DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Veterans could receive preferential treatment in the hiring and promotion decisions of private businesses under a bill moving through the Iowa Legislature. The House Veterans Affairs Committee approved a measure Tuesday that would allow private sector employers to grant preference to veterans when deciding who to hire or promote. The bill now goes to the House floor.

State government already can give hiring preference to veterans. The bill clarifies that it is legal for the private sector to do so as well. Jimmy Centers, a spokesman for Gov. Terry Branstad, says the bill is part of the governor’s plan to support veterans in Iowa.

Republican Rep. Dwayne Alons, who heads the committee, says this bill would also expand upon preferences allowed for veterans in federal positions.