Texas Natural Resources Code - NAT RES § 52.030. Refund of Lease Money in Certain Situations

(a) If a lessee is prevented from exploring, developing, drilling, or producing oil and gas from the tract leased to him as a result of the action of any agency of the United States or of this state during the entire primary term of the lease, he is entitled to a refund of all money paid for bonus, delay rentals, and other fees under the lease as provided by legislative appropriation.

(b) A refund shall be made only on verification of the claim by the board or on the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) A lessee who has a claim under this section is given permission to bring suit against the state within two years after the expiration of the lease in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the money paid.