Sec. 6. (a) An employee of the department who has a duty under this article may not have a direct or an indirect financial interest in a surface coal mining operation.
(b) In addition to the filings required under IC 35-44.1, each member of the commission shall file annually with the director a statement of employment and financial interest on a form prescribed by the department.
(c) A member of the commission may not participate in a proceeding that may affect the member's direct or indirect financial interests.
(d) A person who knowingly violates this section commits a Class A misdemeanor.