HR 4389 · 95th Congress · Black lung

Black Lung Reform Act

Introduced 1977-03-02· Sponsored by Rep. Simon, Paul [D-IL-24]· House

Bill Progress

Introduced
2
Committee
3
House Vote
4
Senate
5
Enacted
Latest: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.(1977-03-02)

Plain Language Summary

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Black Lung Reform Act - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to establish a rebuttable presumption that miners with 20 or more years of coal mine employment shall be entitled to receive benefits under provisions of the Act. Stipulates that no claim for benefits shall be denied based on location or nature of employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program designed to locate and assist individuals who are likely to be eligible for benefits under this Act. Stipulates that individuals so informed shall be eligible to file a claim despite previous failure to file within the specified time frame. Redefines the term "total disability" to prohibit use of the fact that a deceased miner was still a mine employee at the time of death as evidence that such miner was not totally disabled. Requires that all claimants be given an opportunity for a complete medical examination by a physician of the claimant's own choice. Establishes a Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Sets forth provisions governing administration of the Fund. States that amounts in the Fund shall be available for making expenditures to meet the oblig…

Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only

Cosponsors (12)

11 Democrats1 Republican