Recognizes the importance of compensating an injured worker permanently and totally disabled from an industrial injury or occupational disease. However, a permanent and total disability award should not be a replacement for retirement income.

Finds that a permanent and total disability award is intended to provide compensation to an injured worker only during the individual's working years.

Aligns workers' compensation disability awards with federal retirement standards.

Increases permanent partial disability awards.

Decreases workers' compensation rates.