The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the authority of the Director of the West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety, and Training in appointing various mine inspectors, including surface and underground mine inspectors, electrical inspectors, and mine safety instructors. Key changes include granting the director full discretion in the original appointment of inspectors, establishing a register of qualified candidates, and requiring the director to report appointments and testing information to the Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety. The bill also modifies age limit provisions for certain mine inspectors and limits tenure eligibility for specific positions, aiming to improve the effectiveness and accountability of mine safety oversight in the state.

Additionally, the bill outlines the qualifications and appointment process for surface mine inspectors, requiring eligible applicants to pass written, oral, and practical examinations with a minimum passing grade of 75 percent or an overall average of 80 percent. It establishes an annual salary of no less than $37,332 for surface mine inspectors, who must devote their full time to their duties. The legislation abolishes the Mine Inspectors Examining Board, transferring its responsibilities to the Office of Miners Health, Safety, and Training, which will now handle application forms, examinations, and maintain a register of qualified candidates. The bill also clarifies that provisions related to underground mine inspectors will apply to surface mine inspectors, thereby enhancing the structure and accountability of mine inspector appointments and operations in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22A-1-8, 22A-1-9, 22A-1-11, 22A-1-12, 22A-1-13, 22A-4-5, 22A-6-3, 22A-9-1
Committee Substitute: 22A-1-8, 22A-1-9, 22A-1-11, 22A-1-12, 22A-1-13, 22A-4-5, 22A-6-3, 22A-9-1
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 22A-1-8, 22A-1-9, 22A-1-11, 22A-1-12, 22A-1-13, 22A-4-5, 22A-6-3, 22A-9-1