WV SB651

Creates the West Virginia State Black Lung Program effective July 1, 2025, providing pain and suffering benefits for occupational pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) separate from total disability awards or federal black lung benefits

Establishes a conclusive presumption of black lung entitlement for miners with 10 years of dust exposure during the 15 years preceding their last exposure who have a chronic respiratory disability

Provides monthly benefits of $200 for miners with 15 years of exposure, plus an additional $15 per month for each year beyond 15 years, with work years calculated based on 1,000 hours equaling one full year

Imposes an additional tax equal to one-tenth of existing severance taxes on coal, natural gas, oil extraction, and electricity generation from wind or solar devices, with revenue deposited into a newly created State Black Lung Fund

Allows claimants to claim benefits received as a credit against state personal income tax and directs the Governor and Legislature to work with other coal-producing states to recoup a portion of federal coal excise taxes