Bill > HB3107

This bill establishes the West Virginia Black Lung Program, which provides pain and suffering benefits for coal miners diagnosed with occupational pneumoconiosis (black lung disease). The program creates a presumptive eligibility for miners who can demonstrate at least 10 years of exposure to coal dust within a 15-year period, with benefits available even without total disability. Miners will receive a base monthly payment of $200, with an additional $15 per month for each year of exposure beyond the initial 15 years. The program will be funded through a new 0.1 tax on coal, natural gas, oil, and renewable energy production, which will be deposited into a dedicated State Black Lung Fund. Claimants can also claim these benefits as a tax credit against their state personal income tax. The Insurance Commissioner and Tax Commissioner are required to propose rules for implementing the program, which will begin on July 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill calls for the Governor and Legislature to work with other coal-producing states to potentially recoup a portion of the federal coal tax to help offset the program's costs.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3107&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill