Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act

Summary

Creates a new, statutory entitlement under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) for people (or their authorized agents) who lived in specifically enumerated ZIP codes affected by Manhattan Project waste and later developed listed radiation-related diseases, and expands and updates RECA rules for claims tied to atomic testing and uranium-related exposures. It sets eligibility rules, payment amounts for living and deceased claimants, documentary standards, and extends the authorization period for the RECA compensation fund, while requiring Attorney General certification of claims. Also revises eligibility timelines and fixed payment amounts for leukemia and other specified-disease claims tied to Trinity, Nevada, and Pacific atmospheric tests, shortens some required residence periods, adds new continuous-presence windows, and lengthens an existing fund authorization from two to six years. The text contains at least one apparent drafting error related to a dollar-amount insertion that would need correction for unambiguous implementation.

• Creates a new RECA entitlement for people exposed to Manhattan Project waste in specific ZIP codes who later develop listed radiation-related diseases.
• Requires at least two years' physical presence after Jan 1, 1949 in enumerated affected ZIP codes to qualify for Manhattan Project waste claims, with contemporaneous records required as proof.
• Provides living eligible claimants the greater of $50,000 or otherwise payable amount plus reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by other programs.
• Sets survivor payments for deceased eligible individuals: $25,000 to surviving spouse or $25,000 divided among surviving children if no spouse.
• Extends RECA fund authorization from 2 years to 6 years and revises eligibility windows and payment rules for leukemia and other claims tied to Trinity, Nevada, and Pacific tests.
• Shortens some required presence periods from two years to one year and adds new continuous-presence eligibility windows, while fixing certain leukemia claim payments at $100,000.
• Requires Attorney General certification of claimant identity and satisfaction of RECA criteria before award.
• Contains at least one apparent drafting error affecting a statutory dollar amount that would need correction for clear implementation.
• Likely increases federal costs and administrative workload to process expanded categories of claims and reimbursements.