Michigan reform legislation heads to Senate despite party-line split

What's being called the first significant reform legislation to the workers' comp system in a quarter of a century is halfway through the Michigan Legislature. The House passed H.B. 5002 on a vote of 59-49, largely along party lines.

The Republican-sponsored measure would modernize the system to reflect medical, legal, and economic advancements since the workers' comp law was written a century ago, according to supporters. They say it would help crack down on fraud and represents a great balance between the needs of injured workers and employers.

Opponents argue it could weaken protections for injured workers. One Democratic legislative opponent says it would make it harder for workers hurt on the job to put food on the table, and he called it an attempt to help big business dodge responsibility to injured workers.

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One major area of disagreement concerns litigation over disputes. Proponents say the legislation provides increased clarity and certainty and would reduce the need for court cases to settle claims. But opponents contend it could significantly increase the number of court cases.

The bill now heads to the state Senate.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

November 21, 2011

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