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HB 5376

MINE SUBSIDENCE INSURANCE FUND

104th Regular Session Introduced by Christopher Belt and 6 co-sponsors

Illinois bill creates state insurance fund to cover property damage from abandoned coal mine subsidence, protecting homeowners in mining-affected regions from uncovered structural losses.

Passed Both Houses
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5376

Legislative bill overview

HB 5376 establishes a Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund in Illinois to provide property damage coverage for residents whose homes or land are affected by subsidence from abandoned coal mines. The bill creates a mechanism for insurance protection in areas vulnerable to ground collapse and structural damage caused by historical mining activity.

Why is this important

Mine subsidence poses genuine safety and financial risks in coal-mining regions of Illinois, particularly Southern Illinois. Homeowners in affected areas often cannot obtain standard insurance coverage for subsidence damage, leaving them financially exposed to potentially catastrophic property losses. This legislation addresses a market gap where private insurers typically exclude mine-related damage.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Unclear whether fund premiums will be affordable for residents in economically disadvantaged mining communities, or if costs shift to general taxpayers through state subsidies
  • Geographic scope and fairness: Questions about which areas qualify for coverage and whether non-mining regions will subsidize protection for mining-affected properties
  • Liability questions: Ambiguity about whether coal companies or the state bears ultimate financial responsibility for historical subsidence damage from their operations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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