Sec. 52.031.  EXTENSION OF LEASE BY COMMISSIONER.  (a)  At the expiration of the primary term of a lease made under the provisions of this subchapter, if production of oil or gas has not been obtained on the leased premises but drilling operations are being conducted in good faith and in good and workmanlike manner, the lessee may file in the land office on or before the expiration of the primary term a written application to the commissioner for a 30-day extension of the lease accompanied by $3,000 for 640 acres or less or $6,000 for more than 640 acres.
(b)  The commissioner shall extend the lease in writing for a 30-day period from the expiration of the primary term and as long after that time as oil or gas is produced in paying quantities.
(c)  As long as drilling operations are being conducted, the lessee may submit an application and payment during any 30-day extended period for an additional extension of 30 days.  On receiving the application and payment, the commissioner shall again extend the lease in writing so that it will remain effective for an additional 30-day period and as long after that time as oil or gas is produced in paying quantities.
(d)  No lease may be extended under this section for more than 390 days after the expiration of the primary term unless production is obtained in paying quantities.
Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2449, ch. 871, art. I, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.