SB156 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hinton Mitchem

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Larry Dixon

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Surface Mining Commission, Sunset Law review, continued with modifications, applicants for licensure required to be United States citizens or legally present in the United States, Sec. 9-16-81 am'd. (2010-20278)

Summary

SB156 continues the Alabama Surface Mining Commission under the Sunset Law and adds a citizenship requirement for licensure along with new application and fee rules.

What This Bill Does

It continues the Alabama Surface Mining Commission and preserves its governing code sections. It requires license applicants to be United States citizens or legally present in the United States, with documentation, before engaging in surface coal mining. It adds detailed application requirements, sets standards for applicant qualifications, and imposes a 45-day regulatory review period for license decisions. It introduces licensing fees ($1,000 initial; $200 for existing licensees reapplying) and requires payment of any outstanding debts before a license is granted, with licenses potentially issued under specified conditions.

Who It Affects

• Applicants for surface coal mining licenses in Alabama who must be United States citizens or legally present, provide detailed information, meet regulatory standards, and obtain a license before mining.
• Current or former licensees under the prior Alabama Surface Mining regime who must reapply within 90 days of the act's effective date, pay a $200 reapplication fee, and clear any outstanding debts before a new license is granted.

Key Provisions

• Continuation of the Alabama Surface Mining Commission and preservation of Sections 9-16-70 to 9-16-107, inclusive.
• Amendment of Section 9-16-81 to require license applicants to be United States citizens or legally present with documentation, and to obtain a license before mining occurs.
• Applicants must provide detailed information about identity, business structure, addresses, potential agents or contractors, officers or owners, prior mining activity, and past permit history; license applicants must disclose related information within specified timeframes.
• Regulatory standards require applicants to demonstrate technical skill, financial responsibility, and familiarity with reclamation requirements, and to provide permits as needed; notarized oath confirming understanding is required.
• A 45-day period for the regulatory authority to review the application and either issue a license or deny with deficiencies; initial license fee is $1,000 with annual updates; existing licensees must reapply within 90 days with a $200 fee and debt clearance is required before licensing.
• Licensed operations may include specific conditions or restrictions; compliance with reclamation obligations remains mandatory regardless of license status.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Surface Mining Commission