1.Short title; table of
contents
(a)This Act may be cited
as the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and
Health Act of 2010
.
(b)The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of
contents.
Sec. 2. References.
Title I—Additional inspection and investigation
authority
Sec. 101. Independent accident
investigations.
Sec. 102. Subpoena authority and miner rights
during inspections and investigations.
Sec. 103. Designation of miner
representative.
Sec. 104. Additional amendments relating to
inspections and investigations.
Title II—Enhanced enforcement
authority
Sec. 201. Technical amendment.
Sec. 202. A pattern of recurring noncompliance
or accidents.
Sec. 203. Injunctive authority.
Sec. 204. Revocation of approval of
plans.
Sec. 205. Challenging a decision to approve,
modify, or revoke a coal or other mine plan.
Sec. 206. GAO Study on MSHA Mine Plan
Approval.
Title III—Penalties
Sec. 301. Civil penalties.
Sec. 302. Civil and criminal liability of
officers, directors, and agents.
Sec. 303. Criminal penalties.
Sec. 304. Commission review of penalty
assessments.
Sec. 305. Delinquent payments and prejudgment
interest.
Title IV—Worker Rights and
Protections
Sec. 401. Protection from
retaliation.
Sec. 402. Protection from loss of
pay.
Sec. 403. Underground coal miner employment
standard for mines placed in pattern status.
Title V—Modernizing health and safety standards
Sec. 501. Pre-shift review of mine
conditions.
Sec. 502. Rock dust standards.
Sec. 503. Atmospheric monitoring
systems.
Sec. 504. Technology related to respirable
dust.
Sec. 505. Refresher training on miner rights
and responsibilities.
Sec. 506. Authority to mandate additional
training.
Sec. 507. Certification of
personnel.
Title VI—Additional mine safety
provisions
Sec. 601. Definitions.
Sec. 602. Assistance to States.
Sec. 603. Black lung medical
reports.
Sec. 604. Rules of application to certain
mines.
Title VII—Amendments to the Occupational Safety
and Health Act
Sec. 701. Enhanced protections from
retaliation.
Sec. 702. Victims’ rights.
Sec. 703. Correction of serious, willful, or
repeated violations pending contest and procedures for a stay.
Sec. 704. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 705. Civil penalties.
Sec. 706. Criminal penalties.
Sec. 707. Pre-final order interest.
Sec. 708. Review of State Occupational Safety
and Health Plans.
Sec. 709. Health Hazard Evaluations by the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Sec. 710. Authorization of cooperative
agreements by NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health.
Sec. 711. Effective date.
2.Except in title VII and as otherwise
expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed as an
amendment to a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of the Federal Mine Safety and Health
Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 801 et seq.).
<enum>I</enum><header>Additional inspection and
investigation authority</header>
<section id="HEED0545FB8844B67A31F5272623B0B09" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>101.</enum><header>Independent accident
investigations</header>
<subsection id="H835F6B53C78F4DA7A489F40C9785B565"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 103(b) (30
U.S.C. 813(b)) is amended by striking <quote>(b) For the purpose</quote> and
inserting the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0A6A5B30F49C414ABF521EE7412856F9" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H83CE91A868954EAB91A9A3BE9E57949F"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Accident
investigations</header>
<paragraph id="H121E63DB0BED4FBF8AE59D1B0D7634CE"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For all accident
investigations under this Act, the Secretary shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="HF2A4A9D81EFA456AB21D5F4585D2CB5B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>determine why the
accident occurred;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H30BCCC6B65CA4AF78A402C6F0EE56EE1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>determine whether there
were violations of law, mandatory health and safety standards, or other
requirements, and if such violations are found, issue citations and penalties,
and in cases involving possible criminal actions, the Secretary may refer such
matters to the Attorney General; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H51E42DB29F0D41C3A728BC04D3BBDF7B"><enum>(C)</enum><text>make recommendations to
avoid any recurrence.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H4D71880B32384FD9BB60F4473BD7F318"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Independent accident
investigations</header>
<subparagraph id="HEA461AE6D10D4E46A69178DC3880D4EC"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>There shall be, in addition to an accident investigation
under paragraph (1), an independent investigation by an independent
investigation panel (referred to in this subsection as the
<quote>Panel</quote>) appointed under subparagraph (B) for—</text>
<clause id="H869B866AD4FE4D7E9BFC4A5F37FBB4FE"><enum>(i)</enum><text>any accident involving 3
or more deaths; or</text>
</clause><clause id="H91767B42195940A7B2DDAFD04BCE6F7E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>any accident that is of
such severity or scale for potential or actual harm that, in the opinion of the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, the accident merits an independent
investigation.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HECF2399465F8499EA7FEC1906D76F650"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Appointment</header>
<clause id="H383F78DFBD6242D5A16AE5B93411C217"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>As soon as practicable after an accident described in
subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall appoint 5
members for the Panel required under this paragraph from among individuals who
have expertise in accident investigations, mine engineering, or mine safety and
health that is relevant to the particular investigation.</text>
</clause><clause id="H25757354054844C980D9638ABE15E415"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Chairperson</header><text>The
Panel shall include, and be chaired by, a representative from the Office of
Mine Safety and Health Research, of the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (referred to in this subsection as NIOSH).</text>
</clause><clause id="H65381B1247C040529F92F07F4DF1A773"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Conflicts of
interest</header><text>Panel members, and staff and consultants assisting the
Panel with an investigation, shall be free from conflicts of interest with
regard to the investigation, and be subject to the same standards of ethical
conduct for persons employed by the Secretary.</text>
</clause><clause id="HD24155261F11471FB81CE4ED33FBA101"><enum>(iv)</enum><header>Composition</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall appoint as members of the Panel—</text>
<subclause id="HED24A94E0BA244D8B04F3466E3D2925F"><enum>(I)</enum><text>1 operator of a mine or
individual representing mine operators, and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HA9F86A3E6968422992763B24EF6B983E"><enum>(II)</enum><text>1 representative of a
labor organization that represents miners,</text>
</subclause><continuation-text continuation-text-level="clause">and may
not appoint more than 1 of either such individuals as members of the
Panel.</continuation-text></clause><clause id="H9CF6DD2B47EF4EA3A8DD18966D52F55E"><enum>(v)</enum><header>Staff and
expenses</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Director of
NIOSH shall designate NIOSH staff to facilitate the work of the Panel. The
Director may accept as staff personnel on detail from other Federal agencies or
re-employ annuitants. The detail of personnel under this paragraph may be on a
non-reimbursable basis, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss
of civil service status or privilege. The Director of NIOSH shall have the
authority to procure on behalf of the Panel such materials, supplies or
services, including technical experts, as requested in writing by a majority of
the Panel.</text>
</clause><clause id="HDE8EE5B9F7084874909C3CD945E890CC"><enum>(vi)</enum><header>Compensation and
travel</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">All members of the
Panel who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without
compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or
employees of the United States. Each Panel member who is not an officer or
employee of the United States shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each
day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the
performance of duties of the Panel. The members of the Panel shall be allowed
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized
for employees of agencies under subchapter 1 of chapter 57 of title 5, United
States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the
performance of services for the Panel.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9A2A5DFDDB7E4EC0A61CBB295ADC9064"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Duties</header><text>The
Panel shall—</text>
<clause id="H1DA0EF4374424E2CAD01688B6AA8C6B3"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">assess and identify any factors that caused
the accident, including deficiencies in safety management systems, regulations,
enforcement, industry practices or guidelines, or organizational
failures;</text>
</clause><clause id="H87B33C8539844387A6DE29719C0EA75A"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>identify and evaluate
any contributing actions or inactions of—</text>
<subclause id="H6965992EDC104385B0D556243A79F270"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the operator;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H649397892E3B45ECBB32F89667659958"><enum>(II)</enum><text>any contractors or other
persons engaged in mining-related functions at the site;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H47766769DC434643864878BF872EAADD"><enum>(III)</enum><text>any State agency with
oversight responsibilities;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HF85FDB0A9C924DC2B8465854038D11DD"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>any agency or office
within the Department of Labor; or</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HF6298F93118D4460838B0BB05EBF4345"><enum>(V)</enum><text>any other person or
entity (including equipment manufacturers);</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="H1A7C6D8A9D8145FC83998A712D39D7DA"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>review the
determinations and recommendations by the Secretary under paragraph (1);</text>
</clause><clause id="H21808EF042F04DE59569F134CFFC83D0"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>prepare a report
that—</text>
<subclause id="H12B91D3A11BD40CE9FACC4B51B1473C0"><enum>(I)</enum><text>includes the findings
regarding the causal factors described in clauses (i) and (ii);</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HB9CD51CC760545E69AB043C9AE2AACC5"><enum>(II)</enum><text>identifies any strengths
and weaknesses in the Secretary’s investigation; and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HA2D266E8E4264356A3EC82B344A07124"><enum>(III)</enum><text>includes
recommendations, including interim recommendations where appropriate, to
industry, labor organizations, State and Federal agencies, or Congress,
regarding policy, regulatory, enforcement, administrative, or other changes,
which in the judgment of the Panel, would prevent a recurrence at other mines;
and</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="H8555ED4E772B4010A291BD0EA8444841"><enum>(v)</enum><text>publish such findings and
recommendations (excluding any portions which the Attorney General requests
that the Secretary withhold in relation to a criminal referral) and hold public
meetings to inform the mining community and families of affected miners of the
Panel's findings and recommendations.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H01BCB7426A5049D2A3CA876E691B99A2"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Hearings; applicability
of certain Federal law</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The
Panel shall have the authority to conduct public hearings or meetings, but
shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. All public hearings
of the Panel shall be subject to the requirements under section 552b of title
5, United States Code.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC1600430ADF24583A8E13E08A444C0C6"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Memorandum of
Understanding</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and
Health Act of 2010, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Health and
Human Services shall conclude and publically issue a memorandum of
understanding that—</text>
<clause id="H9785B18CF74443ABA3CE8F428C8BB4BF"><enum>(i)</enum><text>outlines administrative
arrangements which will facilitate a coordination of efforts between the
Secretary of Labor and the Panel, ensures that the Secretary's investigation
under paragraph (1) is not delayed or otherwise compromised by the activities
of the Panel, and establishes a process to resolve any conflicts between such
investigations;</text>
</clause><clause id="H77FAB847B6E84A5DA63BCD827EEE900D"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>ensures that Panel
members or staff will be able to participate in investigation activities (such
as mine inspections and interviews) related to the Secretary of Labor’s
investigation and will have full access to documents that are assembled or
produced in such investigation, and ensures that the Secretary of Labor will
make all of the authority available to such Secretary under this section,
including subpoena authority, to obtain information and witnesses which may be
requested by such Panel; and</text>
</clause><clause id="HE824132C100F46AA97AC753D31F3011D"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>establishes such other
arrangements as are necessary to implement this paragraph.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H02F5444200894D369640E873C116F94C"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Procedures</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the <short-title>Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety
and Health Act of 2010</short-title>, the Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall establish procedures to ensure the consistency and effectiveness
of Panel investigations. In establishing such procedures, such Secretary shall
consult with independent safety investigation agencies, sectors of the mining
industry, representatives of miners, families of miners involved in fatal
accidents, State mine safety agencies, and mine rescue organizations. Such
procedures shall include—</text>
<clause id="H87EA31170C7446D0AE8B1BCF5AFD6740"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">authority for the Panel to use evidence,
samples, interviews, data, analyses, findings, or other information gathered by
the Secretary of Labor, as the Panel determines valid;</text>
</clause><clause id="H9318070B980740F9948BDF8108724AB0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>provisions to ensure
confidentiality if requested by any witness, to the extent permitted by law,
and prevent conflicts of interest in witness representation; and</text>
</clause><clause id="HE381074341E748DBB694E83C791E783F"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>provisions for
preservation of public access to the Panel’s records through the Secretary of
Health and Human Services.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="HACB0471FA5F149BCB3688FF45FEA5A46"><enum>(G)</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations</header><text>There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this subsection such sums as may be necessary.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HC4BDF18A40E34F7E8D267AFCF1BB90F3"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Powers and
processes</header><text>For the
purpose</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="H9F3923A8EC8345B5A1E43554E2104A9E"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Reporting
requirements</header><text>Section 511(a) (30 U.S.C. 958(a)) is amended by
inserting after <quote>501,</quote> the following: <quote>the status of
implementation of recommendations from each independent investigation panel
under section 103(b) received in the preceding 5 years</quote>.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H2316E3A9D00E470E840C65B429121577"><enum>102.</enum><header>Subpoena authority and
miner rights during inspections and investigations</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section
103(b) (as amended by section 101) (30 U.S.C. 813(b)) is further amended by
adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H32562995D9384A5984842AA79A4C487C" reported-display-style="italic" style="traditional">
<paragraph id="HE8ACB017C3BE4D09A1840FFD40D48778"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Additional
powers</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of making
inspections and investigations, the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee, may
sign and issue subpoenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the
production of information, including all relevant data, papers, books,
documents, and items of physical evidence, and administer oaths. Witnesses
summoned shall be paid the same fees that are paid witnesses in the courts of
the United States. In carrying out inspections and investigations under this
subsection, authorized representatives of the Secretary and attorneys
representing the Secretary are authorized to question any individual privately.
Under this section, any individual who is willing to speak with or provide a
statement to such authorized representatives or attorneys representing the
Secretary may do so without the presence, involvement, or knowledge of the
operator or the operator’s agents or attorneys. The Secretary shall keep the
identity of an individual providing such a statement confidential to the extent
permitted by law. Nothing in this paragraph prevents any individual from being
represented by that individual’s personal
attorney.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAC595A3BCCB0419D917BE45B91DFCB94" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>103.</enum><header>Designation of miner
representative</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 103(f)
(30 U.S.C. 813(f)) is amended by inserting before the last sentence the
following: <quote>If any miner is entrapped or otherwise prevented as the
result of an accident in such mine from designating such a representative
directly, such miner’s closest relative may act on behalf of such miner in
designating such a representative. If any miner is not currently working in
such mine as the result of an accident in such mine, but would be currently
working in such mine but for such accident, such miner may designate such a
representative. A representative of miners shall have the right to participate
in any accident investigation the Secretary initiates pursuant to subsection
(b), including the right to participate in investigative interviews and to
review all relevant papers, books, documents and records produced in connection
with the accident investigation, unless the Secretary in consultation with the
Attorney General excludes such representatives from the investigation on the
grounds that inclusion would interfere with or adversely impact a criminal
investigation that is pending or under consideration.</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="HB95468130570430694FDC767F55CFBB9"><enum>104.</enum><header>Additional amendments
relating to inspections and investigations</header>
<subsection id="H9100036D3D5F4CFFA00BC0297E837A57"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Hours of
inspections</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 103(a)
(30 U.S.C. 813(a)) is amended by inserting after the third sentence the
following: <quote>Such inspections shall be conducted during the various shifts
and days of the week during which miners are normally present in the mine to
ensure that the protections of this Act are afforded to all miners working all
shifts.</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HEABB4DFA22464C02ACC754379505BE48"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Review of mine pattern
status</header><text>Section 103(a) is further amended by inserting before the
last sentence the following: <quote>The Secretary shall, upon request by an
operator, review with the appropriate mine officials the Secretary’s most
recent evaluation for pattern status (as provided in section 104(e)) for that
mine during the course of a mine’s regular quarterly inspection of an
underground mine or a biannual inspection of a surface mine, or, at the
discretion of the Secretary, during the pre-inspection
conference.</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="HE428C44D43A442B5949317AB01AE9D5B"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Injury and illness
reporting</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 103(d) (30
U.S.C. 813(d)) is amended by striking the last sentence and inserting the
following: <quote>The records to be kept and made available by the operator of
the mine shall include man-hours worked and occupational injuries and illnesses
with respect to the miners in their employ or under their direction or
authority, and shall be maintained separately for each mine and be reported at
a frequency determined by the Secretary, but at least annually. Independent
contractors (within the meaning of section 3(d)) shall be responsible for
reporting accidents, occupational injuries and illnesses, and man-hours worked
for each mine with respect to the miners in their employ or under their
direction or authority, and shall be reported at a frequency determined by the
Secretary, but not less than annually. Reports or records of operators and
contractors required and submitted to the Secretary under this subsection shall
be signed and certified as accurate and complete by a knowledgeable and
responsible person possessing a certification, registration, qualification, or
other approval, as provided for under section 118. Knowingly falsifying such
records or reports shall be grounds for revoking such certification,
registration, qualification, or other approval under the standards established
under subsection (b)(1) of such section.</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H2B09D0442E55455F9C8AC4C5F0CBFE7E"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Orders following an
accident</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 103(k) (30
U.S.C. 813(k)) is amended by striking <quote>, when present,</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H116774E0202948C796AFF693D9DA6BF3"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Conflict of interest in
the representation of miners</header><text>Section 103(a) (30 U.S.C. 813(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following: <quote>During inspections and
investigations under this section, and during any litigation under this Act, no
attorney shall represent or purport to represent both the operator of a coal or
other mine and any other individual, unless such individual has knowingly and
voluntarily waived all actual and reasonably foreseeable conflicts of interest
resulting from such representation. The Secretary is authorized to take such
actions as the Secretary considers appropriate to ascertain whether such
individual has knowingly and voluntarily waived all such conflicts of interest.
