Lawmakers in Kentucky have advanced a bill that would reshape a portion of their workers’ compensation system if it was passed, and place time limits on benefits for certain injured workers.

The provision would cap benefits for workers filing for permanent, partial disability claims at 15 years from the date of injury. Currently workers receiving permanent, partial disability receive benefits for the length of their disability. The House Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee passed the measure on a party-line vote today. Permanently, totally disabled workers would still receive lifetime medical benefits according to the lead sponsor of the bill Representative Adam Koenig. He also said this would apply to future claims, not current claims. Workers who are facing the 15-year cap mark may also apply for two-year extensions.

The bill would also increase the state average weekly wage, put a time limit on the ability of injured workers to reopen a claim, end indemnity benefits at age 67, or two years after an injury, whichever is later, and would increase the cap on attorneys’ fees by $6,000 to $18,000.

Opponents are worried that they may not receive benefits that they need. A police officer in Louisville, Mike Clark, was hit by a drunk driver in 2011 and still suffers medical problems as a result of his work-related injuries. He worries that he will need benefits down the road and will not be able to get them.

The measure will now go to the House.

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