SB252 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Mines and Mining, revise qualification guidelines for coal mine personnel, Secs. 25-9-11, 25-9-12, 25-9-17 am'd.

Summary

SB 252 updates Alabama's coal mine foreman and fire boss certification rules to broaden degree-based qualifications, allow temporary use of out-of-state certified personnel, and extend the allowable duration for temporary service.

What This Bill Does

It expands the ways to qualify for mine foreman and fire boss certificates by adding revised education and experience paths, including bachelor degrees in mining-related fields or other engineering with specified practical experience. It allows someone with an out-of-state foreman or fire boss certification to temporarily work in Alabama if they meet the state’s requirements, under supervision, for a period up to 15 days or until the next qualifying exam date. It ensures temporary staffing requirements are not more stringent than federal rules and sets an effective date for the act.

Who It Affects

• Applicants for coal mine foreman and fire boss certificates who gain new qualification options based on college degrees and related experience.
• Operators, owners, or lessees of Alabama coal mines who may rely on temporarily certified out-of-state foremen or fire bosses to cover needs during emergencies or delays, under specified conditions.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 25-9-11, 25-9-12, and 25-9-17 to revise qualification guidelines for coal mine foreman and fire boss certification, including revised degree- and experience-based paths.
• Specifies that an individual with an out-of-state coal mine foreman or fire boss certification may temporarily serve in Alabama if they meet the state's requirements and are concurred in by the chief or a mine inspector, for a period not to exceed 15 days, and after having worked in an Alabama underground mine for at least 30 days.
• Requires that temporary foreman/fire boss qualifications not be more stringent than federal regulations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Coal Mining