SB 1042 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to ventilation of underground mines

SB 1042 requires coal mine operators to maintain a minimum airflow of 3,000 cubic feet of air per minute at active mining faces where coal is being cut, drilled, or loaded. This amendment to West Virginia's mine ventilation law (§22A-2-4) sets a specific, enforceable standard for ventilation in working areas, directly affecting all operators of active underground coal mines. The bill also reinforces existing requirements for oxygen levels (minimum 19.5%), carbon dioxide limits (maximum 0.5%), and the use of flame-resistant ventilation materials like brattice cloth. These provisions aim to ensure consistent airflow to dilute flammable gases and maintain safe working conditions.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Jun 2026
Introduced Feb 21, 2026 Signed Jun 25, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

sb1042 hfat anderson 3-7 adopted.htm Enrolled Committee Substitute · 3 edits · Apr 1, 2026
MINOR
The bill text was updated from a draft amendment proposal to the final enrolled version, incorporating new safety requirements and formatting changes. The most significant policy addition is a mandate for mine operators to provide safety committees with access to anemometers and smoke tubes. The scope of the bill remains focused on underground coal mine ventilation standards, with no changes to funding, eligibility, or effective dates.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains unchanged, continuing to regulate ventilation in West Virginia underground coal mines.
REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement that mine operators must provide safety committees with access to anemometers and smoke tubes to perform their duties.

TECHNICAL

Converted the text from a legislative amendment motion into the formal enrolled act format, including signatures and certification language.

Removed the introductory text describing the Delegate's motion to amend the bill title.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 27, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 11, 2026

How they voted

320
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 33
Feb 27, 2026
D Democratic2
2 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican31
30 Yea 1
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
41
Key actions
10
Committee
3
Apr 1, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor 4/1/2026
upper
Mar 14, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal
lower
Mar 14, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (Roll No. 474)
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred in House title amendment (Voice vote)
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed House (Roll No. 397)
lower
Mar 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Do pass
lower
Mar 2, 2026
Committee
To House Energy and Public Works
lower
Mar 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Feb 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (Roll No. 265)
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee substitute reported
upper
Feb 21, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors