S. 5391

Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2026

Sponsor: Tim Kaine · 0 cosponsors

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I Additional inspection and investigation authority

II Enhanced enforcement authority

III Penalties

IV Miners’ Rights and Protections

V Modernizing health and safety standards

Sec. 501. Pre-shift review of mine conditions

Section 303(d) (30 U.S.C. 863(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

Text this section adds to the law

(3)

(A) Not later than 30 days after the issuance of the interim final rules promulgated under subparagraph (B), each operator of an underground coal mine shall implement a communication program at the underground coal mine to ensure that each miner (prior to traveling to or arriving at the work area of such miner and commencing the assigned tasks of such miner) is orally briefed on and made aware of—

(i) any conditions that are hazardous, or that violate a mandatory health or safety standard or a plan approved under this Act, where the miner is expected to work or travel; and

(ii) the general conditions of that miner’s assigned working section or other area where the miner is expected to work or travel.

(B) Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2026, the Secretary shall promulgate interim final rules implementing the requirements of subparagraph (A). The Secretary shall issue a final rule not later than 2 years after such date.

VI Additional mine safety provisions