Skip to main content
HR 615 104th Congress House Labor and Employment Administrative procedure Administrative remedies Black lung Claims Coal Department of Labor Disability evaluation Disabled Economics and Public Finance Evidence (Law) Families Government Operations and Politics Government trust funds Judicial review of administrative acts Law Old age, survivors and disability insurance Remarriage Social Welfare Standards

Black Lung Benefits Act Amendments of 1995

Introduced: January 20, 1995 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 1, 1995
Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.
Jan 20, 1995
Referred to the House Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities. Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Jan 20, 1995
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E146)
Jan 20, 1995
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Black Lung Benefits Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Black Lung Benefits Act to provide special procedures for certain pneumoconiosis claims.

Sets forth new standards for evidence in death and total disability claims, especially as to causation by coal mine employment.

Applies such new eligibility standards to: (1) all new claims; and (2) all pending and prior denied claims, after review under new standards.

Provides that all benefits payable under any claim determined under such new eligibility standards shall be paid from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, which is financed by the coal industry (thus eliminating coal operators as defendants with legal counsel in black lung disability cases).

Sets forth new rules for judicial review of black lung claims.

Requires award of black lung benefits to survivors or dependents of a deceased miner if any of specified conditions is met.

Permits claimants who have had a black lung claim denied to submit an additional claim, without a showing of a material change, for de novo consideration on the merits.

Prohibits the Secretary of Labor from: (1) appealing adverse decisions on black lung claims; or (2) reopening a black lung claim under which benefits were awarded and with respect to which no appeal is pending, unless the Secretary offers reasonable evidence to suspect fraud.

Provides that, when benefits are paid after an initial determination of eligibility, repayment of such benefits will not be required even upon a final determination of ineligibility.

Requires that a miner's widow: (1) not be disqualified from receiving benefits upon remarriage; and (2) be entitled to receive benefits regardless of the length of marriage to the miner.

What's happening now February 1, 1995

Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2