JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to legislation that would expand the type of ailments covered by the state workers' compensation system, a move that supporters hope will make Missouri more attractive to businesses by lessening their potential litigation costs.

The legislation would include occupational diseases under the workers' compensation program instead of allowing such claims to be battled out in court. It also would restrict employee lawsuits against co-workers for injuries sustained on the job to instances in which the injury was "purposefully and dangerously" caused.

The Republican-led House passed the measure 87-68, sending it to Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon. The GOP-led Senate had passed the bill 28-6 last month on a largely party-line vote. The House failed to adopt a provision the Senate had approved that would have put the bill into effect as soon as it is signed by the governor. It is not clear, however, if Nixon actually will sign the bill or will instead veto it.