The commissioner on behalf of the state or any fund that belongs to the state may execute agreements that provide for operating areas as a unit for the exploration, development, and production of sulphur and may commit to the agreements:

1. (1) the royalty interests in sulphur reserved to the state or any fund of the state by law in a patent, award, mining claim, or contract of sale or under the terms of any lease legally executed by an official, board, agent, agency, or authority of the state; or
2. (2) the free royalty interests, whether leased or unleased, reserved to the state under Section 51.201 or 51.054 of this code.

Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2473, ch. 871, art. I, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.

Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 897, Sec. 55, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.