According to the Texas state constitution of 1866, what happens to mineral rights?

The correct answer reflects the provision in the Texas state constitution of 1866 that established the principle of surface owners having ownership rights over the minerals beneath their land. This means that when property is sold, the mineral rights are typically transferred to the new owner along with surface rights, unless otherwise specified.

This approach signifies a clear intention to empower landowners, allowing them the benefits that come with any mineral extraction or use. Having mineral rights default to surface owners facilitates economic development and provides landowners with opportunities to monetize these resources.

The other options diverge from this principle. For instance, stating that the state retains all mineral rights inaccurately portrays the system of land ownership in Texas established by the constitution. Claiming that mineral rights are lost with the sale of property misrepresents the underlying legal framework that ensures mineral rights are retained by the new owner, while suggesting that rights default to federal authority overlooks state sovereignty and the historical context of land grants in Texas.