(a) The board may grant permits and leases to state and federal institutions, organizations, or groups desiring to do exploratory or experimental research of geothermal energy and associated resource potentials.
(b) These permits and leases may be granted on land that belongs to the permanent school fund, excluding wildlife refuges and recreational areas.

(c) The permits and leases may be issued or granted for research or experimental purposes under rules and conditions the board determines to be in the best interest of the state.
(d) In granting these leases, the commissioner and board do not have to follow the procedures in this subchapter for leasing to the public.