(a) In addition to the duties imposed upon him or her by law, the State Mine Inspector shall:
(1) Recommend to the various operators of coal mines throughout the state all safety rules that he or she shall deem advisable; and
(2) Investigate the necessity and feasibility of purchasing and maintaining safety, first aid, rescue, or recovery equipment that he or she shall find feasible and necessary.
(b)
(1) If he or she shall find the purchase and maintenance of the above-described equipment feasible and necessary, he or she is authorized to purchase and maintain the equipment after the legislative appropriation of necessary funds from the General Revenue Fund Account of the State Apportionment Fund, as directed by the appropriation, and the expenses thereof shall be paid in the same manner as the items provided for in § 11-7-205(b) are directed to be paid.
(2) All equipment as above described must be such that it will be adaptable for use in and will be available for use in any and all coal mines in the State of Arkansas.
(c) In his or her annual report, the mine inspector shall:
(1) Enumerate all recommendations that he or she has made for safety measures and the result thereof; and
(2) Recommend to each regular session of the General Assembly the measures as he or she deems necessary for the promotion of safety in coal mines.
(d) He or she shall also request appropriations of all funds necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section and § 11-7-205.