The bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to enhance the authority of the Director of the West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety, and Training in the appointment of mine inspectors, including surface mine inspectors, mine safety instructors, electrical inspectors, and underground mine inspectors. Key provisions grant the director full discretion in the original appointment process, including determining necessary qualifications and testing for applicants. The director is required to report appointments to the Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety and must maintain a register of qualified candidates, with efforts to develop a new register if the number of candidates falls below three. The bill also establishes eligibility criteria for mine safety instructors and electrical inspectors, emphasizing the director's role in administering examinations and managing the candidate register.

Additionally, the bill abolishes the Mine Inspectors Examining Board, transferring its responsibilities to the Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety, which will now oversee the examination, qualification, and certification of mine inspectors. The board is tasked with maintaining a register of qualified candidates and ensuring the transfer of necessary records and equipment to the Office of Miners Health, Safety, and Training. The legislation also outlines the process for hearings related to the removal of mine inspectors and establishes requirements for board meetings and member attendance. Overall, the proposed changes aim to streamline the appointment process and enhance safety and health standards in West Virginia's mining operations.

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