SECTION 460:20-5-6. Penalties

(a)   Criminal penalties are imposed by 45 O.S. 1981, Sec. 767, which prohibits each employee of the Department of Mines who performs any function or duty under this Act from having a direct or indirect financial interest in any underground or surface coal mining operation. The Act provides that whoever knowingly violates the provisions of Section 767 shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000, or by imprisonment of not more than one year, or by both.

(b)   Regulatory penalties are imposed by this Subchapter. The provisions in Section 767 make compliance with the financial-interest requirements a condition of employment for employees of the Department of Mines who perform any functions or duties under the Act. Accordingly, an employee who fails to file the required statement will be considered in violation of the intended employment provisions of Section 767 and will be subject to removal from his or her position.