New Mexico § 19-8-20 - Leases; stipulation; rental
Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 19-8-20 — Leases; stipulation; rental, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-8-20. Leases; stipulation; rental
The record owners or owner of any mineral lease or approved assignment thereof heretofore
issued by the commissioner, which lease has not expired by its own terms, which has
not been canceled by the commissioner and which has otherwise been maintained in good
standing, may enter into a stipulation with the commissioner of public lands making
the terms and conditions of Sections 19-8-14 through 19-8-33 NMSA 1978 a part of any such existing lease, the same as if said provisions had been a part
of said lease when issued. In such case, the basic royalty payable to the lessor on production thereafter obtained
from the stipulated lease or portion thereof shall be at the rate set in new leases
then being issued by the lessor. The commissioner may charge a fee not to exceed ten dollars ($10.00) for the filing
and recording of such stipulation. If production in paying quantities be had during any of the aforesaid set terms
and thereafter ceases before all of the set terms would have expired, the lease shall
be deemed to be a nonproducing lease from that date and lessee shall have the unexpired
portion of said set term and any subsequent terms within which to resume production
in paying quantities. When such production is resumed, the term of the lease shall continue for so long
thereafter as minerals in paying quantities be produced or mined from the leased land. In such cases, the rental rate for the lease or the portion thereof, shall be the
rental provided in the term in which such production is resumed; the new rental shall
be payable on the anniversary date next following the date production is resumed. Provided, further, that if for any reason beyond the control of the lessee production
of minerals in paying quantities shall cease after all of the set terms have expired,
the producing lessee may, with the written permission of the commissioner, continue
said lease in operation and effect from year to year for an additional period not
to exceed three years by continued payment in advance of annual rentals at the rate
provided in the final term of the lease.
Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 19-8-20
What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 19-8-20 cover?
Section 19-8-20 ("Leases; stipulation; rental") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Mexico § 19-8-20?
A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 19-8-20" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Mexico law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.
How does New Mexico § 19-8-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.