SB 1121 Summary

• Modifies eligibility requirements for elected inspectors of mines in counties with metallic mineral mines, changing qualifications based on whether mines are operating or abandoned/closed/idled.

• For counties with operating metallic mineral mines, inspectors must be citizens able to read and write English, have at least 10 years' mining experience or a mining engineering degree, and have practiced mining engineering for at least 2 years.

• For counties with only abandoned, closed, or idled metallic mineral mines, inspectors must be citizens able to read and write English with any actual mining experience or mining engineering degree, and 2 years of engineering practice.

• Prohibits inspectors of mines from accepting employment with mining companies or their affiliates during their term, and bars those holding other public offices from becoming inspectors of mines.

• Establishes a succession procedure allowing counties to designate an inspector from another county to serve if the current inspector cannot complete their term, subject to approval by the other county's board of commissioners.