Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes new coal mining safety and operating guidelines.

Highlights:

• Requires an employer to implement a “random” substance abuse testing program (Sec. 7). 

• Requires an employer to implement a pre-employment 10-panel urine test to screen for certain substances including, but not limited to, the following substances (Sec. 7):
• Amphetamines;
• Cannabinoids/THC;
• Cocaine; and
• Opiates. 

• Requires the West Virginia Diesel Equipment Commission be eliminated (Sec. 13).

• Transfers the duties and responsibilities of the West Virginia Equipment Commission to the Director of the Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training (Sec. 13). 

• Repeals the prohibition on an individual being “inby” a unit of equipment being moved or transported, except in instances where live trolley wires are present (Sec. 8). 

• Specifies that a permit to discharge pollutants into waters of the state must contain conditions regarding applicable state and federal water quality standards and effluent limitations, and that water quality standards themselves are not to be incorporated wholesale either expressly or by reference as effluent standards or limitations (Secs. 3 & 4).