Tex. Natural Resources Code § 34.055: GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS.

A board may issue a permit for geological, geophysical, and other surveys and investigations on land subject to lease by the board that is not under valid and existing leases and that will encourage the development of the land for oil, gas, or other minerals. A permit may be issued for a consideration and under terms and conditions which the board considers to be in the best interest of the state.

Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2396, ch. 871, art. I, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.