The House Commerce Committee passed legislation this week providing for greater limitations on the benefits received by injured workers. House Bill 5002, sponsored by Representative Brad Jacobsen (R-Oxford), cleared the panel on an 11-7 party-line vote, with Representative Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) passing. Democrats attempted five amendments to the measures, all failing on party-line votes.
The legislation places specific limits on the amount of benefits paid to an injured worker at 80 percent of after-tax wages as well as requiring the injured worker make a “good faith” effort to secure other work if a total loss of earning ability was not suffered.
Further, the proposal seeks significant changes to the qualifications for workers’ compensation magistrates, requiring only that the individual be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan having practiced for a minimum of five years.