SB362 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Myron PennBobby D. SingletonPriscilla DunnLinda Coleman-MadisonKim BenefieldRoger Bedford, Jr.Bobby DentonHank SandersLarry MeansZeb LittleJim Preuitt

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Alabama Coal Mine Safety Law of 1975, state mining laws extensively revised to modernize and supplemented to comply with federal law to enhance mining safety, Secs. 25-9-31, 25-9-32, 25-9-217, 25-9-380, 25-9-400 to 25-9-407, inclusive, added; Secs. 25-9-7, 25-9-9, 25-9-20, 25-9-22, 25-9-24, 25-9-40, 25-9-60, 25-9-61, 25-9-67, 25-9-80, 25-9-81, 25-9-82, 25-9-83, 25-9-86, 25-9-88, 25-9-131, 25-9-132, 25-9-133, 25-9-210, 25-9-216, 25-9-273, 25-9-276, 25-9-277, 25-9-278, 25-9-279, 25-9-280, 25-9-282, 25-9-360, 25-9-361 am'd.; Secs. 25-9-87, 25-9-153 repealed

Summary

SB362 overhauls Alabama's Coal Mine Safety laws to modernize safety provisions, expand inspections and enforcement, and require new safety technologies and independent contractor oversight in mines.

What This Bill Does

It aligns state mining safety rules with federal standards and updates language across many provisions. It creates new requirements for independent contractor registration, a Mine Safety Technology Task Force, and a comprehensive safety program for each mine. It mandates advanced safety technologies and systems (such as communication/tracking, SCSRs, emergency shelters, and enhanced ventilation) and strengthens training, reporting, and penalties for violations.

Who It Affects

• Operators and independent contractors: must register contractors, implement comprehensive safety plans, adopt new ventilation, communication/tracking, SCSR, and shelter/chamber requirements, and face enhanced penalties for violations.
• Miners and miners' representatives: gain greater involvement in plan development, auditing, and training, with mandatory participation in safety plan comments, hearings, and annual reviews.

Key Provisions

• Extensive modernization of safety provisions and alignment with federal mine safety laws; language updates across Articles 1-17 and new Articles 18-19.
• Independent Contractor Register: independent contractors must register with the Division of Safety and Inspections, receive IDs, and be clearly identified; production-operators must maintain contractor information and ensure compliance.
• Mine Safety Technology Task Force (Article 19): a nine-member group to study and recommend protective equipment (self-contained self-rescue devices, wireless emergency communication, refuge chambers) and to evaluate implementation and enforcement; annual reporting and consultation with experts.
• Integrated communication/tracking system (Section 25-9-403): mandatory wireless emergency communication and tracking devices for all underground miners; a central monitoring center; plan development, approvals, and phased implementation deadlines.
• SCSR storage and deployment (Sections 25-9-404 to 25-9-405): mandatory SCSRs for miners, storage caches with minimum durations (MSHA-rated), training on usage, and ongoing maintenance; periodic progress reports.
• Emergency shelter/chamber (Section 25-9-407): required shelters within 1,000 feet of working faces with life-support and safety features; alternative surface openings may be approved; regular testing and inspection requirements.
• Ventilation and gas safety (Sections 25-9-80 to 25-9-83): main fans and ventilation requirements; methane detectors; air quality standards; rules for stopping face work and withdrawing miners if gas is detected.
• Blasting safety (Sections 25-9-276 to 25-9-282): detailed blasting agent definitions, storage, transport, blasting circuits, misfire procedures, and strict safety controls with mandatory warnings and protections.
• Enforcement and penalties (Sections 25-9-360 to 25-9-361): civil monetary penalties with a point system; consideration of gravity, history, business size, and good faith; enhanced penalties for knowing violations and potential closure orders.
• Mine safety program requirements (Sections 25-9-32 and 25-9-217): operators/independent contractors must develop and submit comprehensive mine safety programs; annual reviews; miner representatives participate; Director approval with possible temporary approvals.
• Oaths, subpoenas, and reporting (Sections 25-9-22, 25-9-24, 25-9-61, 25-9-67): expanded authority for inspectors to investigate, issue subpoenas, report fatalities/serious injuries, and ensure prompt action and investigation.
• Education and training (Board and training provisions): Board of Miner Training, Education, and Certification oversees licensing and training of mine personnel; minimum training and recertification standards tie into overall program compliance.

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

Subjects

Mines and Mining