HB 4954

Abstract

Amends the Coal Mining Act. Provides for State mine rescue stations that are maintained by the Department of Natural Resources for the sole purpose of responding to and preparing for emergencies in the coal mines of Illinois. Provides that recovery operations that are intended solely for the purpose of securing property are not covered under a provision concerning State mine rescue services. Provides that additional mine rescue services for the purpose of securing property are the responsibility of the operator of the property. Provides that mine rescue teams shall be based out of each State mine rescue station to serve the Illinois coal industry as either a primary or secondary responder. Provides that every coal producing mine in the State must assign its mine rescue team or mine complex rescue team to a State mine rescue station and must compensate these employees at their regular rate of pay. Provides that the Mining Board shall establish training requirements for mine rescue teams and mine complex rescue teams. Provides that coal producing mines that maintain a mine rescue station are exempt from providing a mine rescue team or mine complex rescue team to serve the State mine rescue station if certain conditions are met. Sets forth provisions concerning the Department providing suitably located sites for State mine rescue stations; supervision of State mine rescue operations; definitions; and mine rescue teams. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Reinserts language that provides that the 4 State mine rescue stations must be certified by the Mine Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. Removes language providing that no person performing mine rescue services for a State mine rescue station and no operator of a mine whose employee participates as a member of a State mine rescue operation is liable in any civil action that arises under the laws of this State for damage or injury. Removes language providing that a person performing mine rescue services for a State mine rescue station may be liable if the member acted with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner.