NASHVILLE (AP) - Legislation to change Tennessee's civil service law would make sure that military veterans get more than just an interview.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam and Democratic leaders disagreed on his proposal that would guarantee that veterans would receive an interview but no preference in hiring.

But the version of the bill that passed the Senate State and Local Committee on Tuesday would require that if everything else is equal, a veteran's service be the deciding hiring factor.

The companion bill is awaiting a vote in the House State and Local Government Committee.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Nashville says the proposal is the least the state can do for veterans who "put their lives on the line to protect us."