Bill Text: WV SCR59 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requesting study of causes of increased incidents of black lung
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 7-3)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2019-03-09 - Ordered to House [SCR59 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2019-SCR59-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 59
(By Senators Stollings, Maynard, Palumbo, Plymale, Roberts, Rucker, Tarr, Takubo, Weld, and Maroney)
[Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources; Reported on March 8, 2019]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the causes of increased incidents of black lung; determine the most appropriate way to compensate for black lung; implement policies to reduce the risk of developing black lung; and determine which testing should be used when diagnosing black lung.
Whereas, According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, the rate of black lung disease in coal miners is growing, particularly in miners who work in central Appalachia; and
Whereas, One in five coal miners who have worked in West Virginia, Kentucky, or Virginia for more than 25 years has coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, according to the American Journal of Public Health study. Nationally, more than 10 percent of miners with the same amount of experience have the debilitating and irreversible disease, which is caused by exposure to coal dust; and
Whereas, The rate of black lung started declining in 1969, when Congress shifted its focus on limiting dust exposure. But, scientists have found an increase in the disease since 1997, especially in younger miners whose careers started after 1969; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government on Finance study the causes of increased incidents of black lung; determine the most appropriate way to compensate for black lung; implement policies to reduce the risk of developing black lung; and determine which testing should be used when diagnosing black lung; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance enlist the assistance of other state agencies and departments as necessary in conducting the study; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the regular session of the Legislature, 2020, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
