(1) The department of labor and industry will pay silicosis benefits to persons entitled to receive those benefits pursuant to Title 39, chapter 73, MCA. Such persons include the victim of silicosis, the surviving spouse of such a victim, or an appropriate representative of the victim or surviving spouse of the victim.

(2) The monthly amount paid as silicosis benefits is established by the legislature, and is subject to a funding level appropriated by the legislature for payment of monthly silicosis benefits.

(a) For the state fiscal biennium 2000-2001, the monthly amount paid as silicosis benefits is $225.00, except for persons who are the surviving spouse of a victim who died prior to March 14, 1974, or the representative of such a surviving spouse. The monthly amount payable to the surviving spouse of a victim who died prior to March 14, 1974, or the representative of such a surviving spouse, is $125.00.