SENATE DEMOCRATIC WRAP-UP FOR THE WEEK OF
September 17, 2007

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            The Senate unanimously approved House Bill 483, which would establish the “Mine Families First Program” within the Department of Environmental Protection.

The new program would ensure a two-way communication between those persons in command of a mine emergency response operation and the families of miners trapped, injured or waiting rescue.

The response and communications plan would outline the steps that would be taken by the department and mine owners and operators to communicate with the families of miners involved in a mine emergency.

A Mine Families First Response and Communications Advisory Council would also established by the legislation. 

The House of Representatives estimates that cost to implement this legislation would be $359,000 in the first year and then depending on the number of mine disasters significantly less in subsequent years.

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