❌ HB522
Regards federal mineral royalty payments
Summary
The bill amends section 1503.35 and enacts section 131.52 of the Revised Code to establish a federal mineral royalty clearing fund. It requires the treasurer of state to deposit federal mineral royalties from oil, gas, or mineral production on federal lands into this fund and mandates the distribution of these royalties to the respective counties of origin for specific public purposes. The bill also clarifies that federal mineral royalties are not considered forest products under existing law.
Rationale
The bill involves government management and distribution of federal mineral royalties, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in economic matters. However, it does not impose direct restrictions on individual rights, leading to a mixed alignment score for both the LP and LPO.
Risks and Concerns
- Increased government control over resource management
- Potential for cronyism in fund distribution
- Limited private sector involvement in mineral resource management