HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1942
As Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to the repeal of the coal mining code.
Brief Description: Repealing the coal mining code.
Sponsors: By House Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Thomas, Thompson and Dyer).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Natural Resources: 2/25/97 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/11/97, 97‑0.
Passed Legislature.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Buck, Chairman; Sump, Vice Chairman; Thompson, Vice Chairman; Regala, Ranking Minority Member; Butler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander; Anderson; Hatfield; Pennington and Sheldon.
Staff: Margaret Allen (786-7110).
Background: The state coal mining code was first enacted before the turn of the century; most substantive amendments to it were made during the early 1900s. Many of the provisions deal with health and safety issues surrounding coal mining technology and conditions during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
In addition, the code primarily addresses the underground mining of coal. No underground coal mines currently operate in Washington. Separate statutes govern surface mining.
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 was originally enacted as the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to provide interim mandatory health and safety standards. Those standards have been superceded by extensive health and safety regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor. The federal act and regulations preempt all state laws that fall short of the federal provisions, but do not preempt state laws that either do not conflict with the federal provisions, or that impose more stringent health and safety standards on mining.
Summary of Bill: The coal mining code is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: None.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: None.