§ 40-10-7. Financial interest in mining operation prohibited -- Penalty -- Enforcement -- Quorum for board hearings.

(1) No employee of the division performing any function or duty under this chapter shall have a direct or indirect financial interest in any underground or surface coal mining operation. Whoever knowingly violates the provisions of this subsection shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $2,500, or by imprisonment of not more than one year, or by both. The division shall adopt rules to establish methods by which the provisions of this subsection will be monitored and enforced by the division, including appropriate provisions for filing by these employees and the review of statements and supplements to same concerning any financial interest which may be affected by this section.

(2) For the purpose of holding hearings under this chapter, a quorum of the board shall consist of those members or member who has no conflict of interest as set out in Public Law 95-87 and the rules and regulations adopted under it.

Amended by Chapter 219, 1994 General Session