Senate Bill 544 Summary

• Defines "suitable employment" as work within an employee's restrictions before maximum medical improvement or work the employee is capable of performing after maximum medical improvement based on education, skills, and experience.

• Caps temporary total disability compensation at 500 weeks from the date of injury and extends partial incapacity compensation from 300 to 500 weeks; establishes specific criteria for total and permanent disability eligibility.

• Increases death benefits by raising burial expense allowances from $3,500 to $10,000 and extends death benefit payment periods from 400 to 500 weeks.

• Reduces the Industrial Commission from seven to five commissioners subject to General Assembly confirmation, implements two-term limits for commissioners, and subjects commissioners and deputy commissioners to judicial conduct standards.

• Repeals the Industrial Commission's full exemption from the Administrative Procedure Act, requiring the agency to adopt rules in accordance with Article 2A of Chapter 150B and to readopt existing rules by December 31, 2012.