Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 2023

Direct Link: https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hr1eas

Introduction

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 2023 is a federal law that provides financial compensation to individuals who have suffered from radiation-related illnesses or conditions.

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the “Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 2023”.

Section 2. Table of contents

Section 3. Findings and purpose
Section 4. Definitions
Section 5. Compensation for certain individuals
Section 6. Payment of compensation
Section 7. Limitations on claims

Section 3. Findings and purpose

The Congress finds that—

There is substantial evidence to support the conclusion that certain workers, including members of the military services and civilians, were exposed to radiation as a result of the operation of nuclear facilities; and

This Act is enacted to provide compensation for such individuals.

Section 4. Definitions

In this Act:

Affected area: means any area designated by the Secretary as a result of exposure to radiation;
Claimant: means an individual who files a claim under section 5; and
Secretary: means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Section 5. Compensation for certain individuals

The Secretary shall pay compensation to an individual who is found by the Secretary to have been exposed to radiation as a result of his or her employment at a nuclear facility, if:

The individual submits a claim under this section;
The individual’s exposure to radiation occurred before January 1, 2023; and
The individual is found by the Secretary to have suffered from radiation-related illnesses or conditions.

Section 6. Payment of compensation

(a) Payment of compensation

(1) The Secretary shall pay, not later than 30 days after the date on which the claimant is determined to have been entitled to compensation under section 5, an amount equal to $50,000 for each child born to a claimant who dies as a result of radiation exposure.

(2) The Secretary shall pay, not later than 30 days after the date on which the claimant is determined to have been entitled to compensation under section 5, an amount equal to $25,000 for each child born to a surviving spouse of a claimant who dies as a result of radiation exposure.

(3) The Secretary shall pay, not later than 30 days after the date on which the claimant is determined to have been entitled to compensation under section 5, an amount equal to $25,000 for each surviving child of a claimant who dies as a result of radiation exposure.