Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2026

This bill amends the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. It would require an independent five-member investigation panel, chaired by a federal mine safety research official, for any mine accident with 3 or more deaths, and give investigators subpoena power and the ability to interview miners privately. It would raise civil and criminal penalties for mine operators, make company officers liable for certain violations, and allow mines to be closed when operators do not pay final penalties. It would expand protections for miners who report safety concerns or refuse unsafe work, require operators to pay idled miners during closure orders for up to 60 days, and limit firing of hourly miners at underground coal mines placed in pattern of violations status. It would also set new rules for pre-shift hazard briefings and raise the required rock dust standard in underground coal mines.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Tim Kaine Democrat sponsor
• 0 cosponsors