The American Association of Petroleum Landmen is introducing a new form 610-2015 Joint Operating Agreement that covers the operations for both Horizontal and Vertical wells.  This new form should roll out sometime in 2016. Some of the most notable highlights of the new agreement include changes to the 1989 form's sections relating to Definitions, Article VI Drilling and Development, and other miscellaneous items. Within the Definitions section of the new agreement form, new definitions have been created for the terms "Affiliate," "Extension," and "Workover."  The AAPL made revisions to the definition of "Lateral" and "Deepen" in the context of horizontal wells to account for the added "Extension" definition. They have also consolidated multiple terms that have the same meaning.  For example, "Consenting Party" and "Drilling Party" have been combined into one term.  Changes within Article VI will require uniform minimal content for AFE's covering both vertical and horizontal wells. They have also added a new section in VI (B) to address "Extensions" of horizontal wells.  This is to eliminate any confusion from the definition of "Deepening" on the previous horizontal form.  Miscellaneous items addressed by the new form include (a) eliminating special preference of operations for horizontal wells, (b) increasing the timing for payment of advances, (c) the usury protection clause, (d) electronic notice provisions, (e) clarification that Operator will defend suits and charge the joint account (while also giving non-operators the option to defend at its own cost), and (f) if there is a transfer of interest after the Transferor has consented to the operation, both Transferor and Transferee remain jointly and severally liable.