Gov. Bill Haslam's civil service reform bill clears House

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam

NASHVILLE - Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's civil-service reform bill passed the GOP-controlled House today on a 74-19 vote.

The legislation, scheduled to come up Thursday in the Senate, will make it easier to hire and fire state workers. It also will create a new employee evaluation system and give state officials the ability to offer merit pay to workers.

Haslam's proposal now includes about 20 changes sought by Democrats, a number of Republicans and the Tennessee State Employees Association.

"They have made what was a good bill even better," said Rep. Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, the measure's sponsor.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.