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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
state mine inspector; qualifications
Purpose
Increases and modifies the required mining experience for qualification for the State Mine Inspector and requires the State Mine Inspector to annually complete health and safety continuing education.
Background
The State Mine Inspector is a constitutionally established elected office that is statutorily charged with inspecting every active underground mine with 50 or more employees at least once every three months, and all other mines at least annually (Ariz. Const. art. 19 & A.R.S. § 27-124).
Under current statute, the State Mine Inspector must be an Arizona resident at least 2 years before the election; 2) be at least 30 years old; 3) have been practically engaged in and acquainted with mines and mining in Arizona; and 4) have at least 4 years of experience in mining or any industry under the jurisdiction of the State Mine Inspector (A.R.S. § 27-121).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Replaces the qualification for the State Mine Inspector to have at least four years of experience in mining or any industry under the jurisdiction of the State Mine Inspector with requirements that the State Mine Inspector:
a) have at least eight years of experience in direct operational or management with mining operations at a mine;
b) have at least four years of mining experience in Arizona; and
c) have knowledge of state and federal regulations involving the health and safety of mining employees.
2. Requires any person desiring to become a candidate for State Mine Inspector to sign an affidavit listing and attesting that the person fulfils the required qualifications and requires the person to file the affidavit with the nomination paperwork.
3. Requires the State Mine Inspector, for terms of office beginning in 2023, to annually complete continuing education on state and federal mine safety and health regulations.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
NREW 1/28/20 DPA 8-5-0-0
3rd Read 2/25/20 60-0-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 2, 2020
KN/gs