By AP
Frankfort, KY – A modified versionof West Virginia's new mine safety law has cleared its first hurdle in Kentucky.
The legislation passed unanimously through a House committee Tuesday. The bill would create fines of up to $100,000 for mine operators who fail to quickly report accidents.
The legislation requires that mine operators store emergency oxygen supplies underground and it places tracking devices on all underground coal mines.
It also mandates that every coal mine in the state undergo at least four inspections a year.
Kentucky led the nation last year in the number of mine deaths with eight killed on the job. West Virginia has had 16 coal mine deaths so far this year.