If the Secretary finds that such an individual cannot be represented adequately
by such an attorney due to such conflicts of interest, the Secretary may
petition the appropriate United States District Court which shall have
jurisdiction to disqualify such attorney as counsel to such individual in the
matter. The Secretary may make such a motion as part of an ongoing related
civil action or as a miscellaneous action.</quote>.</text>
</subsection></section><enum>II</enum><header>Enhanced enforcement
authority</header>
<section commented="no" id="HCAB0200514B94A97B036F32F3BEB93CE"><enum>201.</enum><header>Technical
amendment</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline"><italic></italic>Section 104(d)(1) (30
U.S.C. 814(d)(1)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="HC4F7576A0D874B5DBB13FFD56E89DB69"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in the first
sentence—</text>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="H20D425B4992B4BE592DF970B8F7E45FF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking <quote>any
mandatory health or safety standard</quote> and inserting <quote>any provision
of this Act, including any mandatory health or safety standard or regulation
promulgated under this Act</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H825E6260F182408BA33A12AB983DDC67"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by striking <quote>such
mandatory health or safety standards</quote> and inserting <quote>such
provisions, regulations, or mandatory health or safety standards</quote>;
and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HF02EC5D07AD3411B883965794D181B40"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in the second sentence,
by striking <quote>any mandatory health or safety standard</quote> and
inserting <quote>any provision of this Act, including any mandatory health or
safety standard or regulation promulgated under this Act,</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></section><section id="HB436B34DCF1441A396A6F08977CF7630"><enum>202.</enum><header>A pattern of recurring
noncompliance or accidents</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 104(e) (30 U.S.C. 814(e)) is amended
to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1FCB21893A5A4911885E937ECD26BF94" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="HEAC6DCADA1A946BFB00E19E74E9ABC17"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Pattern of recurring
noncompliance or accidents</header>
<paragraph id="H5AD1113E59274CB38B7CC238CA5537C5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Pattern status</header>
<subparagraph id="H92ACF2E45AC741D5A84A73458AD2D16A"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>For purposes of this subsection, a coal or other mine
shall be placed in pattern status if such mine has, as determined based on the
regulations promulgated under paragraph (8)—</text>
<clause id="H5C80ED2F9EC9479A919BDA1FB1489B91"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a pattern of—</text>
<subclause id="HA6FF43EB73884B9AAB860FF20FAD8559"><enum>(I)</enum><text>citations for significant
and substantial violations;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H283E5C7A51594289898EC11B36D947E6"><enum>(II)</enum><text>citations and withdrawal
orders issued for unwarrantable failure to comply with mandatory health and
safety standards under section 104(d);</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H5471D012BB7C4BFD8B384E05578515B8"><enum>(III)</enum><text>citations for flagrant
violations within the meaning of section 110(b);</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H288DB2F0AA6E420EBC0D78A4879A704C"><enum>(IV)</enum><text>withdrawal orders issued
under any other section of this Act (other than orders issued under subsections
(j) or (k) of section 103); and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HC17E0D8B4BD244FBBA7A5DC75E5C8AC2"><enum>(V)</enum><text>accidents and injuries;
or</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="HB59BD08CA2184E03B42F19A4485A2C55"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a pattern consisting of
any combination of citations, orders, accidents, or injuries described in
subclauses (I) through (V).</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H76F927AF2C0545D580208D76F138AAF2"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Mitigating
circumstances</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), if the Secretary, after conducting an assessment of a coal or
other mine that otherwise qualifies for pattern status, certifies that there
are mitigating circumstances wherein the operator has already implemented
remedial measures that have reduced risks to the health and safety of miners to
the point that such risks are no longer elevated and has taken sufficient
measures to ensure such elevated risk will not recur, the Secretary may deem
such mine to not be in pattern status under this subsection. The Secretary
shall issue any such certification of such mitigating circumstances that would
preclude the placement of a mine in pattern status as a written finding, which
shall, not later than 10 days after the certification is made, be—</text>
<clause id="H713220814E9741CDA8A9B0CCC00D3B4B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>made available on the
public website of the Mine Safety and Health Administration; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H5D1C47A1BF6649E39F7FE8B7AFFB3DA2"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>transmitted to the
Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H59055205F8CA406081E62236D719D44E"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Frequency</header><text>Not
less frequently than every 6 months, the Secretary shall identify any mines
which meet the criteria set forth in paragraph (8).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H55A8402899F248929032C1EBAC608296"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Actions following
placement of mine in pattern status</header><text>For any coal or other mine
that is in pattern status, the Secretary shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="H97E9E2AA3EC046538EFE874C3B90356A"><enum>(A)</enum><text>notify the operator of
such mine that the mine is being placed in pattern status;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2190FA6E97F642A59E3BF24EA5111071"><enum>(B)</enum><text>issue an order requiring
such operator to cause all persons to be withdrawn from such mine, except those
persons referred to in subsection (c) or authorized by an order of the
Secretary issued under this subsection;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3C00A0A4706143059610092EF66036C9"><enum>(C)</enum><text>issue a remediation order
described in paragraph (3) to such operator within 3 days; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF049CC9F96954D3D8574E8A7C6043706"><enum>(D)</enum><text>require that the number
of regular inspections of such mine required under section 103 be increased to
8 per year while the mine is in pattern status.</text>
</subparagraph><continuation-text continuation-text-level="paragraph">Notice advising operators that they face
potential placement in pattern status shall not be a requirement for issuing a
withdrawal order to operators under this subsection.</continuation-text></paragraph><paragraph id="HED555729439544AEAACA96E9EB34ED7F"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Remediation
order</header>
<subparagraph id="HF3FF5AE050F64774B77FA096609D5A9B"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>A remediation order issued to an operator under paragraph
(2)(C) may require the operator to carry out one or more of the following
requirements, pursuant to a timetable for commencing and completing such
actions or as a condition of miners reentering the mine:</text>
<clause id="H218D1FFB34134365AB6A011BED31D82B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>Provide specified
training, including training not otherwise required under this Act.</text>
</clause><clause id="H1ACDFC303B194959B4706EBFDD9F1C32"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>Institute and implement
an effective health and safety management program approved by the Secretary,
including—</text>
<subclause id="HE9E957A01A8A4274980461FAAA5A8A18"><enum>(I)</enum><text>the employment of safety
professionals, certified persons, and adequate numbers of personnel for the
mine, as may be required by the Secretary;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H81C357027C51455CA431253D9979BA84"><enum>(II)</enum><text>specific inspection,
recordkeeping, reporting and other requirements for the mine as the Secretary
may establish; and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H686D281A835243D88F5EC314D745AE73"><enum>(III)</enum><text>other requirements to
ensure compliance and to protect the health and safety of miners or prevent
accidents or injuries as the Secretary may determine are necessary.</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="H33CC177713874D42A146A43238C0A21A"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>Facilitate any effort
by the Secretary to communicate directly with miners employed at the mine
outside the presence of the mine operators or its agents, for the purpose of
obtaining information about mine conditions, health and safety practices, or
advising miners of their rights under this Act.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H340AD75B5EA549FC8360FECB91054FA0"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Modification of and
failure to comply with remediation order</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary may modify the remediation
order, as necessary, to protect the health and safety of miners. If the mine
operator fails to fully comply with the remediation order during the time a
mine is in pattern status, the Secretary shall reinstate the withdrawal order
under paragraph (2)(B).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAB11A034CD9647A581CF410CA5822ED1"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Extension of
deadlines</header><text>An extension of a deadline under the remediation order
may be granted on a temporary basis and only upon a showing that the operator
took all feasible measures to comply with the order and only to the extent that
the operator's failure to comply is beyond the control of the operator.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H048B21081F9F4882B01F6A816986F9A4"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Conditions for lifting
a withdrawal order</header><text>A withdrawal order issued under paragraph
(2)(B) shall not be lifted until the Secretary verifies that—</text>
<subparagraph id="H488DA1C1713343B6AE40599D238D4B2C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>any and all violations or
other conditions in the mine identified in the remediation order have been or
are being fully abated or corrected as outlined in the remediation order;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBAAE38F77E00436FA9B6C0A38A95F4BC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the operator has
completed any other actions under the remediation order that are required for
reopening the mine.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HD66903F2CA7F4C619AFCD232659ABFBC"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Performance
evaluation</header>
<subparagraph id="H7B63F785CB824B72A41CC3E6BAA05530"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Performance
benchmarks</header><text>The Secretary shall evaluate the performance of each
mine in pattern status every 90 days during which the mine is producing and
determine if, for such 90-day period—</text>
<clause id="HED16CC78DF2F43648DC170E54CF934C3"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the rate of citations at such mine for
significant and substantial violations—</text>
<subclause id="H1A95FEDBD8614EDDB5DA2D49119899EB"><enum>(I)</enum><text>is in the top performing
35th percentile of such rates, respectively, for all mines of similar size and
type; or</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HF5FD7254C0D14B28A788983AA10B553D"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">has been reduced by 70 percent from the
date on which such mine was placed in pattern status, provided that the rate of
such violations is not greater than the mean for all mines of similar size and
type;</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="H00D0F1F9075C449B9DEEE619969D8EC4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the accident and injury rates at such mine
are in the top performing 35th percentile of such rates, respectively, for all
mines of similar size and type; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H10BE373F2F084611BC9093D3B515D768"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>no citations or
withdrawal orders for a violation under section 104(d), no withdrawal orders
for imminent danger under section 107 (issued in connection with a citation),
and no flagrant violations within the meaning of section 110(b), were issued
for such mine.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAD661A92A27C4AC28D395A847EB12C5F"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Reissuance of
withdrawal orders</header><text>If an operator being evaluated fails to achieve
the performance benchmarks described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary may
reissue a withdrawal order under paragraph (2)(B) to remedy any recurring
conditions that led to pattern status under this subsection, and may modify the
remediation order, as necessary, to protect the health and safety of
miners.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H21FFAC0470FE4D26825E1CC689E5A20D"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Termination of pattern
status</header>
<subparagraph id="HAFA0D6C32E00473F91806002811EBF88"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Performance
benchmarks</header><text>The Secretary shall remove a coal or other mine from
pattern status if, for a 1-year period during which the mine is
producing—</text>
<clause id="H20603D73DE28467CBA0273C96F4EE530"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the rate of citations at
such mine for significant and substantial violations—</text>
<subclause id="HFBFD323131C44A069BBC71A2A0480CD1"><enum>(I)</enum><text>is in the top performing
25th percentile of such rates, respectively, for all mines of similar size and
type; or</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H7188046105AE4683946CAAA08D58AF09"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">has been reduced by 80 percent from the
date on which such mine was placed in pattern status, provided that the rate of
such violations is not greater than the mean for all mines of similar size and
type;</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="HF1CF81D304624DE9AD012A4C147541FC"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the accident and injury rates at such mine
are in the top performing 25th percentile of such rates, respectively, for all
mines of similar size and type; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H3D5D6099D4F74BC49DF17BD31008DB59"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">no citations or withdrawal orders for
violations under section 104(d), no withdrawal orders for imminent danger under
section 107 (issued in connection with a citation), and no flagrant violations
within the meaning of section 110(b), were issued for such mine.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H59D462F9BD544CCEB11DDA17BC042F1A"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Continuation of pattern
status</header><text>Should the mine operator fail to meet the performance
benchmarks described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall extend the mine’s
placement in pattern status until such benchmarks are achieved.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA1A563062A5E45D284C093D6FAC70044"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Construction</header><text>A
withdrawal order issued as the result of a condition that was entirely beyond
the operator’s ability to prevent or control shall not preclude the operator
from being removed from pattern status, provided the operator did not cause or
allow miners to be exposed to the condition in violation of any provision of
this Act or a mandatory health or safety standard or regulation promulgated
under this Act.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H72984A71441D40FCB247740FE7DAE47D"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Expedited
review</header><text>If any order under this subsection is contested, the
review of such order shall be conducted on an expedited basis, in accordance
with section 105(d).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD5A5921FC550458BB344B8F4FC4381E0"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Regulations</header>
<subparagraph id="H4B287CC911594FCC8CF7F363A0EF785F"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 120
days after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health
Act of 2010, the Secretary shall issue interim final regulations that shall
define—</text>
<clause id="H0D111D09EE45474D923196D4956E7A38"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the threshold benchmarks
to trigger pattern status under paragraph (1) and cause a withdrawal order to
be issued or reissued; and</text>
</clause><clause id="HD0276CCB771144A489C43E05BCF99FAC"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the performance
benchmarks described in paragraphs (5)(A) and (6)(A).</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H936FD63BEE6F4BA2982205632E9F057A"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Threshold
benchmarks</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In establishing
threshold benchmarks to trigger pattern status for mines with significantly
poor compliance that contributes to unsafe or unhealthy conditions, the
Secretary—</text>
<clause id="H160CA85047C340299FBD245FAE703DA3"><enum>(i)</enum><text>shall—</text>
<subclause id="H222B1813281B4339A374893C2218C2D3"><enum>(I)</enum><text>consider rates of
citations and orders described in paragraph (1)(A) and rates of reportable
accidents and injuries within the preceding 180-day period; and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HEB8D879AFB8F42D684A2CA0BE139A72A"><enum>(II)</enum><text>assign appropriate
weight to various types of citations, orders, accidents, injuries, or other
factors; and</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="HD97D3A9932374739B6FE9BEDD15EC9AC"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>may include—</text>
<subclause id="H522762284611464EB4514729CFE7141E"><enum>(I)</enum><text>factors such as mine
type, production levels, number of miners, hours worked by miners, number of
mechanized mining units (or similar production characteristics), and the
presence of a representative of miners at the mine for purposes of collective
bargaining;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H84AA0474A2A349E6854DA24504FD098E"><enum>(II)</enum><text>the mine’s history of
citations, violations, orders, and other enforcement actions, or rates of
reportable accidents and injuries, over any period determined relevant by the
Secretary; and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H0C8B343F465E4CAEBCABE78692D1D013"><enum>(III)</enum><text>other factors the
Secretary may determine appropriate to protect the safety and health of
miners.</text>
</subclause></clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8D5DC755BA9A4A15B196E38BED98FEEF"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Final
regulation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 2
years after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health
Act of 2010, the Secretary shall promulgate a final regulation implementing
this paragraph.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H4A96BE6E1C214486879EED17CB992721"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Public database and
information</header><text>The Secretary shall establish and maintain a
publically available electronic database containing the data used to determine
pattern status for all coal or other mines which shall be updated as frequently
as practicable. Such database shall be searchable and have the capacity to
provide comparative data about the health and safety at mines of similar sizes
and types. The Secretary shall also make publicly available—</text>
<subparagraph id="H20CFAF7A92EF4A7D81419A18637F134A"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a list of all mines the Secretary places in
pattern status, updated within 7 days of placing an additional mine in pattern
status;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0C086D92C5164FAE9B872D05141DD21A"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the metrics, including percentile
information, used for the purposes of the performance benchmarks and threshold
benchmarks described in paragraphs (5), (6), and (8); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5E94F53BD07D42BC96345429149C1F7D"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">guidance for the use of such metrics and
benchmarks to assist operators in determining the performance their mines under
criteria established by the Secretary.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HA1F2C88DE4024BF9AD1F416538059DCD"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Operator fees for
additional inspections</header>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="H32E9088C9A1048F09FD51A5196D74BDD"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Assessment and
collection</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Beginning 120 days
after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health Act
of 2010, the Secretary shall assess and collect fees, in accordance with this
paragraph, from each coal or other mine in pattern status for the costs of
additional inspections under this subsection. The Secretary shall issue, by
rule, a schedule of fees to be assessed against coal or other mines of varying
types and sizes, and shall collect and assess amounts under this paragraph
based on the schedule.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H38ECC2893C144667882C258020B0CC97"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Use</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Amounts collected as provided in
subparagraph (A) shall only be available to the Secretary for making
expenditures to carry out the additional inspections required under paragraph
(2)(D).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H47DC3114782947E086DB6F45D7922A03"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In addition to
any other amounts authorized to be appropriated under this Act, there is
authorized to be appropriated to the Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and
Health for each fiscal year in which fees are collected under subparagraph (A)
an amount equal to the total amount of fees collected under such subparagraph
during that fiscal year. Such amounts are authorized to remain available until
expended. If on the first day of a fiscal year a regular appropriation to the
Commission has not been enacted, the Commission shall continue to collect fees
(as offsetting collections) under this subsection at the rate in effect during
the preceding fiscal year, until 5 days after the date such regular
appropriation is enacted.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7DE6297DFC234AB49C772ED91758270E"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Collection and
Crediting of Fees</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Fees
authorized and collected under this paragraph shall be deposited and credited
as offsetting collections to the account providing appropriations to the Mine
Safety and Health Administration and shall not be collected for any fiscal year
except to the extent and in the amount provided in advance in appropriation
Acts.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="HC21EF6F7D74B4D39A69A67456C9423A1"><enum>203.</enum><header>Injunctive
authority</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 108(a)(2)
(30 U.S.C. 818(a)(2)) is amended by striking <quote>a pattern of violation
of</quote> and all that follows and inserting <quote>a course of conduct that
in the judgment of the Secretary constitutes a continuing hazard to the health
or safety of miners, including violations of this Act or of mandatory health
and safety standards or regulations under this Act.</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="H28828E2C3ADC4BA585A9E5CD32621E8B"><enum>204.</enum><header>Revocation of approval
of plans</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 105 (30
U.S.C. 815) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H91A72515F6454FB6881C42259DAB3BB3"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by redesignating
subsection (d) as subsection (e); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H3AE8B3345608430BBDE79B3983B5A067"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting after
subsection (c) the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H73797C1FFDD9486E934B3FDA9C586AB6" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="HD25DFF3628474F90B92C10F9589470E2"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Revocation of approval
of plans</header>
<paragraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEF02D4BBF7CD448CB5ED8FB9A9A14842"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Revocation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary finds that any program or
plan of an operator, or part thereof, that was approved by the Secretary under
this Act is based on inaccurate information or that circumstances that existed
when such plan was approved have materially changed and that continued
operation of such mine under such plan constitutes a hazard to the safety or
health of miners, the Secretary shall revoke the approval of such program or
plan.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H92310C0D988C442DB829C1B227355FFA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Withdrawal
orders</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Upon revocation of the
approval of a program or plan under subsection (a), the Secretary may
immediately issue an order requiring the operator to cause all persons, except
those persons referred to in section 104(c), to be withdrawn from such mine or
an area of such mine, and to be prohibited from entering such mine or such
area, until the operator has submitted and the Secretary has approved a new
plan.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><section id="HBE6BED8CAED94F6081BB0952271FF5E6"><enum>205.</enum><header>Challenging a decision
to approve, modify, or revoke a coal or other mine plan</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 105(e) (as redesignated by section
204(1)) (30 U.S.C. 815(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
<quote>In any proceeding in which a party challenges the Secretary’s decision
to approve, modify, or revoke a coal or other mine plan under this Act, the
Commission and the courts shall affirm the Secretary’s decision unless the
challenging party establishes that such decision was arbitrary, capricious, an
abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="HD062840B0FD747B7A9DE4F207E12CC9F"><enum>206.</enum><header>GAO Study on MSHA Mine
Plan Approval</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall
provide a report to Congress on the timeliness of the Mine Safety and Health
Administration’s approval of underground coal mines’ required plans and plan
amendments, including—</text>
<paragraph id="H6581D1852A3E4353A77FF75F52774D92"><enum>(1)</enum><text>factors that contribute
to any delays in the approval of these plans; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H271E5CE84FBF463EA94E95A24AC65668"><enum>(2)</enum><text>as appropriate,
recommendations for improving timeliness of plan review and for achieving
prompt decisions.</text>
</paragraph></section><enum>III</enum><header>Penalties</header>
<section id="H506F470594694934BF97586D712CA6BD"><enum>301.</enum><header>Civil
penalties</header>
<subsection commented="no" id="HADD1A92CEA6E4967996BAA19F790D423"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Technical
correction</header><text>Section 110(a)(1) (30 U.S.C. 820(a)(1)) is amended by
inserting <quote>including any regulation promulgated under this Act,</quote>
after <quote>this Act,</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H1C837BF0912B43C9B198B58793F014F0"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Increased civil
penalties during pattern status</header><text>Section 110(b) (30 U.S.C. 820(b))
is amended by adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H6B435D7D6D284B2CB2508652F9E5A11C" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<paragraph commented="no" id="HB97EEF8A435940409AC80CFB85B0DD77" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Act, an operator of a coal or other mine that is in pattern status under
section 104(e) and that fails to meet the performance benchmarks set forth by
the Secretary under section 104(e)(5)(A) during any performance review of the
mine following the first performance review shall be assessed an increased
civil penalty for any violation of this Act, including any mandatory health or
safety standard or regulation promulgated under this Act. Such increased
penalty shall be twice the amount that would otherwise be assessed for the
violation under this Act, including the regulations promulgated under this Act,
subject to the maximum civil penalty established for the violation under this
Act. This paragraph shall apply to violations at such mine that occur during
the time period after the operator fails to meet the performance benchmarks in
this paragraph, and ending when the Secretary determines at a subsequent
performance review that the mine meets the performance benchmarks under section
104(e)(5)(A).</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="H524BC0C9DDDB4EEFAF1920578C9251E1"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Civil penalty for
retaliation</header><text>Section 110(a) (30 U.S.C. 820(a)) is further
amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H80FB226C7E2646E39DD6F35D1838BEAE"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by redesignating
paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H6E9A64E9FA0A4CCF8E1FC73B68E4F108"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting after
paragraph (3) the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE7BA1DBD8581469888D8E19E70A6B08E" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="H5C83F0AB1DE24C12BBFCE5524EF1D269" indent="up1"><enum>(4)</enum><text>If any person violates
section 105(c), the Secretary shall propose, and the Commission shall assess, a
civil penalty of not less than $10,000 or more than $100,000 for the first
occurrence of such violation, and not less than $20,000 or more than $200,000
for any subsequent violation, during any 3-year
period.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H760C4772E52B4D43AF6D37E1464FB2A6"><enum>302.</enum><header>Civil and criminal
liability of officers, directors, and agents</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 110(c) (30 U.S.C. 820(c)) is amended
to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDB33967655DD425F89AB7BAABFC40519" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection commented="no" id="H714439C1BEFE44F0B9795F8702D4DDA0"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Civil and criminal
liability of officers, directors, and agents</header><text>Whenever an operator
violates a provision of this Act, including any mandatory health or safety
standard or regulation promulgated under this Act, or knowingly violates or
fails or refuses to comply with any order issued under this Act or any order
incorporated in a final decision issued under this Act, any director, officer,
or agent of such operator who knowingly authorized, ordered, or carried out
such violation, failure, or refusal, or any policy or practice that resulted in
such violation, failure, or refusal, shall be subject to the same civil
penalties, fines, and imprisonment that may be imposed upon a person under this
section.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="HA5BAA8FBD79F4ACF830EAC4247C98887"><enum>303.</enum><header>Criminal
penalties</header>
<subsection id="HA9321292611B4B34ACC2B3F4CE93AAE7"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Section 110(d) (30 U.S.C. 820(d)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H12B8B6A283EF467EAB2F2C3B85C60AC9"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by inserting
<quote>(1)</quote> before <quote>Any operator</quote>;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H3172ECAC5CDE445FB77EE51807D6BBED"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>willfully</quote> and
inserting <quote>knowingly</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0A1BF7A211FE4BD0A041E6E6F92AADB4"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>by a fine of not more
than</quote> and all that follows and
inserting</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HE434D81279C44470BA3DDCFD64F4E004" reported-display-style="italic" style="traditional">
<text>as
follows:</text><subparagraph id="H1D1D5A09E0054743B514787AF4B490AE" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">By a fine of not more than $250,000, or by
imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC2720986E9934F53B21A0E4C40E130BB" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>If the conviction is for
a violation committed after a previous conviction of such operator for a
violation of the same mandatory health or safety standard, by a fine of not
more than $1,000,000, or by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or
both.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA58FBAF2BA174BB4B50C1ACE24AD1636" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>If the conviction is for
a violation committed after a previous conviction of such operator for a
violation of an order, by a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or by
imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HDC2533A8D6764D11841875713BD43AF4" indent="up1"><enum>(D)</enum><text>If the operator’s actions
knowingly exposed miners to a significant risk of serious injury or illness or
death, by a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or by imprisonment for not more
than 5 years, or both.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC812AAD4DC224DB2A8442E4BBE49281E" indent="up1"><enum>(E)</enum><text>If the operator knowingly
tampered with or disabled a required safety device which exposed miners to a
significant risk of serious injury or illness or death, or if the conviction is
for a violation described in subparagraph (D) committed after a previous
conviction of such operator for a such a violation, by a fine of not more than
$2,000,000, or by imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or
both.</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H789FB1EF2DFA4673ADA6BF0505B8AF94"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Criminal penalty for
retaliation</header><text>Section 110(d) (as amended by subsection (a)) is
further amended by adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE5E41A33555F414EBFF350DC0134B4C1" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="H806218BBCEA74B15B695FD47434484E0" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Whoever knowingly takes any action that is
directly or indirectly harmful to any person, including action that interferes
with the lawful employment or livelihood of any person, because such person has
provided an authorized representative of the Secretary, a State or local mine
safety or health officer or official, or any other law enforcement officer with
any information related to the existence of a health or safety violation or an
unhealthful or unsafe condition, policy, or practice under this Act shall be
fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned for not more than 10
years, or
both.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="HD0719C7C7F50472FB66B44D93EF2C2A4"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Advance notice of
inspections</header>
<paragraph id="H0D56D8B106974681B5DA5F9138977A7C"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Section 110(e) (30 U.S.C. 820(e)) is amended to read as
follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HE7BEA97253414662A16BC760C79BDF32" reported-display-style="italic" style="traditional">
<subsection id="H8542A8C84DC1406ABF270FCEA3AF5BE3"><enum>(e)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Unless otherwise authorized by this Act,
any person that knowingly gives, causes to give, or attempts to give or cause
to give, advance notice of any inspection conducted under this Act with the
intention of impeding, interfering with, or adversely affecting the results of
such inspection, shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned
for not more than 5 years, or
both.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5921849D4DC4475F81DE828578D4DA85"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Posting of advance
notice penalties</header><text>Section 109 (30 U.S.C. 819) is amended by adding
at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H258609EE880744698BD69A70788E7E05" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="HD6FAB104E7BE49C3AEAD10DB803F5ECF"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Posting of advance
notice penalties</header><text>Each operator of a coal or other mine shall
post, on the bulletin board described in subsection (a) and in a conspicuous
place near each staffed entrance onto the mine property, a notice stating, in a
form and manner to be prescribed by the Secretary—</text>
<paragraph id="H8C0526A2486C4ED8B3C480E95ACF4AFF"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">that giving, causing to give, or attempting
to give or cause to give advance notice of any inspection to be conducted under
this Act with the intention of impeding, interfering with, or adversely
affecting the results of such inspection is unlawful pursuant to section
110(e); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA627830D6048428AA3068B171AAF1091"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the maximum penalties for
a violation under such
subsection.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H2A195157FFF04360B831E6FBB8401369"><enum>304.</enum><header>Commission review of
penalty assessments</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section
110(i) (30 U.S.C. 820(i)) is amended by striking <quote>In assessing civil
monetary penalties, the Commission shall consider</quote> and inserting the
following: <quote>In any review of a citation and proposed penalty assessment
contested by an operator, the Commission shall assess not less than the penalty
derived by using the same methodology (including any point system) prescribed
in regulations under this Act, so as to ensure consistency in operator penalty
assessments, except that the Commission may assess a penalty for less than the
amount that would result from the utilization of such methodology if the
Commission finds that there are extraordinary circumstances. If there is no
such methodology prescribed for a citation or there are such extraordinary
circumstances, the Commission shall assess the penalty by
considering</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="H2D274415246249F39EC555D1AD23720B"><enum>305.</enum><header>Delinquent payments
and prejudgment interest</header>
<subsection id="H5A7A2F7CFFA44B2FB731E13636CCA0D7"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Pre-Final order
interest</header><text>Section 110(j) (30 U.S.C. 820(j)) is amended by striking
the second and third sentences and inserting the following: <quote>Pre-final
order interest on such penalties shall begin to accrue on the date the operator
contests a citation issued under this Act, including any mandatory health or
safety standard or regulation promulgated under this Act, and shall end upon
the issuance of the final order. Such pre-final order interest shall be
calculated at the current underpayment rate determined by the Secretary of the
Treasury pursuant to section 6621 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and
shall be compounded daily. Post-final order interest shall begin to accrue 30
days after the date a final order of the Commission or the court is issued, and
shall be charged at the rate of 8 percent per annum.</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HB3C1769A969F4D37B66F51B7C5A3F037"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Ensuring payment of
penalties</header>
<paragraph id="H904DB41B23204455844CB005BA56FAD3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Amendments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 110 (30 U.S.C. 820) is further
amended—</text>
<subparagraph id="HE38DFADA27F646CF88F034A6707A0610"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by redesignating subsection (l) as
subsection (m); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF76B0A5864B64EC19A51B0AF8E1A2F3E"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after subsection (k) the
following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H2B4111CE97BC433EBDAB3A1F3A1D78D3" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H6585A3A7848B4B32B35790390025A9A6"><enum>(l)</enum><header>Ensuring payment of
penalties</header>
<paragraph id="H8A2EB82D30094242A740E8EC925CFDB3"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Delinquent payment
letter</header><text>If the operator of a coal or other mine fails to pay any
civil penalty assessment that has become a final order of the Commission or a
court within 45 days after such assessment became a final order, the Secretary
shall send the operator a letter advising the operator of the consequences
under this subsection of such failure to pay. The letter shall also advise the
operator of the opportunity to enter into or modify a payment plan with the
Secretary based upon a demonstrated inability to pay, the procedure for
entering into such plan, and the consequences of not entering into or not
complying with such plan.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE2A89AF60B8F4190A0FDC30A5991BA5B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Withdrawal orders
following failure to pay</header><text>If an operator that receives a letter
under paragraph (1) has not paid the assessment by the date that is 180 days
after such assessment became a final order and has not entered into a payment
plan with the Secretary, the Secretary shall issue an order requiring such
operator to cause all persons, except those referred to in section 104(c), to
be withdrawn from, and to be prohibited from entering, the mine that is covered
by the final order described in paragraph (1), until the operator pays such
assessment in full (including interest and administrative costs) or enters into
a payment plan with the Secretary. If such operator enters into a payment plan
with the Secretary and at any time fails to comply with the terms specified in
such payment plan, the Secretary shall issue an order requiring such operator
to cause all persons, except those referred to in section 104(c), to be
withdrawn from the mine that is covered by such final order, and to be
prohibited from entering such mine, until the operator rectifies the
noncompliance with the payment plan in the manner specified in such payment
plan.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H13672DAB0A314B1B9716762655CE3209"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Applicability and
effective date</header><text>The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply
to all unpaid civil penalty assessments under the Federal Mine Safety and
Health Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), except that, for any unpaid civil
penalty assessment that became a final order of the Commission or a court
before the date of enactment of this Act, the time periods under section 110(n)
of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (as amended) (30 U.S.C.
