HJR318 Summary

• Establishes a Study Commission on the Operation and Funding of the Surface Mining Commission and the Department of Labor's Abandoned Mine Program to review state laws, regulations, and funding mechanisms.

• Commission membership consists of 2 House members appointed by the Speaker, 2 Senate members appointed by the President Pro Tempore, 2 coal industry representatives, 1 Department of Labor representative, and 1 Surface Mining Commission representative.

• Commission duties include conducting a comprehensive review of laws and regulations, identifying operational gaps and cost efficiencies, and researching innovative programs used in other states.

• Commission shall submit legislative recommendations to the Speaker and President Pro Tempore during the first week of the 2018 Regular Session, at which time it will be dissolved.

• First meeting required by August 1, 2017; appointments to be made within 30 days of the act's effective date; legislative members receive standard compensation and travel expenses while non-legislative members may be reimbursed for expenses.