Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-04-18 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-04-18 House Journal Page 3833 HB 311 A message dated April 17, 1996, was read stating the Senate has passed CSHB 311(JUD) with the following amendment: Page 1, line 2, after "mine": Insert "; and providing for an effective date" Page 1, following line 3: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Section 1. FINDINGS AND INTENT. The legislature finds that (1) mining is an important industry in this state and has created many jobs and economic opportunities for the state; (2) it is in the state's best interest to encourage mining development, consistent with good management practices to protect the health and safety of workers; (3) providing an extension of allowable working hours for miners could encourage the development of mining that might not otherwise be economically viable; and (4) the development of mining through the provisions of this Act should provide more job opportunities for Alaskans, especially in the area where the mine is located. 1996-04-18 House Journal Page 3834 HB 311 (b) It is the intent of this Act to encourage the development of mines in the state and to encourage the mining industry to train and hire qualified state residents for these expanded opportunities to the maximum extent possible." Page 2, line 6: Delete "(d)" Insert "(d) - (f)" Page 2, line 18, following the period: Insert "The department may issue orders and adopt regulations as necessary to carry out the purposes of this section." Page 2, following line 28: Insert new subsections to read: "(e) If an employer intends to employ a miner for more than eight hours in 24 hours under (a) of this section, the employer shall notify the department. (f) The department may revoke a variance granted under (d) of this section or reduce the 10-hour limitation on hours of work set in (a) of this section to eight hours if the department finds that (1) a significant violation of state or federal law has occurred at the mine relating to health and safety; (2) the employer has not abated the hazard causing the violation after receiving notice from the commissioner and an opportunity to cure the problem; (3) the reduction of hours of work is necessary to protect the health and safety of the miners; and (4) the reduction of hours of work is in the best interest of the resident workers of the state. (g) An employer that has abated a hazard that was the cause of a violation described in (f)(1) of this section may notify the department of the abatement. The department shall reinstate the variance or remove the reduction of hours, as appropriate, within 30 days after receiving the notice from the employer if the department finds that the hazard has been abated." Following sec. 2 of CSHB 311(JUD) am S, insert a new bill section to read: 1996-04-18 House Journal Page 3835 HB 311 "* Sec. 3. The provisions of this Act are severable under AS 01.10.030." Page 3, following line 20: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Sec. 4. This Act takes effect immediately under AS01.10.070(c)." And so, the following with a technical title change is transmitted for consideration: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 311(JUD) am S An Act relating to the hours a person may be employed in a mine; and requiring that workers be paid for certain time worked in a mine; and providing for an effective date. CSHB 311(JUD) is under Unfinished Business.