The State of California has a State Mining and Geology Board. This board is made up of nine members who are appointed by the Governor. The appointments must be confirmed by the Senate.

This section defines the terms used in the article. Here, 'board' refers to the State Mining and Geology Board, and 'division' refers to the California Geological Survey within the department.

This section outlines the composition and qualifications of a specific board, ensuring that it includes members with expertise in fields like geology, mining engineering, water quality, and environmental protection. It emphasizes that members should represent the public interest, with restrictions on how many can have financial ties to mining companies.

Additionally, it requires that any board member who has a conflict of interest in a matter must disclose this in writing before the board votes on the issue.

This section of the law specifies that board members can't be involved in decisions that affect them directly or anyone they're closely associated with, such as a job or financial interest. It also prohibits them from consulting with or working on behalf of anyone involved in surface mining operations before any state or local agency. If a board member knowingly breaks these rules, the Attorney General can seek their removal through a court case.

This law section says that board members cannot try to influence board decisions if they have had an undisclosed private communication about the matter. If they break this rule, they can be fined up to $7,500. Besides the fine, the court can also require the losing party to pay the winning party's legal fees and costs.

This law states that each board member is appointed for a four-year term. If any position becomes vacant, the Governor is responsible for filling it right away.

Board members receive $100 for each day they perform their official duties, but their total annual compensation is capped at $4,000, except for the chair who can earn up to $5,000 per year. Additionally, all members can get reimbursed for travel and other expenses related to their official duties.

This law specifies that the board must have its main office in Sacramento and can hold meetings whenever and wherever it chooses. To conduct business, at least five board members must be present. Any changes to state policy on reclaiming mined lands need a majority vote from the board. Additionally, all board meetings are required to be open to the public.

This law states that the Governor picks the chair of the board from the board members, and this position can be changed at any time by the Governor. Additionally, the board elects a vice chair from its members each year.

This law states that the board has the authority to hire an executive officer who does not have to follow the usual civil service rules. The board can also hire clerical staff as needed to perform its responsibilities effectively. However, neither the board nor its employees are allowed to have any role or influence over administering the division they oversee.

This law states that the director does not have the authority to change or cancel any decisions made by the board.

This law section explains that a designated board is responsible for overseeing California's interests in mineral resource management, mining land recovery, and handling issues related to federal mining policies. Additionally, the board handles policies about gathering geological information, which is crucial for understanding the state's landscape and assessing risks from earthquakes and other geological hazards. The board's role includes setting general policies for related state divisions.

This section states that the board acts as a policy and appeals board specifically for the purposes outlined in Chapter 7.5, starting with Section 2621, of Division 2.

This law allows a board to create a statewide research program focused on the technical aspects of reclaiming land that's been mined. They can receive funding from the U.S. government or other sources to help run this program. The board can manage the program on its own, work with others through contracts, or partner with various organizations and government entities at both federal and state levels.

This section mandates that there should be a public information program to educate people about the state's landscape, mineral resources, mining activities, how mined lands are restored, and the geological factors related to earthquakes and other hazards.

This section explains how the State Geologist of California is appointed. The board nominates a candidate, and the director officially appoints them. The appointed person must either be registered as a geologist according to the Geologist and Geophysicist Act within a year of their appointment or granted registration based on their academic and professional experience. The State Geologist should have a broad knowledge of fields like mineral resources, structural geology, seismology, and engineering geology. They also play a key role in advising the director on various scientific and technical issues related to the division's work.

This law allows the director to let the State Geologist hire employees for the division, following the rules of the State Civil Service Act. The director can also let the State Geologist or any division employee carry out duties or use powers given to the director by the State Civil Service Act.