Financial interest of department employee in coal mining operation prohibited; violation; penalty.

Sec. 63540. An employee of the department performing any function or duty under this part shall not have a direct or indirect financial interest in an underground or surface coal mining operation. A person who knowingly violates this subsection shall, on conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both.