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Panel approves bill allowing certified mine rescue vehicles to use red warning lights
Summary
House Bill 2211, which would add certified mine rescue team vehicles to the list of vehicles permitted to use red and red-and-white flashing warning lights, was reported by the subcommittee 5-0. Supporters said the change would reduce response time in life-or-death mine incidents.
Delegate O'Quinn presented House Bill 2211, which would permit certified mine rescue team vehicles to use red and red-and-white flashing warning lights under existing code provisions that authorize such lights for certain emergency vehicles. "When a mine rescue team is activated it is genuinely life and death," Delegate O'Quinn said, arguing such lights would allow teams to reach scenes more quickly.
He described mine rescue vehicles as large, van‑type vehicles (sometimes with a trailer) marked "mine rescue" and typically reflective but lacking the statutory warning lights that other emergency units may carry. No witnesses opposed the measure; none spoke online. Committee members moved and seconded a motion to report the bill, and the clerk closed the roll with a 5-0 vote. The bill will proceed to the full Transportation Committee for further consideration.
Committee members emphasized the life-or-death nature of some mine incidents and the purpose of the narrow change: to align statutory equipment allowances with operational safety needs for certified mine rescue teams.
