Radiation Exposure Compensation Improvement Act

Summary

Radiation Exposure Compensation Improvement Act - Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to add to the definition of "affected area" the parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico comprising the Navajo Nation Reservation that were subjected to fallout from nuclear weapons testing in Nevada. Modifies the definition of "specified disease." Amends provisions regarding claims relating to uranium mining to expand their applicability to include any individual employed to transport or handle uranium ore. Includes as eligible such individuals in currently-specified States and in any other State in which uranium was mined, milled, or transported. Includes as a uranium mine above-ground mines, open pit mines, and uranium mills. Expands the dates between which exposure must have taken place. Increases the amount of compensation provided, decreases the required period of exposure, eliminates the distinction between smokers and nonsmokers, and expands the compensable conditions to include any condition associated with uranium mining, milling, or transport. Mandates compensation for individuals employed in uranium mining, milling, or transport and who: (1) were, without the individual's knowledge or informed consent, intentionally exposed to radiation for research by the Federal Government; or (2) in the course of the individual's employment suffered death, injury, or disability but were barred from the worker's compensation system or civil actions available to similarly situated employees in nonuranium mines or mills. Modifies and establishes various definitions. Changes procedures and requirements regarding the determination and payment of claims, including setting forth certain requirements relating to Native Americans. Declares that payment of an award under any provision of the Act does not preclude an award under any other provision of the Act, but that no individual may receive more than one award for any compensable cancer or other disease. Allows claims to be filed for 20 years after the enactment of this Act and applies the amendments made by this Act to any claim pending or commenced after a specified date. Mandates a report to the Congress that: (1) summarizes medical knowledge on adverse health effects on residents of communities adjacent to uranium mills or mill tailings, above ground uranium mines, or open pit mines; (2) summarizes information on the availability and accessibility of medical care for individuals with malignancies and other compensable diseases relating to exposure to uranium as a result of mining and milling; (3) summarizes reclamation efforts regarding uranium mines, mills, and mill tailings in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, and Utah; and (4) makes recommendations for further actions to ensure health and safety regarding such efforts.

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Timeline

1. 22 July 1998

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 22 July 1998

   Introduced

   Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8782-8783)

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 22 July 1998

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

4. 7 October 1998

   Committee

   Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held.

   Source: Committee

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Introduced in Senate · 22 July 1998 · Official file

Documents

3 official files

• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 22 July 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate (PDF)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 22 July 1998

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 22 July 1998

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD] · D · Cosponsor
• · ssju00 · Standing

Related records

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