SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — It took two tries, but lawmakersapproved a major overhaul of Illinois' workers' compensation systemTuesday in an effort to save businesses hundreds of millions ofdollars.

The measure now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn, who said he "absolutely"will sign it.

It passed 62-43 in the Illinois House just 48 hours after thesame chamber rejected it.

At the time of Sunday's vote, Rep. John Bradley, the sponsor,warned his colleagues that he would not call the bill for anothervote and instead would push to eliminate workers' compensation entirely. That threat andintense lobbying produced a few more votes, and the Marion Democratrevived the bill just hours before the legislative session wasscheduled to end.

Republicans said the bill isn't real reform and hits doctors toohard by cutting their fees.

Businesses complain that workers' compensation is far tooexpensive. Unnecessary treatment is allowed, medical fees are toohigh and awards to injured workers are too large, they say.

The changes are supposed to cut between $500 million and $700million from workers' compensation, which totals $3 billion.

Medical fees will be reduced 30 percent. Payments for carpaltunnel syndrome will last only 28 ½ weeks, instead of 40. Newguidelines will govern what treatment injured workers can receiveand make harder for intoxicated workers to win claims.

Employers can organize medical networks for handling workers'compensation cases. Business leaders say that will lower costs andchoose doctors who don't cater as much to workers.

The bill addresses potential abuse by firing the arbitrators whodecide claims. New arbitrators will serve three-year terms insteadof six and will be barred from accepting gifts. Critics sayarbitrators have been too "cozy" with workers and theirlawyers.

"These are huge changes," Bradley said.

Republicans strongly disagreed. Only one Republican voted forthe changes Tuesday, one more than backed it Sunday.

"This bill does nothing to change the culture of corruption thathovers over the workers' compensation system," said House MinorityLeader Tom Cross, R-Oswego. "It doesn't look like reform. Itdoesn't smell like reform. It isn't reform."

Republicans wanted smaller cuts for the medical industry, aheavy contributor to GOP candidates. They also wanted a requirementthat workers prove their injuries are job related before winningany claim.

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The bill is HB1698.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov