The bill amends the West Virginia Code to enhance the appointment and qualifications of mine inspectors, including surface, underground, and electrical inspectors, under the Office of Miners Health, Safety, and Training. It grants the Director the authority to appoint inspectors and manage the appointment process, including the ability to strike candidates from the register. The bill establishes a probationary period for new inspectors before they can achieve permanent tenure and modifies age limit provisions. It also outlines specific qualifications and experience requirements for mine safety instructors and electrical inspectors, ensuring they meet health, character, and practical experience criteria.

Key changes include the establishment of minimum salaries for inspectors, with surface mine inspectors set to earn no less than $37,332 annually, and the requirement for comprehensive examinations to ensure qualified candidates are selected. The bill abolishes the Mine Inspectors Examining Board, transferring its responsibilities to the Office of Miners Health, Safety, and Training, which will now oversee the certification process and maintain a register of qualified candidates. Additionally, the Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety will handle hearings for inspector removals and appeals from suspension orders, thereby creating a structured oversight process for mine inspectors 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