The Arizona House voted to require that inmates who win a lawsuit for being injured on the job use the proceeds to pay for their own medical care.
Republicans approved the measure in a party-line vote on Tuesday.
Rep. Anthony Kern says his legislation is intended to prevent overzealous lawyers from profiting at the state's expense.
Democrats say it's unconscionable for the state to take the money paid to inmates who successfully sue for being hurt while engaged in prison labor.
They say inmates aren't eligible for workers compensation. The measure goes next to the Senate.
