HB2888 HFA Miley and Hamilton 3-1

    Delegates Miley and Hamilton move to amend the bill on page one, following the enacting clause, by striking out the remainder of the bill and inserting in lieu thereof, the following:

    “That the Code of West Virginia, 1931 as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §22A-6-12, to read as follows:

ARTICLE 6. BOARD OF COAL MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY.

§22A-6-12. Study of whistleblower protections.

    Study of Whistleblower protections. -- The Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety is directed to conduct a study of the need to expand protections for whistleblowers and other miners who refuse to work in situations they perceive as unsafe in underground mines. The board shall study the benefits and appropriateness of requiring additional protections that will encourage miners to withdrawal from and report unsafe working conditions. The Office shall investigate whether any pattern of retribution exists against these persons, and if so to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding implementing additional protections. The Board shall report to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 31, 2011 with recommendations regarding whether it is appropriate to implement any additional protections.