820(n)) shall be calculated as beginning on the date of enactment of this Act
instead of on the date of the final order.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><enum>IV</enum><header>Worker Rights and
Protections</header>
<section id="H3DA0D135D1DA41AA902FA343B4B4B641"><enum>401.</enum><header>Protection from
retaliation</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 105(c) (30
U.S.C. 815(c)) is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H17A0DE0274214839BFC6F70F10BE8147" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H9636C36F129649AB949B5504696FA694"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Protection from
retaliation</header>
<paragraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H420FBA10614946C0A783B9BD3F2688E5"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Retaliation
prohibited</header>
<subparagraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H25074DCD114E45AFAE11500937742706"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Retaliation for
complaint or testimony</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">No
person shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against or cause to be
discharged or cause discrimination against or otherwise interfere with the
exercise of the statutory rights of any miner or other employee of an operator,
representative of miners, or applicant for employment, because—</text>
<clause id="H869050C4DA554C9D8254667A9C6D7B9C"><enum>(i)</enum><text>such miner or other
employee, representative, or applicant for employment—</text>
<subclause id="H168D0B77578841ECA23037F5307E4354"><enum>(I)</enum><text>has filed or made a
complaint, or is about to file or make a complaint, including a complaint
notifying the operator or the operator’s agent, or the representative of the
miners at the coal or other mine of an alleged danger or safety or health
violation in a coal or other mine;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HEC4E38DE8385408CA9E2C0BFFB147C66"><enum>(II)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">instituted or caused to be instituted, or
is about to institute or cause to be instituted, any proceeding under or
related to this Act or has testified or is about to testify in any such
proceeding or because of the exercise by such miner or other employee,
representative, or applicant for employment on behalf of him or herself or
others of any right afforded by this Act, or has reported any injury or illness
to an operator or agent;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="HE7BFC0C00C1E407081FB2D3AA6D00130"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">has testified or is about to testify before
Congress or any Federal or State proceeding related to safety or health in a
coal or other mine; or</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H6EFFE60A37B743E4BBB8D96F791DDB0C"><enum>(IV)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">refused to violate any provision of this
Act, including any mandatory health and safety standard or regulation;
or</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="HC5570202E4AF445EB240D014B5855F02"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">such miner is the subject of medical
evaluations and potential transfer under a standard published pursuant to
section 101.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H3F82388D2F4046C398C38C20545267FF"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Retaliation for refusal
to perform duties</header>
<clause id="HD093E07E56E546078DFAC7C2EC363876"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">No person shall
discharge or in any manner discriminate against a miner or other employee of an
operator for refusing to perform the miner’s or other employee’s duties if the
miner or other employee has a good-faith and reasonable belief that performing
such duties would pose a safety or health hazard to the miner or other employee
or to any other miner or employee.</text>
</clause><clause id="H59582F92BE0644299F57D7CE3422F8F0"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Standard</header><text>For
purposes of clause (i), the circumstances causing the miner’s or other
employee’s good-faith belief that performing such duties would pose a safety or
health hazard shall be of such a nature that a reasonable person, under the
circumstances confronting the miner or other employee, would conclude that
there is such a hazard. In order to qualify for protection under this
paragraph, the miner or other employee, when practicable, shall have
communicated or attempted to communicate the safety or health concern to the
operator and have not received from the operator a response reasonably
calculated to allay such concern.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H3101119568CB4E89842C2CD76F1264AE"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Complaint</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any miner or other employee or
representative of miners or applicant for employment who believes that he or
she has been discharged, disciplined, or otherwise discriminated against by any
person in violation of
<internal-xref idref="H420FBA10614946C0A783B9BD3F2688E5" legis-path="(c)(1)">paragraph (1)</internal-xref> may file a complaint with the
Secretary alleging such discrimination not later than 180 days after the later
of—</text>
<subparagraph id="HB329D2D062654571B0D0E81293CC998D"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the last date on which an
alleged violation of
<internal-xref idref="H420FBA10614946C0A783B9BD3F2688E5" legis-path="(c)(1)">paragraph (1)</internal-xref> occurs; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4627EFC9CDE341FAA0F700AB9DB9DA12"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the date on which the
miner or other employee or representative knows or should reasonably have known
that such alleged violation occurred.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H7EC5252FCA1E4953A51ABD8948D38CCA"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Investigation and
hearing</header>
<subparagraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H75BB5F4833E74E8994C3EB9E73708241"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Commencement of
investigation and initial determination</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Upon receipt of such complaint, the
Secretary shall forward a copy of the complaint to the respondent, and shall
commence an investigation within 15 days of the Secretary’s receipt of the
complaint, and, as soon as practicable after commencing such investigation,
make the determination required under subparagraph (B) regarding the
reinstatement of the miner or other employee.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H15FFC849B42546C594BD3583A2DA19F3"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Reinstatement</header><text>If
the Secretary finds that such complaint was not frivolously brought, the
Commission, on an expedited basis upon application of the Secretary, shall
order the immediate reinstatement of the miner or other employee until there
has been a final Commission order disposing of the underlying complaint of the
miner or other employee. If either the Secretary or the miner or other employee
pursues the underlying complaint, such reinstatement shall remain in effect
until the Commission has disposed of such complaint on the merits, regardless
of whether the Secretary pursues such complaint by filing a complaint under
subparagraph (D) or the miner or other employee pursues such complaint by
filing an action under paragraph (4). If neither the Secretary nor the miner or
other employee pursues the underlying complaint within the periods specified in
paragraph (4), such reinstatement shall remain in effect until such time as the
Commission may, upon motion of the operator and after providing notice and an
opportunity to be heard to the parties, vacate such complaint for failure to
prosecute.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBFA2BF23D9BD4AFDBF8E9CD8FBC6B700"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Investigation</header><text>Such
investigation shall include interviewing the complainant and—</text>
<clause id="HD46B4DA7410B42FC82B187D8176E0D90"><enum>(i)</enum><text>providing the respondent
an opportunity to submit to the Secretary a written response to the complaint
and to present statements from witnesses or provide evidence; and</text>
</clause><clause id="HD43971674C23465199024595D39BD220"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>providing the
complainant an opportunity to receive any statements or evidence provided to
the Secretary and rebut any statements or evidence.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE8F3EFDC21A344BCAF1355E7CB91C2D6"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Action by the
Secretary</header><text>If, upon such investigation, the Secretary determines
that the provisions of this subsection have been violated, the Secretary shall
immediately file a complaint with the Commission, with service upon the alleged
violator and the miner or other employee or representative of miners alleging
such discrimination or interference and propose an order granting appropriate
relief.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H05FB6DA37FA64E8DA8C6D4FE25609D7C"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Action of the
Commission</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Commission
shall afford an opportunity for a hearing (in accordance with section 554 of
title 5, United States Code, but without regard to subsection (a)(3) of such
section) and thereafter shall issue an order, based upon findings of fact,
affirming, modifying, or vacating the Secretary’s proposed order, or directing
other appropriate relief. Such order shall become final 30 days after its
issuance. The complaining miner or other employee, representative, or applicant
for employment may present additional evidence on his or her own behalf during
any hearing held pursuant to this paragraph.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H31C25E41906A4E7F98292C32A67A04EC"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Relief</header><text>The
Commission shall have authority in such proceedings to require a person
committing a violation of this subsection to take such affirmative action to
abate the violation and prescribe a remedy as the Commission considers
appropriate, including—</text>
<clause id="H015BA5A0B02D4D2AAE460818BB46995C"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the rehiring or reinstatement of the miner
or other employee with back pay and interest and without loss of position or
seniority, and restoration of the terms, rights, conditions, and privileges
associated with the complainant’s employment;</text>
</clause><clause id="H6D328B7059B44D8FBA473B0C18DA63AA"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>any other compensatory
and consequential damages sufficient to make the complainant whole, and
exemplary damages where appropriate; and</text>
</clause><clause id="HFBB4297F6FC44AF992DF7DB1B3DC06FB"><enum>(iii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">expungement of all warnings, reprimands, or
derogatory references that have been placed in paper or electronic records or
databases of any type relating to the actions by the complainant that gave rise
to the unfavorable personnel action, and, at the complainant’s direction,
transmission of a copy of the decision on the complaint to any person whom the
complainant reasonably believes may have received such unfavorable
information.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H8547E08E09D848BA8C7F61D7AED672D1"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Notice to and action of
complainant</header>
<subparagraph id="HC55D2B799E3449568CEDBA7A2ED1A19E"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Notice to
complainant</header><text>Not later than 90 days of the receipt of a complaint
filed under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall notify, in writing, the miner or
other employee, applicant for employment, or representative of miners of his
determination whether a violation has occurred.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H79372A1B0C31477ABAFB0B3CAEAF7D73"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Action of
complainant</header><text>If the Secretary, upon investigation, determines that
the provisions of this subsection have not been violated, the complainant shall
have the right, within 30 days after receiving notice of the Secretary’s
determination, to file an action in his or her own behalf before the
Commission, charging discrimination or interference in violation of
<internal-xref idref="H420FBA10614946C0A783B9BD3F2688E5" legis-path="(c)(1)">paragraph (1)</internal-xref>.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HF0479D4BC0B5475D9D960EBACF2796B5"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Hearing and
decision</header><text>The Commission shall afford an opportunity for a hearing
(in accordance with section 554 of title 5, United States Code, but without
regard to subsection (a)(3) of such section), and thereafter shall issue an
order, based upon findings of fact, dismissing or sustaining the complainant’s
charges and, if the charges are sustained, granting such relief as it deems
appropriate as described in
<internal-xref idref="H05FB6DA37FA64E8DA8C6D4FE25609D7C" legis-path="(c)(3)(B)">paragraph (3)(D)</internal-xref>. Such order shall
become final 30 days after its issuance.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HB369E4AFAB854043ADDF3F7CC127E19A"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Burden of
proof</header><text>In adjudicating a complaint pursuant to this subsection,
the Commission may determine that a violation of
<internal-xref idref="H420FBA10614946C0A783B9BD3F2688E5" legis-path="(c)(1)">paragraph (1)</internal-xref> has occurred only if the
complainant demonstrates that any conduct described in
<internal-xref idref="H420FBA10614946C0A783B9BD3F2688E5" legis-path="(c)(1)">paragraph (1)</internal-xref> with respect to the
complainant was a contributing factor in the adverse action alleged in the
complaint. A decision or order that is favorable to the complainant shall not
be issued pursuant to this subsection if the respondent demonstrates by clear
and convincing evidence that the respondent would have taken the same adverse
action in the absence of such conduct.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9589B0F6358A4405BB6356C4B3049774"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Attorneys’
fees</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Whenever an order is
issued sustaining the complainant’s charges under this subsection, a sum equal
to the aggregate amount of all costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees,
as determined by the Commission to have been reasonably incurred by the
complainant for, or in connection with, the institution and prosecution of such
proceedings shall be assessed against the person committing such violation. The
Commission shall determine whether such costs and expenses were reasonably
incurred by the complainant without reference to whether the Secretary also
participated in the proceeding.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HABE5716AE0964FECA5F0DC9CD11644FF"><enum>(7)</enum><header> Expedited proceedings;
Judicial review</header><text>Proceedings under this subsection shall be
expedited by the Secretary and the Commission. Any order issued by the
Commission under this subsection shall be subject to judicial review in
accordance with section 106. Violations by any person of
<internal-xref idref="H420FBA10614946C0A783B9BD3F2688E5" legis-path="(c)(1)">paragraph (1)</internal-xref> shall be subject to the
provisions of sections 108 and 110(a)(4).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9DCF0E612BAF46E79F408EC7D6591B04"><enum>(8)</enum><header> Procedural
Rights</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The rights and
remedies provided for in this subsection may not be waived by any agreement,
policy, form, or condition of employment, including by any pre-dispute
arbitration agreement or collective bargaining agreement.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H80F5296AB97842B5A3ECB0F665054116"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Savings</header><text>Nothing
in this subsection shall be construed to diminish the rights, privileges, or
remedies of any employee who exercises rights under any Federal or State law or
common law, or under any collective bargaining
agreement.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section commented="no" id="H79EFC7BCB3184F6F9DEFCE8EE3C18B97"><enum>402.</enum><header>Protection from loss
of pay</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 111 (30 U.S.C.
821) is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0B1D3FDA27E04706BD663DFF4CABC1CB" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<section commented="no" id="HB6541C6B21BC4BF3810C579E8C4F78A3"><enum>111.</enum><header>Entitlement of
miners</header>
<subsection id="H66E02E0259E14C4B9CE24A3D921F2B08"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Protection from loss of
pay</header>
<paragraph id="H4AB4498E80C1409096E2F2E24AFEF54D"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Withdrawal
orders</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If a coal or other
mine or area of such mine is closed by an order issued under section 103, 104,
107, 108, or 110, all miners working during the shift when such order was
issued who are idled by such order shall be entitled, regardless of the result
of any review of such order, to full compensation by the operator at their
regular rates of pay for the period they are idled, but for not more than the
balance of such shift. If such order is not terminated prior to the next
working shift, all miners on that shift who are idled by such order shall be
entitled to full compensation by the operator at their regular rates of pay for
the period they are idled, but for not more than four hours of such shift. If a
coal or other mine or area of such mine is closed by an order issued under
section 104, 107 (in connection with a citation), 108, or 110, all miners who
are idled by such order shall be entitled, regardless of the result of any
review of such order, to full compensation by the operator at their regular
rates of pay and in accordance with their regular schedules of pay for the
entire period for which they are idled, not to exceed 60 days.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H09E89D9605EA48B4801B60CF415866DA"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Closure in advance of
order</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary finds
that such mine or such area of a mine was closed by the operator in
anticipation of the issuance of such an order, all miners who are idled by such
closure shall be entitled to full compensation by the operator at their regular
rates of pay and in accordance with their regular schedules of pay, from the
time of such closure until such time as the Secretary authorizes reopening of
such mine or such area of the mine, not to exceed 60 days, except where an
operator promptly withdraws miners upon discovery of a hazard, and notifies the
Secretary where required, and within the prescribed time period.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HB895EA7992B44CEA934FCD7E7D46DC16"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Refusal to
comply</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Whenever an operator
violates or fails or refuses to comply with any order issued under section 103,
104, 107, 108, or 110, all miners employed at the affected mine who would have
been withdrawn from, or prevented from entering, such mine or area thereof as a
result of such order shall be entitled to full compensation by the operator at
their regular rates of pay, in addition to pay received for work performed
after such order was issued, for the period beginning when such order was
issued and ending when such order is complied with, vacated, or
terminated.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H746287F7C9D243BBAA2EBF13F1A9AA37"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Enforcement</header>
<paragraph id="HC8D6F6ACA6C0412DBF077495D16ECCAB"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Commission
orders</header><text>The Commission shall have authority to order compensation
due under this section upon the filing of a complaint by a miner or his
representative and after opportunity for hearing subject to section 554 of
title 5, United States Code. Whenever the Commission issues an order sustaining
the complaint under this subsection in whole or in part, the Commission shall
award the complainant reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H697BF3DEC50F495FBE9EAE6B20920763"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Failure to pay
compensation due</header><text>Consistent with the authority of the Secretary
to order miners withdrawn from a mine under this Act, the Secretary shall order
a mine that has been subject to a withdrawal order under section 103, 104, 107,
108, or 110, and has reopened, to be closed again if compensation in accordance
with the provisions of this section is not paid by the end of the next
regularly scheduled payroll period following the lifting of a withdrawal
order.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H36E65FB276A8481FB8788FD251660B89"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Expedited
Review</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If an order is issued
which results in payments to miners under subsection (a), the operators shall
have the right to an expedited review before the Commission using timelines and
procedures established pursuant to section
316(b)(2)(G)(ii).</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="HC487DDE7785B4A7093E40CBE1319230F"><enum>403.</enum><header>Underground coal miner
employment standard for mines placed in pattern status</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977 is further amended by adding at the end of title I the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H78AA5EB0106949FE9F3EA85402772047" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<section id="H37A8E5FC95FD4F87B4001B58FDA75A25"><enum>117.</enum><header>Underground coal miner
employment standard for mines placed in pattern status</header>
<subsection id="HCC504A6D89444CD99D47AFA03C4121D6"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of
ensuring miners’ health and safety and miners’ right to raise concerns thereof,
when an underground coal mine is placed in pattern status pursuant to section
104(e), and for 3 years after such placement, the operator of such mine may not
discharge or constructively discharge a miner who is paid on an hourly basis
and employed at such underground coal mine without reasonable job-related
grounds based on a failure to satisfactorily perform job duties, including
compliance with this Act and with mandatory health and safety standards or
other regulations issued under this Act, or other legitimate business reason,
where the miner has completed the employer’s probationary period, not to exceed
6 months.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H5A8CF799A4F1436A9605FE4CE5B71D32"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Cause of
action</header><text>A miner aggrieved by a violation of subsection (a) may
file a complaint in Federal district court in the district where the mine is
located within 1 year of such violation.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H98E87038EE4D4E7BBCC21178CA879935"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Remedies</header><text>In
an action under subsection (b), for any prevailing miner the court shall take
affirmative action to further the purposes of the Act, which may include
reinstatement with backpay and compensatory damages. Reasonable attorneys’ fees
and costs shall be awarded to any prevailing miner under this section.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H5BFDDB4128904B13A6102ED8FBDB7114"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Pre-Dispute waiver
prohibited</header><text>A miner’s right to a cause of action under this
section may not be waived with respect to disputes that have not arisen as of
the time of the waiver.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H689825F0315C471C9B46744559472B4A"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Construction</header><text>Nothing
in this section shall be construed to limit the availability of rights and
remedies of miners under any other State or Federal law or a collective
bargaining
agreement.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><enum>V</enum><header>Modernizing health and
safety standards </header>
<section commented="no" id="H49EC6ABAA79949CF9E7E215672FEC75F"><enum>501.</enum><header>Pre-shift review of
mine conditions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 303(d)
(30 U.S.C. 863(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H74BAABC80A80484297C032EE52F2CCDA" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="HE64BD8E80CAA4BAE92A591035E8C6193" indent="up1"><enum>(3)</enum><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H95295439D1CD493A80E5265C2AC35AF9"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 30 days after the issuance
of the interim final rules promulgated under subparagraph (C), each operator of
an underground coal mine shall implement a communication program at the
underground coal mine to ensure that each miner is orally briefed on and made
aware of, prior to traveling to or arriving at the miner’s work area and
commencing the miner’s assigned tasks—</text>
<clause changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HEEECC20C36E64EF2B3C3A88A1B99E5BA" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(i)</enum><text>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</text>
</clause><clause changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="H20E6A5117F2245B5BCC9EBC918FE3FAA" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the general conditions of that miner’s
assigned working section or other area where the miner is expected to work or
travel.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HD780196ADBA247A2BFBDF67E74B8A238" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health Act
of 2010, 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.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="H12AB1345C491407D8B48E06170043597"><enum>502.</enum><header>Rock dust
standards</header>
<subsection id="H025F9262F0844A858747F44296698147"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Standards</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 304(d) (30 U.S.C. 864(d)) is
amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H85DB8677DB204C15A26D245146D26A2D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking <quote>Where
rock</quote> and inserting the
following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H7FE38890AE9246E7BA2CCA326D37F4D1" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<text><header-in-text level="subsection" style="OLC">Rock dust</header-in-text>.—</text><paragraph id="H440D5CF31F24482F99B0CB06DCFC9E5D"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Where rock</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>;
</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H7974A67172F5485B8BCBCC309263E03D"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by striking <quote>65 per centum</quote>
and all that follows and inserting <quote>80 percent. Where methane is present
in any ventilating current, the percentage of incombustible content of such
combined dusts shall be increased 0.4 percent for each 0.1 percent of
methane.</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB5CAD2C26509424CA0762B000C447BFF"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by adding at the end the
following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H093416B98AA647FB80810B27147D0BCB" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="H99690DC6085246E0928A0300875793C4"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Methods of
measurement</header>
<subparagraph id="H429B8C56A5EF4FAFB323BEB5C4118296"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each operator of an
underground coal mine shall take accurate and representative samples which
shall measure the total incombustible content of combined coal dust, rock dust,
and other dust in such mine to ensure that the coal dust is kept below
explosive levels through the appropriate application of rock dust.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE60AD6D14FC046A8BB7B5B7D6C45C269"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Direct reading
monitors</header><text>By the later of June 15, 2011, or the date that is 30
days after the Secretary of Health and Human Services has certified in writing
that direct reading monitors are commercially available to measure total
incombustible content in samples of combined coal dust, rock dust, and other
dust and the Department of Labor has approved such monitors for use in
underground coal mines, the Secretary shall require operators to take such dust
samples using direct reading monitors.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H73F375C9EF2D4BC59A984B3DA41811C0"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Regulations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall, not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health
Act of 2010, promulgate an interim final rule that prescribes methods for
operator sampling of total incombustible content in samples of combined coal
dust, rock dust, and other dust using direct reading monitors and includes
requirements for locations, methods, and intervals for mandatory operator
sampling.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H239737C0E52E447E9B8818985C1EAF92"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Recommendations</header><text>Not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner
Safety and Health Act of 2010, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall, based upon the latest research, recommend to the Secretary of Labor any
revisions to the mandatory operator sampling locations, methods, and intervals
included in the interim final rule described in subparagraph (B) that may be
warranted in light of such research.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HD9741A5A4537402A84064DF647140B77"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Limitation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Until a final rule is issued by the
Secretary under section 502(b)(2) of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health
Act of 2010, any measurement taken by a direct reading monitor described in
paragraph (2) shall not be admissible to establish a violation in an
enforcement action under this
Act.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H5613F1CFB5B447D3809B1733AB2B8908"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Report and rulemaking
authority</header>
<paragraph id="H9037BF61E45A487E83CDB3C2CED26CB8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall
prepare and submit, to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate, a report—</text>
<subparagraph id="HFAD7354A08DF4E2581EF7D91755BE4EF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>regarding whether any
direct reading monitor described in section 304(d)(2)(B) of the Federal Mine
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 864(d)(2)(B)) is sufficiently reliable
and accurate for the enforcement of the mandatory health or safety standards by
the Secretary of Labor under such Act, and whether additional improvement to
such direct reading monitor, or additional verification regarding reliability
and accuracy, would be needed for enforcement purposes; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5396FEECB7FB4E369D7F9994A21E0D50"><enum>(B)</enum><text>identifying any
limitations or impediments for such use in underground coal mines.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H31F473A674124F278FAFD0D7266C2DA1"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Authority</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary determines that such
direct reading monitor is sufficiently reliable and accurate for the
enforcement of mandatory health and safety standards under the Federal Mines
Safety and Health Act of 1977 following such report or any update thereto, the
Secretary shall promulgate a final rule authorizing the use of such direct
reading monitor for purposes of compliance and enforcement, in addition to
other methods for determining total incombustible content. Such rule shall
specify mandatory operator sampling locations, methods, and intervals.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HFDB239420FD3410DB20760D5E94B252E"><enum>503.</enum><header>Atmospheric monitoring
systems</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 317 (30 U.S.C.
877) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4FAF80187A664521ABF3540A4D0B566F" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="HCD4A3E1EDCBA4378BCE4B96409DD551F"><enum>(u)</enum><header>Atmospheric monitoring
systems</header>
<paragraph id="H8D8A0A7415E34876A796206D6C4A19A4"><enum>(1)</enum><header>NIOSH
recommendations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later
than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and
Health Act of 2010, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health, acting through the Office of Mine Safety and Health
Research, in consultation, including through technical working groups, with
operators, vendors, State mine safety agencies, the Secretary, and labor
representatives of miners, shall issue recommendations to the Secretary
regarding—</text>
<subparagraph id="H2D125811593B4600AD9A4AFAF8412E7B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>how to ensure that
atmospheric monitoring systems are utilized in the underground coal mining
industry to maximize the health and safety of underground coal miners;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H98E5A9EBA0744E40858593F1282FF768"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the implementation of
redundant systems, such as the bundle tubing system, that can continuously
monitor the mine atmosphere following incidents such as fires, explosions,
entrapments, and inundations; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H042E364634B94A589B3A9B7FA2FF11F1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>other technologies
available to conduct continuous atmospheric monitoring.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H397E8FCC938F4EB4B41163D20FB6142E"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Atmospheric monitoring
system regulations</header><text>Not later than 1 year following the receipt of
the recommendations described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promulgate
regulations requiring that each operator of an underground coal mine install
atmospheric monitoring systems, consistent with such recommendations,
that—</text>
<subparagraph id="H27BA7ADA01D046DE9DDB3CF57E525884"><enum>(A)</enum><text>protect miners where the
miners normally work and travel;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HFDBE722891CC4B8AADE5C3F87A6A12A9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provide real-time
information regarding methane and carbon monoxide levels, and airflow
direction, as appropriate, with sensing, annunciating, and recording
capabilities; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H49582DB51F224FBBA9A2988EFD24C250"><enum>(C)</enum><text>can, to the maximum
extent practicable, withstand explosions and
fires.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="HF1A85B487095477CB617B4297D2F45CE"><enum>504.</enum><header>Technology related to
respirable dust</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 202(d)
(30 U.S.C. 842(d)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H72B7749B0F284432AB60C534E0A1A2C4"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking <quote>of
Health, Education, and Welfare</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H4AA1AC17DCC94107986D41922A10DB9C"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by striking the second
sentence and inserting the following: <quote>Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health Act of 2010,
the Secretary shall promulgate final regulations that require operators,
beginning on the date such regulations are issued, to provide coal miners with
the maximum feasible protection from respirable dust, including coal and silica
dust, that is achievable through environmental controls, and that meet the
applicable standards.</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></section><section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEF633811B5564EBD85A471EA4E2405B0"><enum>505.</enum><header>Refresher training on
miner rights and responsibilities</header>
<subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H33E6AEC3109F4DA9AC2FE8E23EEF7D4D"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 115(a)(3) (30
U.S.C. 825(a)(3)) is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H07D973EA0EFC4FD3B89CD66E4198D525" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="HCD4755884DE7453E858F36CA4C70E779"><enum>(3)</enum><text>all miners shall receive
not less than 9 hours of refresher training not less frequently than once every
12 months, and such training shall include one hour of training on the
statutory rights and responsibilities of miners and their representatives under
this Act and other applicable Federal and State law, pursuant to a program of
instruction developed by the Secretary and delivered by an employee of the
Administration or by a trainer approved by the Administration that is a party
independent from the
operator;</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="H49FD7BE21DF846D28F9ABBEF23EF03E5"><enum>(b)</enum><header>National hazard
reporting hotline</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 115
(30 U.S.C. 825) is further amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H23C5B97EFD3740838647F459B952372C"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by redesignating
subsections (c) through (e) as subsections (d) through (f), respectively;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H26B3C57C032A4C8689B1885DDC557D0C"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting after
subsection (b) the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H688124ECBC78443384A97987390A2EB9" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H87873B2E26C54DFCAD67E536428E2E4E"><enum>(c)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any health and safety training program of
instruction provided under this section shall include distribution to miners of
information regarding miners’ rights under the Act, as well as a toll-free
hotline telephone number, which the Secretary shall maintain to receive
complaints from miners and the public regarding hazardous conditions,
discrimination, safety or health violations, or other mine safety or health
concerns. Information regarding the hotline shall be provided in a portable,
convenient format, such as a durable wallet card, to enable miners to keep the
information on their
person.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H874588F6577842E390684E70D6668255"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Timing of initial
statutory rights training</header><text>Notwithstanding section 115 of the
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (as amended by subsection (a)) (30 U.S.C.
825) or the health and safety training program approved under such section, an
operator shall ensure that all miners already employed by the operator on the
date of enactment of this Act shall receive the one hour of statutory rights
and responsibilities training described in section 115(a)(3) of such Act not
later than 180 days after such date.</text>
</subsection></section><section commented="no" id="HB269CCA6BE6E496E9D548A9C7C68ED58"><enum>506.</enum><header>Authority to mandate
additional training</header>
<subsection id="HDAFBA8F0198C4EFE93C1035D78581B56"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 115 (30
U.S.C. 825) is further amended by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) (as
redesignated) as subsections (f) and (g) and inserting after subsection (d) (as
redesignated) the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H28DE16EF22594B77851AC93AB57B2996" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H141B02F32F7F4596A4FAAB9E11DD0C31"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Authority To mandate
additional training</header>
<paragraph id="HDE0F0567E8CD45A1A5DFB80F84EED295"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Secretary is authorized to issue an order requiring
that an operator of a coal or other mine provide additional training beyond
what is otherwise required by law, and specifying the time within which such
training shall be provided, if the Secretary finds that—</text>
<subparagraph id="H42416F5E02E14DBBB2346F79A53D8F62"><enum>(A)</enum><clause commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HB3FF406801774987B432EBF2FDBD7467"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a serious or fatal
accident has occurred at such mine; or</text>
</clause><clause changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HDA7C50DCD75F472D8E487CE8483B193B" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>such mine has
experienced accident and injury rates, citations for violations of this Act
(including mandatory health or safety standards or regulations promulgated
under this Act), citations for significant and substantial violations, or
withdrawal orders issued under this Act at a rate above the average for mines
of similar size and type; and</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H357AE1990D0C4EE5B8806D0F144D9F91"><enum>(B)</enum><text>additional training would
benefit the health and safety of miners at the mine.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H535985CB4C4148E1A92B4E693B56F07B"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Withdrawal
order</header><text>If the operator fails to provide training ordered under
paragraph (1) within the specified time, the Secretary shall issue an order
requiring such operator to cause all affected persons, except those persons
referred to in section 104(c), to be withdrawn, and to be prohibited from
entering such mine, until such operator has provided such
training.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H566A86BCE0764C2B91F823E212180CFB"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Conforming
amendments</header><text>Section 104(g)(2) (30 U.S.C. 814(g)(2)) is amended by
striking <quote>under paragraph (1)</quote> both places it appears and
inserting <quote>under paragraph (1) or under section 115(e)</quote>.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H0719D6E2238D42C6AC7068A606B0ADD0"><enum>507.</enum><header>Certification of
personnel</header>
<subsection id="H708B682594094B7581AC535A806DC681"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Title I is further
amended by adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD2C4EFD08DA24195BF442089E00A26EF" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<section id="H2D91F5FD268D49FBA21E43FDB64494D4"><enum>118.</enum><header>Certification of
personnel</header>
<subsection id="HB93041678A2242D69E56474E6BF17953"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Certification
required</header><text>Any person who is authorized or designated by the
operator of a coal or other mine to perform any duties or provide any training
that this Act, including a mandatory health or safety standard or regulation
promulgated pursuant to this Act, requires to be performed or provided by a
certified, registered, qualified, or otherwise approved person, shall be
permitted to perform such duties or provide such training only if such person
has a current certification, registration, qualification, or approval to
perform such duties or provide such training consistent with the requirements
of this section.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HCDC1B53281314B18933C68DE236656EF"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Establishment of
certification requirements and procedures</header>
<paragraph id="H9F9F546B368B474FBF3C67221597527E"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health Act of 2010, the Secretary shall issue
mandatory standards to establish—</text>
<subparagraph id="H2346563D0E1946F8A449500A77DCD912"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">requirements for such certification,
registration, qualification, or other approval, including the experience,
examinations, and references that may be required as appropriate;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H87B09DCB326448C4AD290E1D19A71BDF"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">time limits for such certifications and
procedures for obtaining and renewing such certification, registration,
qualification, or other approval; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H12A0D678A2F74DB690256CCD8E89BDFC"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">procedures and criteria for revoking such
certification, registration, qualification, or other approval, including
procedures that ensure that the Secretary (or a State agency, as applicable)
responds to requests for revocation and that the names of individuals whose
certification or other approval has been revoked are provided to and maintained
by the Secretary, and are made available to appropriate State agencies through
an electronic database.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF7D380B56A3140AB8F1A61E170FB9265"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Coordination with
States</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In developing such
standards, the Secretary shall consult with States that have miner
certification programs to ensure effective coordination with existing State
standards and requirements for certification. The standards required under
paragraph (1) shall provide that the certification, registration,
qualification, or other approval of the State in which the coal or other mine
is located satisfies the requirement of subsection (a) if the State’s program
of certification, registration, qualification, or other approval is no less
stringent than the standards established by the Secretary under paragraph
(1).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H026D19FD939C43ACBF808FBFA9F4E89E"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Operator Fees for
certification</header>
<paragraph commented="no" id="HA83D8FDDA8274C36BBBB2AF3445EFE97"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Assessment and
collection</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Beginning 180 days
after the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health Act
of 2010, the Secretary shall assess and collect fees, in accordance with this
subsection, from each operator for each person certified under this section.
Fees shall be assessed and collected in amounts determined by the Secretary as
necessary to fund the certification programs established under this
section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H55802C448BAB429FB42EE2194081731C"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Use</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Amounts collected as provided in paragraph
(1) shall only be available to the Secretary, as provided in paragraph (3), for
making expenditures to carry out the certification programs established under
this subsection.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H5D6848994A314434AA0A8D8EA21DF377"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Authorization of
appropriations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In addition to
funds authorized to be appropriated under section 114, there is authorized to
be appropriated to the Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health for each
fiscal year in which fees are collected under paragraph (1) an amount equal to
the total amount of fees collected under paragraph (1) during that fiscal year.
Such amounts are authorized to remain available until expended. If on the first
day of a fiscal year a regular appropriation to the Commission has not been
enacted, the Commission shall continue to collect fees (as offsetting
collections) under this subsection at the rate in effect during the preceding
fiscal year, until 5 days after the date such regular appropriation is
enacted.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H7F5F4CF7F1574B98B6F64AE9E69A15B1"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Collecting and
Crediting of Fees</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Fees
authorized and collected under this subsection shall be deposited and credited
as offsetting collections to the account providing appropriations to the Mine
Safety and Health Administration and shall not be collected for any fiscal year
except to the extent and in the amount provided in advance in appropriation
Acts.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H00F4D4039A5041BC984B0989B6889A9C"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Citation; withdrawal
order</header><text>Any operator who permits a person to perform any of the
health or safety related functions described in subsection (a) without a
current certification which meets the requirements of this section shall be
considered to have committed an unwarrantable failure under section 104(d)(1),
and the Secretary shall issue an order requiring that the miner be withdrawn or
reassigned to duties that do not require such
certification.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.
</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="HECF6E27FB6DE4BA992851D824B580996"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Conforming
amendments</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 318 (30
U.S.C. 878) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H939F3D981A2A435CBB018ACE920E961B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking subsections
(a) and (b);</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H46FF57F95464412086F9A2AECDE1CB84"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (c), by
redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as subparagraphs (A) through (C),
respectively;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H199D8D33C2E1461FB8FA952365BBC72B"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (g), by redesignating
paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H133A5F261500480C871307F203CF4112"><enum>(4)</enum><text>by redesignating
subsections (c) through (j) as paragraphs (1) through (8), respectively.</text>
</paragraph></subsection></section><enum>VI</enum><header>Additional mine safety
provisions</header>
<section commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9352157ED9B041BD912049F8ACEBCFC8" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>601.</enum><header>Definitions</header>
<subsection id="HB81E70E422404386B84C19DAA5769E64"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definition of
operator</header><text>Section 3(d) is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H86F88414EE9E4E779DD6F9A097362B5A" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H758EE4B18EAB4672996923FD11A85A69" indent="down1"><enum>(d)</enum><text><quote>operator</quote>
means—</text>
<paragraph id="H5A71C57622A44BC3AA0CEC69222AEDE8"><enum>(1)</enum><text>any owner, lessee, or
other person that—</text>
<subparagraph id="H4CF02358442D40BA98F69B27AF9484D7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>operates or supervises a
coal or other mine; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE8754517B8F946C4BC236F290C2D7383"><enum>(B)</enum><text>controls such mine by
making or having the authority to make management or operational decisions that
affect, directly or indirectly, the health or safety at such mine; or</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H20DEE72B1F994EE89660671284C192DB"><enum>(2)</enum><text>any independent
contractor performing services or construction at such
mine;</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8871BBD047AA4A1A8CA511468280CFA6"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Definition of
agent</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 3(e) (30 U.S.C.
802(e)) is amended by striking <quote>the miners</quote> and inserting
<quote>any miner</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA6C9A0BC8EF749BA9B0289A1E20DDFED"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Definition of
miner</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 3(g) (30 U.S.C.
802(g)) is amended by inserting after <quote>or other mine</quote> the
following: <quote>, and includes any individual who is not currently working in
a coal or other mine but would be currently working in such mine, but for an
accident in such mine</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H1089B0714D6D4004985A68985103A725"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Definition of
significant and substantial violations</header><text>Section 3 (30 U.S.C. 802)
is further amended—</text>
<paragraph id="HB9A42CD8CC6C42458034B5178D4FC6CE"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (m), by
striking <quote>and</quote> after the semicolon;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H37F3B8B109D446F3AC94CFA2BB59C91A"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (n), by
striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H882EADB136074985ABC98B4396714431"><enum>(3)</enum><text>in subsection (o), by
striking the period at the end and inserting <quote>; and</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5D452EB8ACBD48B39EBE5526E461E919"><enum>(4)</enum><text>by adding at the end the
following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HC664933A4E2E407CB6F6770166557C06" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="HFB206CC049D84A568817CA100CF1A586" indent="down1"><enum>(p)</enum><text><term>significant and
substantial violation</term> means a violation of this Act, including any
mandatory health or safety standard or regulation promulgated under this Act,
that is of such nature as could significantly and substantially contribute to
the cause and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard as
described in section
104(d).</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HD758F62441994EFD8BE242A1C8F34E54"><enum>602.</enum><header>Assistance to
States</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 503 (30 U.S.C.
953(a)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H7AB0E4AC2A164A59889DF6F4A755F681"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (a)—</text>
<subparagraph id="H7E3CB29D0CE0472D834750722D5AF1EA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by striking <quote>, in coordination with the Secretary of
Health, Education, and Welfare and the Secretary of the
Interior,</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H9F26093D71AD43CDBFF8A8BBAD248734"><enum>(B)</enum><text>in paragraph (2), by
striking <quote>and</quote> after the semicolon;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCD615CB5C68643C29E4EA629633D5005"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in paragraph (3), by
striking the period and inserting <quote>; and</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA9B46CEE328D4097A12BE9C711CB3F52"><enum>(D)</enum><text>by adding at the end the
following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H0D4753B0C43246DB924953BF7C57A9CC" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="H05268CE7224846C4A96C3D0E713C5775"><enum>(4)</enum><text>to assist such State in
developing and implementing any certification program for coal or other mines
required for compliance with section
118.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>;
and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H391C98F935744D26B50CE63FC6F26DA3"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (h), by
striking <quote>$3,000,000 for fiscal year 1970, and $10,000,000 annually in
each succeeding fiscal year</quote> and inserting <quote>$20,000,000 for each
fiscal year</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></section><section id="H6782773468634ADFA8C79807DF6A5F76"><enum>603.</enum><header>Black lung medical
reports</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Title IV of the Black
Lung Benefits Act (30 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H45E917B2E3DB4068B24E6B1BAB39DF3C" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<section id="H5AF92CE96DF84013AFAC9D7546216C85"><enum>435.</enum><header>Medical
reports</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">In any claim for
benefits for a miner under this title, an operator that requires a miner to
submit to a medical examination regarding the miner’s respiratory or pulmonary
condition shall, not later than 14 days after the miner has been examined,
deliver to the claimant a complete copy of the examining physician’s report.
The examining physician’s report shall be in writing and shall set out in
detail the examiner’s findings, including any diagnoses and conclusions and the
results of any diagnostic imaging techniques and tests that were performed on
the
miner.</text>
</section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="H77516B375F4E4D67930D6D424A262CF0"><enum>604.</enum><header>Rules of application
to certain mines</header>
<subsection id="H9949A0CAD6CD4C7793D219904A2177FB"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Inapplicability of
amendments to certain mines</header>
<paragraph id="H0E1D683A2C384150BA9F90AFE9F19FAA"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Special
rule</header><text>The amendments made by this Act shall not apply to—</text>
<subparagraph id="H7CD9E1C16B1E4AA1A93DDBB34C32C59C"><enum>(A)</enum><text>surface mines, except for
surface facilities or impoundments physically connected to—</text>
<clause id="H25A6661A3D134FB1B070E1FE724429AE"><enum>(i)</enum><text>underground coal mines;
or</text>
</clause><clause id="H135FD83BF3E74723B1920ED94724AA8C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>other underground mines
which are gassy mines; or</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H34C0DDD965424AFB805CBFDAAC1181D3"><enum>(B)</enum><text>underground mines which
are neither coal mines nor gassy mines.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF5CAAB25E3774A67B43801F0E26E1F11"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Definition</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of this section, the term
<quote>gassy mine</quote> means a mine, tunnel, or other underground workings
in which a flammable mixture has been ignited, or has been found with a
permissible flame safety lamp, or has been determined by air analysis to
contain 0.25 percent or more (by volume) of methane in any open workings when
tested at a point not less than 12 inches from the roof, face of rib.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HBF20CF192FDB4980BBF758339BB18CF5"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Rule of construction
relating to applicability of certain provisions to surface mines</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Title I is further amended by adding at the
end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H532F98AFAE49410DB6F31D20C4D0E7D1" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<section id="H9C6AB5F486DD47848E0CA146DC9EC3AB"><enum>119.</enum><header>Applicability of
certain provisions to certain mines</header>
<subsection id="H6CB65DE083CF485F8AB5D8E22935F1BA"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Rule of
construction</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to
the mines described in subsection (b), this Act as in effect on the date before
the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and Health Act of
2010, shall continue to apply to such mines as then in effect.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="HD1519521A6BA4407A598DACFBA359344"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Applicable
mines</header>
<paragraph id="H93EDCE7608BA4571849E52B455BE8B29"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The mines referred to in subsection (a) are—</text>
<subparagraph id="HB2E79EE675284F609ED7DE4E1F9D9191"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">surface mines, except for surface
facilities or impoundments physically connected to—</text>
<clause id="HFC00D2BCCED146B7BDE28D273AD34D99"><enum>(i)</enum><text>underground coal mines;
or</text>
</clause><clause id="HD27617D0A4CA4AFFA95E224BCF18989C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>other underground mines
which are gassy mines; and</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8A40540F5E184E7F97F210649ECC5C4C"><enum>(B)</enum><text>underground mines which
are neither coal mines nor gassy mines.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HD2286F80A7EA466397B4BC42161FC487"><enum>(2)</enum><header>definition</header><text>As
used in paragraph (1), the term <quote>gassy mine</quote> means a mine, tunnel,
or other underground workings in which a flammable mixture has been ignited, or
has been found with a permissible flame safety lamp, or has been determined by
air analysis to contain 0.25 percent or more (by volume) of methane in any open
workings when tested at a point not less than 12 inches from the roof, face of
rib.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H8F80D6FDB5904761BA89C79DE0A68F5C"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Savings
provision</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Nothing in this
section shall impact the authority of the Secretary to promulgate or modify
regulations pursuant to the authority under any such provisions as in effect on
the date before the date of enactment of the Robert C. Byrd Miner Safety and
Health Act of 2010, or shall be construed to alter or modify precedent with
regards to the Commission or
courts.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><enum>VII</enum><header>Amendments to the
Occupational Safety and Health Act</header>
<section id="HF2764C17F763466B8726697443D0864F"><enum>701.</enum><header>Enhanced protections
from retaliation</header>
<subsection id="H5975CEDC010042BBA10DA6D28D3D03BE"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Employee
actions</header><text>Section 11(c)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health
Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 660(c)(1)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H993B001C31EA4BD5912BF874CCF8A4BF"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>discharge</quote> and all that follows through <quote>because
such</quote> and inserting the
following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HA76BA1105B59440B8D3706E894B9C35D" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<text>discharge or cause to be discharged,
or in any manner discriminate against or cause to be discriminated against, any
employee because—</text><subparagraph id="H5FBD6C9FB5E44874901B65220C144141" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>such</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB0EF306FA8B8468281F02F0AEF3FF92F"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by striking <quote>this
Act or has</quote> and inserting the
following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H046200ED306F4D89A366F4681C004B27" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<text>this Act;</text><subparagraph id="H400A3B7D73CF4147ACE5940DB4857DCF" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>such employee
has</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H767F1014E39842D194C7A3CF160E244D"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by striking <quote>in any
such proceeding or because of the exercise</quote> and inserting the
following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HD5106A9CA7684AECB4A5BEC990F75108" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<text>before Congress or in any Federal or
State proceeding related to safety or health;</text><subparagraph commented="no" id="H5D0381563A6546F7B05D63D68E97AC59" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>such employee has refused
to violate any provision of this Act; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H228901E161B54F619F4FEAC6CF0A34A4" indent="up1"><enum>(D)</enum><text>of the
exercise</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>;
and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H2F98055F89834159AD2256F49B89D0FB"><enum>(4)</enum><text>by inserting before the
period at the end the following: <quote>, including the reporting of any
injury, illness, or unsafe condition to the employer, agent of the employer,
safety and health committee involved, or employee safety and health
representative involved</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H370CB4D444B746F0BE57A165A5AF2199"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Prohibition of
retaliation</header><text>Section 11(c) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 660(c)) is
amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="H5EDC35775D874F3F82A191ED9F4E0B15" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="H17591A324B184A6CAA19E360727458A7"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Prohibition of
retaliation</header><subparagraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="HF9B464ACDD4D47B2AB9464D937E9BF18"><enum>(A)</enum><text>No person shall
discharge, or cause to be discharged, or in any manner discriminate against, or
cause to be discriminated against, an employee for refusing to perform the
employee’s duties if the employee has a reasonable apprehension that performing
such duties would result in serious injury to, or serious impairment of the
health of, the employee or other employees.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HEFA3A942EF9A4575A96CFC7ABAE2FDAB" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of subparagraph (A), the
circumstances causing the employee’s good-faith belief that performing such
duties would pose a safety or health hazard shall be of such a nature that a
reasonable person, under the circumstances confronting the employee, would
conclude that there is such a hazard. In order to qualify for protection under
this paragraph, the employee, when practicable, shall have communicated or
attempted to communicate the safety or health concern to the employer and have
not received from the employer a response reasonably calculated to allay such
concern.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="H9D321FF2843743B8A213960AFA1501C1"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Procedure</header><text>Section
11(c) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 660(c)) is amended by striking paragraph (3) and
inserting the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H4AFB471F79014194B18CE640410D538C" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="HDD2A3F1569944274B21F1278EA395576"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Complaint</header><text>Any
employee who believes that the employee has been discharged, disciplined, or
otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of paragraph (1) or
(2) may seek relief for such violation by filing a complaint with the Secretary
under <internal-xref idref="H25092B1A6BCF490AB6DD0A750D841AFB" legis-path="(5)">paragraph (5).</internal-xref></text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HBD9FEC2CE1C6479DBD4F49857A67B028"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Statute of
limitations</header>
<subparagraph id="HC60516D8520C46DDA02162BEE3AC76DF"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>An employee may take the action permitted by paragraph
(3)(A) not later than 180 days after the later of—</text>
<clause id="H4AEE9AAC9CA048B69CF6D0CB3DBB7D4F"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the date on which an
alleged violation of paragraph (1) or (2) occurs; or</text>
</clause><clause id="HC8D70D9D0A1A4C5F998707FE6378BD9E"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the date on which the
employee knows or should reasonably have known that such alleged violation
occurred.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H589B5F9D0A4F4588BE552BE0E122B6EB"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Repeat
violation</header><text>Except in cases when the employee has been discharged,
a violation of paragraph (1) or (2) shall be considered to have occurred on the
last date an alleged repeat violation occurred.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H25092B1A6BCF490AB6DD0A750D841AFB"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Investigation</header>
<subparagraph commented="no" id="HAC5EDD62B90940069C3B219786D5D5E1"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>An employee may, within the time period required under
<internal-xref idref="H589B5F9D0A4F4588BE552BE0E122B6EB" legis-path="(4)(B)">paragraph (4)(B)</internal-xref>, file a complaint with the
Secretary alleging a violation of paragraph (1) or (2). If the complaint
alleges a prima facie case, the Secretary shall conduct an investigation of the
allegations in the complaint, which—</text>
<clause id="H58D59D390EB54B008809B65AF1CA1724"><enum>(i)</enum><text>shall include—</text>
<subclause id="H537E3F0298D4451FB497B41AA8616CC2"><enum>(I)</enum><text>interviewing the
complainant;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H0DC561C9C8BE45FBA069A1E79B62D0EB"><enum>(II)</enum><text>providing the respondent
an opportunity to—</text>
<item id="H60DDFF8F70454ED6A0C5E1FD8DC55505"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>submit to the Secretary
a written response to the complaint; and</text>
</item><item id="H1457FF9C9B1A45DABB7E087D59EDF72F"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>meet with the Secretary
to present statements from witnesses or provide evidence; and</text>
</item></subclause><subclause id="H41AFB09BE0E14CBC9495EFCA88DD1ACF"><enum>(III)</enum><text>providing the
complainant an opportunity to—</text>
<item id="HED67F50ED3A04250AE21F0393EA1DC5B"><enum>(aa)</enum><text>receive any statements
or evidence provided to the Secretary;</text>
</item><item id="HB5552963A53946E39A3047213120C4B5"><enum>(bb)</enum><text>meet with the Secretary;
and</text>
</item><item id="H8B9348F683CE4117ACA449602984B4FD"><enum>(cc)</enum><text>rebut any statements or
evidence; and</text>
</item></subclause></clause><clause id="H19AAFD300E424605AA75DA9E678C39C6"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>may include issuing
subpoenas for the purposes of such investigation.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="H10FD00511D0347DDB0327D43B849DBF5"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Decision</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 90 days after the filing of
the complaint, the Secretary shall—</text>
<clause id="H620EB95E165542DAA4A648385E475E08"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">determine whether reasonable cause exists
to believe that a violation of paragraph (1) or (2) has occurred; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H80585B01CD29456999E24A48305EBC36"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">issue a decision granting or denying
relief.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H82F9C09E24804B86BFC244EE11DF783F"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Preliminary order
following investigation</header><text>If, after completion of an investigation
under <internal-xref idref="H25092B1A6BCF490AB6DD0A750D841AFB" legis-path="(5)">paragraph (5)(A)</internal-xref>, the Secretary finds
reasonable cause to believe that a violation of paragraph (1) or (2) has
occurred, the Secretary shall issue a preliminary order providing relief
authorized under
<internal-xref idref="H48FD1F3A71BC45E7BC328336D9D2DFA2" legis-path="(14)">paragraph (14)</internal-xref> at the same time the Secretary
issues a decision under
<internal-xref idref="H10FD00511D0347DDB0327D43B849DBF5" legis-path="(5)(B)">paragraph (5)(B)</internal-xref>. If a de novo hearing is
not requested within the time period required under
<internal-xref idref="H0163131849D74179ABB9FCFD32E91A2B" legis-path="(7)">paragraph (7)(A)(i)</internal-xref>, such preliminary order
shall be deemed a final order of the Secretary and is not subject to judicial
review.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0163131849D74179ABB9FCFD32E91A2B"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Hearing</header>
<subparagraph id="H414B0ED8398A4C2686C9AC0016AFF24D"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Request for
hearing</header>
<clause id="H5B8A00058F3E444A901F52814FA7AF4A"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>A de novo hearing on the record before an administrative
law judge may be requested—</text>
<subclause id="HB34EFAA5A0014E22B8B8FB05C5E276CB"><enum>(I)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by the complainant or respondent within 30
days after receiving notification of a decision granting or denying relief
issued under
<internal-xref idref="H25092B1A6BCF490AB6DD0A750D841AFB" legis-path="(5)">paragraph (5)</internal-xref>(B) or
<internal-xref idref="H82F9C09E24804B86BFC244EE11DF783F" legis-path="(6)">paragraph (6)</internal-xref> respectively;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H227753BDBBDE49B89A61F869DCF073EB"><enum>(II)</enum><text>by the complainant
within 30 days after the date the complaint is dismissed without investigation
by the Secretary under
<internal-xref idref="H25092B1A6BCF490AB6DD0A750D841AFB" legis-path="(5)">paragraph (5)</internal-xref>(A); or</text>
</subclause><subclause id="H4877D38AEB284030AE84FD50BC2E620F"><enum>(III)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by the complainant within 120 days after
the date of filing the complaint, if the Secretary has not issued a decision
under <internal-xref idref="H25092B1A6BCF490AB6DD0A750D841AFB" legis-path="(5)">paragraph (5)</internal-xref>(B).</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="HE63455638CC6497AAAEA40435A6607DF"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Reinstatement
order</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The request for a
hearing shall not operate to stay any preliminary reinstatement order issued
under <internal-xref idref="H82F9C09E24804B86BFC244EE11DF783F" legis-path="(6)">paragraph (6)</internal-xref>.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBFCCFEBF96C04F25916D16EF13EFB05A"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Procedures</header>
<clause id="H1B5FF60BF5234415A6D55F0336BB5372"><enum>(i)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>A hearing requested under this paragraph shall be
conducted expeditiously and in accordance with rules established by the
Secretary for hearings conducted by administrative law judges.</text>
</clause><clause id="HE69A470812E74DD6B73A4E3230D26602"><enum>(ii)</enum><header>Subpoenas; production
of evidence</header><text>In conducting any such hearing, the administrative
law judge may issue subpoenas. The respondent or complainant may request the
issuance of subpoenas that require the deposition of, or the attendance and
testimony of, witnesses and the production of any evidence (including any
books, papers, documents, or recordings) relating to the matter under
consideration.</text>
</clause><clause id="H5E11E627C6C748888815DE27094B9B92"><enum>(iii)</enum><header>Decision</header><text>The
administrative law judge shall issue a decision not later than 90 days after
the date on which a hearing was requested under this paragraph and promptly
notify, in writing, the parties and the Secretary of such decision, including
the findings of fact and conclusions of law. If the administrative law judge
finds that a violation of paragraph (1) or (2) has occurred, the judge shall
issue an order for relief under
<internal-xref idref="H48FD1F3A71BC45E7BC328336D9D2DFA2" legis-path="(14)">paragraph (14)</internal-xref>. If review under paragraph (8)
is not timely requested, such order shall be deemed a final order of the
Secretary that is not subject to judicial review.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H51D77E23ADE14609A72024445125D0F9"><enum>(8)</enum><header>Administrative
appeal</header>
<subparagraph id="HC415A4BAD74D4CE19DD32045B3765BF6"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not later than 30 days after the date of notification of
a decision and order issued by an administrative law judge under
<internal-xref idref="H0163131849D74179ABB9FCFD32E91A2B" legis-path="(7)">paragraph (7)</internal-xref>, the complainant or respondent
may file, with objections, an administrative appeal with an administrative
review body designated by the Secretary (referred to in this paragraph as the
<quote>review board</quote>).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4B05C51B941D485F8CF89365ED1E554C"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Standard of
Review</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In reviewing the
decision and order of the administrative law judge, the review board shall
affirm the decision and order if it is determined that the factual findings set
forth therein are supported by substantial evidence and the decision and order
are made in accordance with applicable law.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCEB0CF5F3342440ABFB82BF92D2BED85"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Decisions</header><text>If
the review board grants an administrative appeal, the review board shall issue
a final decision and order affirming or reversing, in whole or in part, the
decision under review by not later than 90 days after receipt of the
administrative appeal. If it is determined that a violation of paragraph (1) or
(2) has occurred, the review board shall issue a final decision and order
providing relief authorized under paragraph (14). Such decision and order shall
constitute final agency action with respect to the matter appealed.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H6B8185B4CA254EB0ABA48C28FAD6B8C9"><enum>(9)</enum><header>Settlement in the
Administrative Process</header>
<subparagraph id="H1582C0C823D74D51BC355F3FC0040BEB"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>At any time before issuance of a final order, an
investigation or proceeding under this subsection may be terminated on the
basis of a settlement agreement entered into by the parties.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0644B78513F747CC83273C1C0190E763"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Public policy
considerations</header><text>Neither the Secretary, an administrative law
judge, nor the review board conducting a hearing under this subsection shall
accept a settlement that contains conditions conflicting with the rights
protected under this Act or that are contrary to public policy, including a
