HB75 Alabama 2010 Session

Under existing law, the Alabama Surface Mining Commission regulates the surface coal mining industry in the state and ensures the reclamation of land which has been surface mined or which has suffered from the effects of underground coal mining

This bill would require the commission to meet once every month instead of once every 30 days

This bill would authorize the commission to charge reasonable fees for training, examination, and certification programs

This bill would authorize the commission to hire or contract with attorneys to serve as hearing officers and would delete the requirement that such hearing officers be provided offices in separate facilities from that of the commission

This bill would authorize the commission to establish and charge reasonable fees for an initial surface mining license and annual updates

This bill would also delete the requirement that commission inspectors issue citations compelling attendance at an expeditious hearing before a hearing officer upon issuance of a cessation order

Relating to the Alabama Surface Mining Commission; to amend Sections 9-16-73, 9-16-74, 9-16-77, 9-16-78, 9-16-81, and 9-16-93, Code of Alabama 1975, to require the commission to meet once every month instead of once every 30 days; to authorize the commission to charge reasonable fees for training, examination, and certification programs; to authorize the commission to hire or contract with attorneys to serve as hearing officers; to delete the requirement that separate offices in separate facilities be provided for hearing officers; to authorize the commission to establish and charge reasonable fees for initial surface mining licenses and annual updates; and to delete the requirement that commission inspectors issue citations compelling attendance at expeditious hearings before a hearing officer upon issuance of a cessation order.