Tennessee House gives OK to Haslam's worker comp overhaul

Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog

NASHVILLE - Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's workers' compensation overhaul passed the House today following a sometimes emotional debate with proponents saying the measure will benefit workers and lower employer costs while Democratic opponents charged that injured and "maimed" workers will suffer.

The bill will go back to the Senate for concurrence because of a minor change. The Senate had earlier approved the measure.

After batting down a series of amendments, the bill, handled by Rep. Kevin Brooks, R-Cleveland, passed on a 67-24.

The bill removes injured workers' claims from state courts and puts them under the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

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