restriction on a complainant’s right to future employment with employers other
than the specific employers named in a complaint.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H9B41EBEDBB0246A0B345E893BAE949C4"><enum>(10)</enum><header>Inaction by the review
board or administrative law judge</header>
<subparagraph id="HB89970E309FD47F591503600C2ED86CD"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The complainant may bring a de novo action described in
<internal-xref idref="HA8F3A07D18B94F7584452C9F96F38487" legis-path="(10)(B)">subparagraph (B)</internal-xref> if—</text>
<clause id="HA35B7150FB5B4B449D949DB66FF97131"><enum>(i)</enum><text>an administrative law
judge has not issued a decision and order within the 90-day time period
required under
<internal-xref idref="H0163131849D74179ABB9FCFD32E91A2B" legis-path="(7)">paragraph (7)</internal-xref>(B)(iii); or</text>
</clause><clause id="H7181B0D394264375A72B0BD2FA6E5B0C"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the review board has not
issued a decision and order within the 90-day time period required under
<internal-xref idref="H51D77E23ADE14609A72024445125D0F9" legis-path="(8)">paragraph (8)</internal-xref>(C).</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA8F3A07D18B94F7584452C9F96F38487"><enum>(B)</enum><header>De novo
action</header><text>Such de novo action may be brought at law or equity in the
United States district court for the district where a violation of paragraph
(1) or (2) allegedly occurred or where the complainant resided on the date of
such alleged violation. The court shall have jurisdiction over such action
without regard to the amount in controversy and to order appropriate relief
under paragraph (14). Such action shall, at the request of either party to such
action, be tried by the court with a jury.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H62349E59CB364EE1A1F8E2655BCF8425"><enum>(11)</enum><header>Judicial
review</header>
<subparagraph id="H29F4141EFC6F44579FBAEC3D3983EE7B"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Timely Appeal to the
court of appeals</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any party
adversely affected or aggrieved by a final decision and order issued under this
subsection may obtain review of such decision and order in the United States
Court of Appeals for the circuit where the violation, with respect to which
such final decision and order was issued, allegedly occurred or where the
complainant resided on the date of such alleged violation. To obtain such
review, a party shall file a petition for review not later than 60 days after
the final decision and order was issued. Such review shall conform to chapter 7
of title 5, United States Code. The commencement of proceedings under this
subparagraph shall not, unless ordered by the court, operate as a stay of the
final decision and order.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1E629908A11644148C6346C846C47D3E"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Limitation on
collateral attack</header><text>An order and decision with respect to which
review may be obtained under subparagraph (A) shall not be subject to judicial
review in any criminal or other civil proceeding.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HC2CC7C7D35B742FC9D4676C6BF40A26B"><enum>(12)</enum><header>Enforcement of
order</header><text>If a respondent fails to comply with an order issued under
this subsection, the Secretary or the complainant on whose behalf the order was
issued may file a civil action for enforcement in the United States district
court for the district in which the violation was found to occur to enforce
such order. If both the Secretary and the complainant file such action, the
action of the Secretary shall take precedence. The district court shall have
jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief described in paragraph
(14).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H836C90E0F2534C09A10B56C5CAD22901"><enum>(13)</enum><header>Burdens of
proof</header>
<subparagraph id="HAB003ED02DDD4106A583A9BF2D99E739"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Criteria for
determination</header><text>In making a determination or adjudicating a
complaint pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary, administrative law judge,
review board, or a court may determine that a violation of paragraph (1) or (2)
has occurred only if the complainant demonstrates that any conduct described in
paragraph (1) or (2) with respect to the complainant was a contributing factor
in the adverse action alleged in the complaint.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCC776673385348AFBC00542AF77D34AE"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Prohibition</header><text>Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), a decision or order that is favorable to the complainant
shall not be issued in any administrative or judicial action pursuant to this
subsection if the respondent demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that
the respondent would have taken the same adverse action in the absence of such
conduct.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H48FD1F3A71BC45E7BC328336D9D2DFA2"><enum>(14)</enum><header>Relief</header>
<subparagraph id="H0F654D65C0FC4D04AB70CE0CA30C2DE8"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Order for
relief</header><text>If the Secretary, administrative law judge, review board,
or a court determines that a violation of paragraph (1) or (2) has occurred,
the Secretary or court, respectively, shall have jurisdiction to order all
appropriate relief, including injunctive relief, compensatory and exemplary
damages, including—</text>
<clause id="HCFBFD1E855F2496AAEC02881B38F3035"><enum>(i)</enum><text>affirmative action to
abate the violation;</text>
</clause><clause id="H6244E9355EC9475E8619BBB8C39A483B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>reinstatement without
loss of position or seniority, and restoration of the terms, rights,
conditions, and privileges associated with the complainant’s employment,
including opportunities for promotions to positions with equivalent or better
compensation for which the complainant is qualified;</text>
</clause><clause id="HF5F2E7B5996141839B68892138EECA86"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>compensatory and
consequential damages sufficient to make the complainant whole, (including back
pay, prejudgment interest, and other damages); and</text>
</clause><clause id="H3244F4192616410E8E49EFEF35DF4131"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>expungement of all
warnings, reprimands, or derogatory references that have been placed in paper
or electronic records or databases of any type relating to the actions by the
complainant that gave rise to the unfavorable personnel action, and, at the
complainant’s direction, transmission of a copy of the decision on the
complaint to any person whom the complainant reasonably believes may have
received such unfavorable information.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE81363D022D0452DAF35C131CA73A8E4"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Attorneys’ fees and
costs</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary or an
administrative law judge, review board, or court grants an order for relief
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary, administrative law judge, review board,
or court, respectively, shall assess, at the request of the employee against
the employer—</text>
<clause id="HEE71B67AB34147FB8B134461792143D8"><enum>(i)</enum><text>reasonable attorneys’
fees; and</text>
</clause><clause id="H8AD4498980844D0185B66B70998D1BEE"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>costs (including expert
witness fees) reasonably incurred, as determined by the Secretary,
administrative law judge, review board, or court, respectively, in connection
with bringing the complaint upon which the order was issued.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H24CB10FA1BE84832952D80CCD3701969"><enum>(15)</enum><header> Procedural
Rights</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The rights and
remedies provided for in this subsection may not be waived by any agreement,
policy, form, or condition of employment, including by any pre-dispute
arbitration agreement or collective bargaining agreement.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H39A8244FB00342258BE3C4173A7A6A2C"><enum>(16)</enum><header>Savings</header><text>Nothing
in this subsection shall be construed to diminish the rights, privileges, or
remedies of any employee who exercises rights under any Federal or State law or
common law, or under any collective bargaining agreement.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HEC4C496E3385492CB941313AF375CE38"><enum>(17)</enum><header>Election of
venue</header>
<subparagraph id="HA935AF29D697453DA21A665017C0A732"><enum>(A)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>An employee of an employer who is located in a State that
has a State plan approved under section 18 may file a complaint alleging a
violation of paragraph (1) or (2) by such employer with—</text>
<clause id="H25EB770D65DE47D1B7DC0F7E7C399487"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the Secretary under
<internal-xref idref="H25092B1A6BCF490AB6DD0A750D841AFB" legis-path="(5)">paragraph (5)</internal-xref>; or</text>
</clause><clause id="H782EF862F8964CF3869AF204998F4C05"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a State plan
administrator in such State.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H80016B37568E41AAAF947EC27F1A7C95"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Referrals</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If—</text>
<clause id="HD646EF67006F4436B145CCEAEEBC6AA0"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the Secretary receives a
complaint pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary shall not refer such
complaint to a State plan administrator for resolution; or</text>
</clause><clause id="H3678878A8ECC45DDA6638C048C6E4109"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>a State plan
administrator receives a complaint pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii), the State
plan administrator shall not refer such complaint to the Secretary for
resolution.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="HA9AAE5F037C045A994E0324311D5D7B8"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Relation to
enforcement</header><text>Section 17(j) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 666(j)) is
amended by inserting before the period the following: <quote>, including the
history of violations under section 11(c)</quote>.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="H8F601AD5F0A34ADDA7D173F2CC39E2ED"><enum>702.</enum><header>Victims’
rights</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">The Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970 is amended by inserting after section 9 (29 U.S.C. 658)
the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="H6C2ED4C6227C4FCAAA8626A200B29225" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<section id="HBEEC639EB175459BAEEA51A280890FA7"><enum>9A.</enum><header>Victims'
rights</header>
<subsection id="HBD2C1CB21233419A98F4D45110DB9B7D"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Rights before the
Secretary</header><text>A victim or the representative of a victim, shall be
afforded the right, with respect to an inspection or investigation conducted
under section 8 to—</text>
<paragraph id="H3CDD061B91C248428700943D3EC44997"><enum>(1)</enum><text>meet with the Secretary
regarding the inspection or investigation conducted under such section before
the Secretary’s decision to issue a citation or take no action;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H0B50E4940C644E7F8C9C6374DF56EEEB"><enum>(2)</enum><text>receive, at no cost, a
copy of any citation or report, issued as a result of such inspection or
investigation, at the same time as the employer receives such citation or
report;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA6FAB69DF2604EED939CCAC65D565F4E"><enum>(3)</enum><text>be informed of any notice
of contest or addition of parties to the proceedings filed under section 10(c);
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HDF36F9DC44434C3997AC18B1E891D40F"><enum>(4)</enum><text>be provided notification
of the date and time or any proceedings, service of pleadings, and other
relevant documents, and an explanation of the rights of the employer, employee
and employee representative, and victim to participate in proceedings conducted
under section 10(c).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H5154E27D800F4071803E7D21F9D89D39"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Rights before the
Commission</header><text>Upon request, a victim or representative of a victim
shall be afforded the right with respect to a work-related bodily injury or
death to—</text>
<paragraph id="HA5243B2704B947518FA5C6524FDC2B7C"><enum>(1)</enum><text>be notified of the time
and date of any proceeding before the Commission;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HD511716FF98741CBA15731253273D8E1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>receive pleadings and any
decisions relating to the proceedings; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H8A75563293824D7AB4B445A5D220B0C2"><enum>(3)</enum><text>be provided an
opportunity to appear and make a statement in accordance with the rules
prescribed by the Commission.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H57FFCBE7039C47ABA233E4AA6903A441"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Modification of
Citation</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Before entering into
an agreement to withdraw or modify a citation issued as a result of an
inspection or investigation of an incident under section 8, the Secretary shall
notify a victim or representative of a victim and provide the victim or
representative of a victim with an opportunity to appear and make a statement
before the parties conducting settlement negotiations. In lieu of an
appearance, the victim or representative of the victim may elect to submit a
letter to the Secretary and the parties.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="H3E656F5BD4F34AE283A8DF414E5B6742"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Secretary
Procedures</header><text>The Secretary shall establish procedures—</text>
<paragraph id="H99AC2FBE039141FFB21C7637857C63F9"><enum>(1)</enum><text>to inform victims of
their rights under this section; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HBB7A8105B89E4BD585B4893DBD82C294"><enum>(2)</enum><text>for the informal review
of any claim of a denial of such a right.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE1EC9D238C7547059A20E94F261A7678"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Commission procedures
and considerations</header><text>The Commission shall—</text>
<paragraph id="H14E5E7D699C7477C909750951D10251F"><enum>(1)</enum><text>establish procedures
relating to the rights of victims to be heard in proceedings before the
Commission; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H7853709BF6144B48B50BF2B4BA3BFF98"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in rendering any
decision, provide due consideration to any statement or information provided by
any victim before the Commission.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H861DE0C8393F4EFDA474D9FD77838837"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Family
liaisons</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall
designate at least 1 employee at each area office of the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration to serve as a family liaison to—</text>
<paragraph commented="no" id="H8FB25E0D49AA48999CE6321BBB0F0500"><enum>(1)</enum><text>keep victims informed of
the status of investigations, enforcement actions, and settlement negotiations;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HE350BFCA86394585BA0C121A8A1EFFB6"><enum>(2)</enum><text>assist victims in
asserting their rights under this section.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H7095E2C47C2D4A1E847604321AC1648A"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>In
this section, the term <term>victim</term> means—</text>
<paragraph id="H113B8223488144EBB38B202FF09713FD"><enum>(1)</enum><text>an employee, including a
former employee, who has sustained a work-related injury or illness that is the
subject of an inspection or investigation conducted under section 8; or</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HADE0AC58C74940E588679EA33AF88493"><enum>(2)</enum><text>a family member (as
further defined by the Secretary) of a victim described in paragraph (1),
if—</text>
<subparagraph id="H1FFB20C2CAEC4D1DAF36D7DFB0062223"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the victim dies as a
result of a incident that is the subject of an inspection or investigation
conducted under section 8; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="HD32BF022B161496687F901C23B08F556"><enum>(B)</enum><text>the victim sustains a
work-related injury or illness that is the subject of an inspection or
investigation conducted under section 8, and the victim because of incapacity
cannot reasonably exercise the rights under this
section.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="H2AC312D144A341E08956C16C4D7C87B0"><enum>703.</enum><header>Correction of serious,
willful, or repeated violations pending contest and procedures for a
stay</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 10 of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 659) is amended by adding
at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HEF1A3D7289C245A6A142D4ADE7BF8900" reported-display-style="italic">
<subsection commented="no" id="HA40E49C6777B4310BE8413A92BCC2A16"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Correction of serious,
willful, or repeated violations pending contest and procedures for a
stay</header>
<paragraph id="HF78CCAB7165D4A769B2626EC77B132BB"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Period permitted for
correction of serious, willful, or repeated violations</header><text>For each
violation which the Secretary designates as serious, willful, or repeated, the
period permitted for the correction of the violation shall begin to run upon
receipt of the citation.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H1133D95C67CD4EF1B5810536A943401A"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Filing of a motion of
contest</header><text>The filing of a notice of contest by an employer—</text>
<subparagraph id="H399D942E27BA445DB877E3EB3B84BBC0"><enum>(A)</enum><text>shall not operate as a
stay of the period for correction of a violation designated as serious,
willful, or repeated; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H22A83A97299047749627CE3B5E2DD6AE"><enum>(B)</enum><text>may operate as a stay of
the period for correction of a violation not designated by the Secretary as
serious, willful, or repeated.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H6DDE949023B24997AF9589839268E328"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Criteria and rules of
procedure for stays</header>
<subparagraph id="H04EDFC5B5EB54CDAB3DC67D97004980F"><enum>(A)</enum><header>Motion for a
stay</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">An employer that
receives a citation alleging a violation designated as serious, willful, or
repeated and that files a notice of contest to the citation asserting that the
time set for abatement of the alleged violation is unreasonable or challenging
the existence of the alleged violation may file with the Commission a motion to
stay the period for the abatement of the violation.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD920CF7655344D579A640F16A28ABAF4"><enum>(B)</enum><header>Criteria</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In determining whether a stay should be
issued on the basis of a motion filed under subparagraph (A), the Commission
may grant a stay only if the employer has demonstrated—</text>
<clause id="HBEBB0A88E410482E8B66D463CC9A1DEB"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a substantial likelihood
of success on the areas contested under subparagraph (A); and</text>
</clause><clause id="HF936E8DCD9E344758BF1A7217373ACDA"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>that a stay will not
adversely affect the health and safety of workers.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="HFD3D2C145E2A4E0BBD182751F1E3D669"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Rules of
Procedure</header><text>The Commission shall develop rules of procedure for
conducting a hearing on a motion filed under subparagraph (A) on an expedited
basis. At a minimum, such rules shall provide:</text>
<clause commented="no" id="HCD002D0260604A67B4E33B300F5CD1B9"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">That a hearing before an administrative law
judge shall occur not later than 15 days following the filing of the motion for
a stay (unless extended at the request of the employer), and shall provide for
a decision on the motion not later than 15 days following the hearing (unless
extended at the request of the employer).</text>
</clause><clause id="H6390D217D71E4F8A9A5A8B1FF818B7B5"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>That a decision of an
administrative law judge on a motion for stay is rendered on a timely
basis.</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" id="H3D0AA433196E43D1AECC2AF1BB9897FC"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>That if a party is
aggrieved by a decision issued by an administrative law judge regarding the
stay, such party has the right to file an objection with the Commission not
later than 5 days after receipt of the administrative law judge’s decision.
