ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session

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HB 2033: state mine inspector; qualifications

Sponsor:  Representative Griffin, LD 14

Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Overview

Broadens the work experience and knowledge requirements for the State Mine Inspector, instructs candidates for this office to attest that they fulfill these requirements and directs this official to annually complete continuing education on mine safety and health regulations.

History

The State Mine Inspector is established in the Constitution of Arizona and is elected every four years for up to four consecutive terms (Constitution of Arizona, Article XIX). This official inspects every active underground mine in Arizona with at least 50 or more employees at least once every three months. Every other mine is inspected at least annually. These inspections cover:

· The mine's operation, conditions, safety appliances, equipment, sanitation and ventilation;

· Efforts undertaken to protect workers' health and safety;

· The causes of accidents and deaths at the mine; and

· Compliance with state mining laws (A.R.S. § 27-124(A)).

The State Mine Inspector can also inspect abandoned or inactive mines to determine if conditions threaten public health and safety (A.R.S. § 27-124(B)).

Under current statute, the State Mine Inspector must:

• Be an Arizona resident for at least two years before election;
• Be over 30 years old;
• Be engaged in and acquainted with mines and mining in Arizona; and
• Have at least four years' experience in mining and/or experience in any industry under this official's jurisdiction (A.R.S. 27-121(A)).

Provisions

1. Increases the amount of required work experience for the State Mine Inspector from 4 to 8 years. (Sec. 1)

2. Replaces the type of required work experience for the State Mine Inspector with the following:

a. At least four years of direct operational or management experience with mining operations at an Arizona mine; and

b. Knowledge of state and federal regulations involving mining employees' health and safety. (Sec. 1)

3. Instructs State Mine Inspector candidates to sign an affidavit attesting that they fulfill the statutory qualifications for this office and file it with their nominating papers. (Sec. 1)

4. Directs the State Mine Inspector, beginning in 2023, to annually complete continuing education on state and federal mine safety and health regulations. (Sec. 1)

5. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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9.                   HB 2033

10. Initials PAB           Page 0 Natural Resources, Energy & Water

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