SB3536 Summary

• Establishes a system of State mine rescue stations maintained by the Department of Natural Resources to respond to emergencies in Illinois coal mines, with 4 primary stations and up to 3 additional substations authorized.

• Requires every coal producing mine to maintain and assign a mine rescue team or mine complex rescue team to a State mine rescue station and compensate team members at their regular rate of pay.

• Exempts coal producing mines that maintain their own mine rescue station from providing a team to the State system if the State station maintains at least 2 assigned rescue teams and the operator agrees to assist with emergencies.

• Clarifies that State mine rescue services cover life-saving operations during mine disasters, but recovery operations intended solely for securing property are the operator's responsibility.

• Provides immunity from civil liability for persons performing State mine rescue services and operators whose employees participate in State mine rescue operations, with limited exceptions.