Within 10 days after receipt of the objection, a Commissioner, if a quorum is
seated pursuant to section 12(f), shall decide whether to grant review of the
objection. If, within 10 days after receipt of the objection, no decision is
made on whether to review the decision of the administrative law judge, the
Commission declines to review such decision, or no quorum is seated, the
decision of the administrative law judge shall become a final order of the
Commission. If the Commission grants review of the objection, the Commission
shall issue a decision regarding the stay not later than 30 days after receipt
of the objection. If the Commission fails to issue such decision within 30
days, the decision of the administrative law judge shall become a final order
of the Commission.</text>
</clause><clause commented="no" id="H9EC89957846F4BB7B74154D2AA1C9E12"><enum>(iv)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For notification to employees or
representatives of affected employees of requests for such hearings and shall
provide affected employees or representatives of affected employees an
opportunity to participate as parties to such
hearings.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="H0D1D7108FCF447658EC5E29DCAD099DC"><enum>704.</enum><header>Conforming
amendments</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 17(d) of
the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 666(d)) is amended to
read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HAACE21503B2643DFB7A8E014061707FD" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H7A7CF8D363B54C16B3869FCC698D9C88"><enum>(d)</enum><text>Any employer who fails to
correct a violation designated by the Secretary as serious, willful, or
repeated and for which a citation has been issued under section 9(a) within the
period permitted for its correction (and a stay has not been issued by the
Commission under section 10(d)) may be assessed a civil penalty of not more
than $7,000 for each day during which such failure or violation continues. Any
employer who fails to correct any other violation for which a citation has been
issued under section 9(a) of this title within the period permitted for its
correction (which period shall not begin to run until the date of the final
order of the Commission in the case of any review proceeding under section 10
initiated by the employer in good faith and not solely for delay of avoidance
of penalties) may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $7,000 for each
day during which such failure or violation
continues.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="H5C931807D5A44B69BA675FA81767741D"><enum>705.</enum><header>Civil
penalties</header>
<subsection id="H59B152C04EFD44F29E8304F5EFB97617"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
General</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 17 of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 666) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H0EBE8444FE3F430789DA0836C3EDE5BF"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (a)—</text>
<subparagraph id="H74B8118E499246EFA9C9EA45DF79BC63"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>$70,000</quote> and inserting <quote>$120,000</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H86D5226AA37E491688FE439782C131BB"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>$5,000</quote> and inserting <quote>$8,000</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBDFF1B7389F74EEAA3060843E2D6A799"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by adding at the end the
following: <quote>In determining whether a violation is repeated, the Secretary
or the Commission shall consider the employer’s history of violations under
this Act and under State occupational safety and health plans established under
section 18. If such a willful or repeated violation caused or contributed to
the death of an employee, such civil penalty amounts shall be increased to not
more than $250,000 for each such violation, but not less than $50,000 for each
such violation, except that for an employer with 25 or fewer employees such
penalty shall not be less than $25,000 for each such violation.</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H27F393B0D8794B8D8AC84D4FFB49C5A6"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (b)—</text>
<subparagraph id="H6683ECA7CEF74C4C81172C47F1B212AA"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>$7,000</quote> and inserting <quote>$12,000</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H81DB7F06514040BCB98C7FC75F7ED068"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by adding at the end the
following: <quote>If such a violation caused or contributed to the death of an
employee, such civil penalty amounts shall be increased to not more than
$50,000 for each such violation, but not less than $20,000 for each such
violation, except that for an employer with 25 or fewer employees such penalty
shall not be less than $10,000 for each such violation.</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H7847C95BAF45467B9CDBD04923C8589F"><enum>(3)</enum><text>in subsection (c), by
striking <quote>$7,000</quote> and inserting <quote>$12,000</quote>;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="HC5ADC294403F41DB86DEF03D0793A870"><enum>(4)</enum><text>in subsection (d), as
amended, by striking <quote>$7,000</quote> each place it occurs and inserting
<quote>$12,000</quote>;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H9AB7A913C88E4FBBBA4055A0D4AB7AEC"><enum>(5)</enum><text>by redesignating
subsections (e) through (i) as subsections (f) through (j), and subsections (j)
through (l) as subsections (l) through (n) respectively; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HB7985B576C3247FBAF6EECC4A71A81B1"><enum>(6)</enum><text>in subsection (j) (as so
redesignated) by striking <quote>$7,000</quote> and inserting
<quote>$12,000</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H2C92524EDCA44FD58637E7A0B58F9422"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Inflation
Adjustment</header><text>Section 17 is further amended by inserting after
subsection (d) the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HABAF48F8510543A380271BAD8E1A316C" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H2D2B92A17BC740EA80EF204E4E3434C2"><enum>(e)</enum><text>Amounts provided under
this section for civil penalties shall be adjusted by the Secretary at least
once during each 4-year period beginning January 1, 2015, to account for the
percentage increase or decrease in the Consumer Price Index for all urban
consumers during such
period.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="H45C5B4B45E6A4A19B73D88CD56038CE0"><enum>706.</enum><header>Criminal
penalties</header>
<subsection id="HAD01FA5824384A559E3CEBACA21B2B88"><enum>(a)</enum><header>In
General</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 17 of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 666) (as amended by
section 705) is further amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H953D61B0FABD4D6595429B73E8463289"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by amending subsection
(f) (as redesignated by section 705) to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HED2146868EB84CEC8F533B789983956D" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H91C06EE73E204B128204D199A0357A6F"><enum>(f)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H97EBE2F95C9148E69C50BB805D26FE53"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Any employer who knowingly violates any
standard, rule, or order promulgated under section 6 of this Act, or of any
regulation prescribed under this Act, and that violation caused or
significantly contributed to the death of any employee, shall, upon conviction,
be punished by a fine in accordance with title 18, United States Code, or by
imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both, except that if the conviction
is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this
subsection or subsection (i), punishment shall be by a fine in accordance title
18, United States Code, or by imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or by
both.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="H3A8644F894E44B0A94376625CB416906" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(2)</enum><text>For the purpose of this
subsection, the term <term>employer</term> means, in addition to the definition
contained in section 3 of this Act, any officer or
director.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H5DB5D1833B69433DAD83C4DB668D8532"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by amending subsection (g) (as redesignated
by section 705) to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H9C88BB1123AC4078895576B4DBFB786C" reported-display-style="italic" style="traditional">
<subsection id="H88D3280EF1894A759A807120C74020EB"><enum>(g)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Unless otherwise authorized by this Act,
any person that knowingly gives, causes to give, or attempts to give or cause
to give, advance notice of any inspection conducted under this Act with the
intention of impeding, interfering with, or adversely affecting the results of
such inspection, shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned
for not more than 5 years, or
both.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H3BFAF28B20934E14AADD2DD1CC13174B"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">in subsection (h) (as redesignated by
section 705), by striking <quote>fine of not more than $10,000, or by
imprisonment for not more than six months,</quote> and inserting <quote>fine in
accordance with title 18, United States Code, or by imprisonment for not more
than 5 years,</quote>;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H4E51067652B54C8190EC824B88239535"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">by inserting after subsection (j) (as
redesignated by section 705) the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="H602B1FD585BC464A997D779B0CB78F3C" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H2DF490761DFC4BBC8C37587C234A09C5"><enum>(k)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H90AB290B0647453BA5A75B57DA46088D"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Any employer who
knowingly violates any standard, rule, or order promulgated under section 6, or
any regulation prescribed under this Act, and that violation caused or
significantly contributed to serious bodily harm to any employee but does not
cause death to any employee, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine in
accordance with title 18, United States Code, or by imprisonment for not more
than 5 years, or by both, except that if the conviction is for a violation
committed after a first conviction of such person under this subsection or
subsection (e), punishment shall be by a fine in accordance with title 18,
United States Code, or by imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or by
both.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HDCE19991626A4A89AB8B8D227CBA90B6" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For the purpose of this subsection, the
term <term>employer</term> means, in addition to the definition contained in
section 3 of this Act, any officer or director.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HA896821F314F49B38AB60F259A43C856" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of this subsection, the term
<term>serious bodily harm</term> means bodily injury or illness that
involves—</text>
<subparagraph id="H5B01B19F7CB34490B82DF4F07DC1E764"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a substantial risk of death;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HAF2AEB52E55043E0908F6B3D74B7B993"><enum>(B)</enum><text>protracted
unconsciousness;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H6C879922DB01417CBA23ECEEBA15D7EF"><enum>(C)</enum><text>protracted and obvious
physical disfigurement; or</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC14DB9B0F6A24D02B03170F3A1567961"><enum>(D)</enum><text>protracted loss or
impairment, either temporary or permanent, of the function of a bodily member,
organ, or mental
faculty.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H1D0D120E5FF74A958CE7CFC8AC7ECA73"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Jurisdiction for
Prosecution Under State and Local Criminal Laws</header><text>Such section is
further amended by adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HC479FF80C26947F9B55C43E153392E93" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H0EF0433816C440058BEB85903013F282"><enum>(o)</enum><text>Nothing in this Act shall
preclude a State or local law enforcement agency from conducting criminal
prosecutions in accordance with the laws of such State or
locality.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="H7B5210081D08457BB8EF9D89360B411D"><enum>707.</enum><header>Pre-final order
interest</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 17(n) of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 666) (as redesignated by
section 706(a)(4)) (29 U.S.C. 666(n)) is amended by adding at the end the
following: <quote>Pre-final order interest on such penalties shall begin to
accrue on the date the party contests a citation issued under this Act, and
shall end upon the issuance of the final order. Such pre-final order interest
shall be calculated at the current underpayment rate determined by the
Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to section 6621 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, and shall be compounded daily. Post-final order interest shall begin
to accrue 30 days after the date a final order of the Commission or the court
is issued, and shall be charged at the rate of 8 percent per
year.</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="H8C20400AA0F34A6D8FC2CCF9F4BAABF5"><enum>708.</enum><header>Review of State
Occupational Safety and Health Plans</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 668) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H1D265EF40CE448F88F31563CEC79AEFA"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by amending subsection
(f) to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H1AFBA9C0C54146E5ACB8B4BE65C4F7D7" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="HB92493981ACE4D7596B32FDE845EBF38"><enum>(f)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H1803E74E5ACD41E3ACD536F2A16A1FA9"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The Secretary shall, on the basis of
reports submitted by the State agency and the Secretary’s own inspections, make
a continuing evaluation of the manner in which each State that has a plan
approved under this section is carrying out such plan. Such evaluation shall
include an assessment of whether the State continues to meet the requirements
of subsection (c) of this section and any other criteria or indices of
effectiveness specified by the Secretary in regulations. Whenever the Secretary
finds, on the basis of such evaluation, that in the administration of the State
plan there is a failure to comply substantially with any provision of the State
plan (or any assurance contained therein), the Secretary shall make an initial
determination of whether the failure is of such a nature that the plan should
be withdrawn or whether the failure is of such a nature that the State should
be given the opportunity to remedy the deficiencies, and provide notice of the
Secretary’s findings and initial determination.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HA242A8D5201043DCAB58D752140EFCD8" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary makes an initial
determination to reassert and exercise concurrent enforcement authority while
the State is given an opportunity to remedy the deficiencies, the Secretary
shall afford the State an opportunity for a public hearing within 15 days of
such request, provided that such request is made not later than 10 days after
Secretary’s notice to the State. The Secretary shall review and consider the
testimony, evidence, or written comments, and not later than 30 days following
such hearing, make a determination to affirm, reverse, or modify the
Secretary’s initial determination to reassert and exercise concurrent
enforcement authority under sections 8, 9, 10, 13, and 17 with respect to
standards promulgated under section 6 and obligations under section 5(a).
Following such a determination by the Secretary, or in the event that the State
does not request a hearing within the time frame set forth in this paragraph,
the Secretary may reassert and exercise such concurrent enforcement authority,
while a final determination is pending under paragraph (3) or until the
Secretary has determined that the State has remedied the deficiencies as
provided under paragraph (4). Such determination shall be published in the
Federal Register. The procedures set forth in section 18(g) shall not apply to
a determination by the Secretary to reassert and exercise such concurrent
enforcement authority.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="HB866E27E60184892B767C58E4C356CE8" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary makes an initial
determination that the plan should be withdrawn, the Secretary shall provide
due notice and the opportunity for a hearing. If based on the evaluation,
comments, and evidence, the Secretary makes a final determination that there is
a failure to comply substantially with any provision of the State plan (or any
assurance contained therein), he shall notify the State agency of the
withdrawal of approval of such plan and upon receipt of such notice such plan
shall cease to be in effect, but the State may retain jurisdiction in any case
commenced before the withdrawal of the plan in order to enforce standards under
the plan whenever the issues involved do not relate to the reasons for the
withdrawal of the plan.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph changed="added" committee-id="HED00" id="H31E09C5051C34090A89AE1B20BE8CA06" indent="up1" reported-display-style="italic"><enum>(4)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">If the Secretary makes a determination that
the State should be provided the opportunity to remedy the deficiencies, the
Secretary shall provide the State an opportunity to respond to the Secretary’s
findings and the opportunity to remedy such deficiencies within a time period
established by the Secretary, not to exceed 1 year. The Secretary may extend
and revise the time period to remedy such deficiencies, if the State’s
legislature is not in session during this 1 year time period, or if the State
demonstrates that it is not feasible to correct the deficiencies in the time
period set by the Secretary, and the State has a plan to correct the
deficiencies within a reasonable time period. If the Secretary finds that the
State agency has failed to remedy such deficiencies within the time period
specified by the Secretary and that the State plan continues to fail to comply
substantially with a provision of the State plan, the Secretary shall withdraw
the State plan as provided for in paragraph
(3).</text>
</paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>;
and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HE808985F47C443BA8FBD68A646F03852"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by adding at the end the
following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H954DF633CEC5491DB03FD0F277019F25" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subsection id="H3E1798C35CB14C798D15CE22947965B6"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this subsection, and every 5 years thereafter, the Comptroller
General shall complete and issue a review of the effectiveness of State plans
to develop and enforce safety and health standards to determine if they are at
least as effective as the Federal program and to evaluate whether the
Secretary’s oversight of State plans is effective. The Comptroller General’s
evaluation shall assess—</text>
<paragraph id="H247512FCB00A4A8BA39F92F09672E0CA"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the effectiveness of the
Secretary’s oversight of State plans, including the indices of effectiveness
used by the Secretary;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H269FC07731D249A999D20F20845F5258"><enum>(2)</enum><text>whether the Secretary’s
investigations in response to Complaints About State Plan Administration
(CASPA) are adequate, whether significant policy issues have been identified by
headquarters and corrective actions are fully implemented by each State;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H4C3E04D4350748F689276B3DFDED995F"><enum>(3)</enum><text>whether the formula for
the distribution of funds described in section 23(g) to State programs is fair
and adequate; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HCC0E4C3633E0407FA14F75B9663D40EE"><enum>(4)</enum><text>whether State plans are
as effective as the Federal program in preventing occupational injuries,
illnesses and deaths, and investigating discrimination complaints, through an
evaluation of at least 20 percent of approved State plans, and which shall
cover—</text>
<subparagraph id="HB2D25236F34245B68F7B9921F2C3C066"><enum>(A)</enum><text>enforcement
effectiveness, including handling of fatalities, serious incidents and
complaints, compliance with inspection procedures, hazard recognition,
verification of abatement, violation classification, citation and penalty
issuance, including appropriate use of willful and repeat citations, and
employee involvement;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H75DB22874C1F411D9FE78E52D15160FD"><enum>(B)</enum><text>inspections, the number
of programmed health and safety inspections at private and public sector
establishments, and whether the State targets the highest hazard private sector
work sites and facilities in that State;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBF62B2FDD274496CA042FB6F84CAD10E"><enum>(C)</enum><text>budget and staffing,
including whether the State is providing adequate budget resources to hire,
train and retain sufficient numbers of qualified staff, including timely
filling of vacancies;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4262DFE5CB894C66BAA9965D9597BBCF"><enum>(D)</enum><text>administrative review,
including the quality of decisions, consistency with Federal precedence,
transparency of proceedings, decisions and records are available to the public,
adequacy of State defense, and whether the State appropriately appeals adverse
decisions;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC1385E174C474BBAAF86896951CD3ABD"><enum>(E)</enum><text>anti discrimination,
including whether discrimination complaints are processed in a timely manner,
whether supervisors and investigators are properly trained to investigate
discrimination complaints, whether a case file review indicates merit cases are
properly identified consistent with Federal policy and procedure, whether
employees are notified of their rights, and whether there is an effective
process for employees to appeal the dismissal of a complaint;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H4F21BCB642374B44BB6CE8FF05B66DE1"><enum>(F)</enum><text>program administration,
including whether the State’s standards and policies are at least as effective
as the Federal program and are updated in a timely manner, and whether National
Emphasis Programs that are applicable in such States are adopted and
implemented in a manner that is at least as effective as the Federal
program;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H31D9AF57E6D5482EBE84D17420273D66"><enum>(G)</enum><text>whether the State plan
satisfies the requirements for approval set forth in this section and its
implementing regulations; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCFE8ABE4F62F4F2B95A6D39333B13E49"><enum>(H)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">other such factors identified by the
Comptroller General, or as requested by the Committee on Education and Labor of
the House of Representatives or the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions of the
Senate.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><section id="HC44A99C53BCB47688A472308D3884FE1"><enum>709.</enum><header>Health Hazard
Evaluations by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 20(a)(6) of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 669(a)(6)) is amended by
striking the second sentence and inserting the following: <quote>The Secretary
shall determine following a written request by any employer, authorized
representative of current or former employees, physician, other Federal agency,
or State or local health department, specifying with reasonable particularity
the grounds on which the request is made, whether any substance normally found
in the place of employment has potentially toxic effects in such concentrations
as used or found or whether any physical agents, equipment, or working
condition found or used has potentially hazardous effects; and shall submit
such determination both to employers and affected employees as soon as
possible.</quote>.</text>
</section><section id="HB160C6A93ACC44FFA0E00AC89049B7A3"><enum>710.</enum><header>Authorization of
cooperative agreements by NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 22(h)(3) of the Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 671(h)(3)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="H3DEFEB58ADFD462FB2CEC0851FD12E87"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subparagraph (B), by
striking <quote>and</quote> at the end;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="H4DB3D81B18A04F2F9F1E260B10861B1D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by redesignating
subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="HA6B73981FCB645C6ACD55234E9CA60C4"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by inserting after
subparagraph (B) the following:</text>
<quoted-block changed="added" committee-id="HED00" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H20D549D6DF754A0F962598DE27331159" reported-display-style="italic" style="OLC">
<subparagraph id="H0183DED0D1A648D6A09498DA08FF61AD"><enum>(C)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">enter into cooperative agreements or
contracts with international institutions and private entities to improve mine
safety and health through the development and evaluation of new interventions;
and</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></section><section display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H74D045AD03D342B6870C26A31ECD6DF4" section-type="subsequent-section"><enum>711.</enum><header>Effective
date</header>
<subsection id="H0E787E5505844C808C9ACD3166D06206"><enum>(a)</enum><header>General
Rule</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Except as provided for
in subsection (b), this title and the amendments made by this title shall take
effect not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act.</text>
</subsection><subsection commented="no" display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H58E7D0CE235947BFAB14E76F97233EFE"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Exception for States
and political subdivisions</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A
State that has a State plan approved under section 18 (29 U.S.C. 667) shall
amend its State plan to conform with the requirements of this Act and the
amendments made by this Act not later than 12 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act. The Secretary of Labor may extend the period for a State
to make such amendments to its State plan by not more than 12 months, if the
State’s legislature is not in session during the 12-month period beginning with
the date of the enactment of this Act. Such amendments to the State plan shall
take effect not later than 90 days after the adoption of such amendments by
such State.</text>
</subsection></section>
July 29, 2010
Reported with an amendment, referred to the
Committee on the
Judiciary for a period ending not later than July 29, 2010,
for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within
the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(k), rule X
July 29, 2010
Committee on the
Judiciary discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole
House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed