NASHVILLE (AP) - Lawmakers are lamenting Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to change Tennessee's civil service law, saying it would eliminate preference given to military veterans.

Currently, preference is given to veterans and spouses of veterans who are applying for such jobs.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Nashville said the proposal would guarantee that veterans would receive an interview, but no preference would be given to them in the hiring process.

The measure was delayed Tuesday in the House State and Local Government Committee. Republican Rep. Jim Cobb of Spring City, a member of the panel and a veteran, said giving veterans an interview, but no preference, is "almost an insult to a veteran."

Legislators say the proposal also doesn't help spouses of deceased and disabled veterans find a job.

Haslam told reporters after a speaking engagement Tuesday evening that veterans "will always be guaranteed the r ight to an interview, which is actually the max that you can guarantee things under the new system."