NASHVILLE (AP) - The House has approved a bill to make the names of applicants to lead public colleges and universities confidential.

The chamber voted 79-12 on Thursday in favor of the measure that the bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga, said he introduced on behalf of the University of Tennessee's board of trustees.

McCormick said the bill would encourage more candidates to apply for the jobs without fear of hurting their current employment. The names of the three finalists would become public at least 15 days before a decision is made about who gets the job, up from seven days in the original version.

The Senate would have to agree to that change before the measure can head for the governor's consideration.