NASHVILLE - A proposal that makes changes to the process for selecting books for state schools has been approved by the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville was approved 29-2 on Monday evening.

The 10-member textbook selection panel recommends its selections to the State Board of Education, and local school systems then choose which textbooks to adopt from the official state textbook list.

Last year, state lawmakers heard testimony from parents who complained about the content of some books and urged legislators to implement a stronger public review process.

The Senate proposal would require school districts to put together an advisory committee to look at the books, which would be available online for the public to view and make comments.

Under the proposal, the House and Senate speakers would each make three appointments to the panel, instead of the governor appointing nine.