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HB 4901

Modifying the Occupational Pneumoconiois award categories for Worker’s Compensation

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stan Adkins and 7 co-sponsors

HB 4901 restructures West Virginia's occupational pneumoconiosis worker compensation award categories, potentially altering benefit levels for coal miners with dust-caused lung disease.

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 4901

Legislative bill overview

HB 4901 modifies how West Virginia's workers' compensation system classifies and awards benefits for occupational pneumoconiosis—lung diseases caused by inhaling dust particles, particularly affecting coal miners. The bill restructures the award categories that determine compensation levels for workers diagnosed with these conditions.

Why is this important

Pneumoconiosis is a significant occupational health issue in West Virginia's coal mining region, and how the state classifies disease severity directly determines what financial and medical benefits affected workers receive. Changes to award categories can substantially impact compensation amounts and eligibility for thousands of current and former miners dealing with chronic respiratory conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Benefit level impacts: Stakeholders will dispute whether the new categories increase, decrease, or maintain current compensation levels for workers at different disease severity stages
  • Medical classification criteria: Debate over what medical evidence (X-rays, pulmonary function tests, etc.) determines category placement and whether the standards are appropriate or outdated
  • Industry vs. worker interests: Coal operators may support changes reducing liability costs, while labor unions and worker advocates likely oppose reductions in benefits or narrower eligibility definitions

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

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