignment of the lease to another party.