DENVER (AP) – Colorado voters are closer to being asked whether to change the state constitution to change employment protections for state employees.

A bill approved by the Colorado House Tuesday updates the rules for how state employees are hired and fired. Many of the changes are in the state constitution, meaning voters would have to approve the changes this November.

The bill includes revised pay standards and big changes to the so-called “bumping” rule, in which senior employees could “bump” newer hires if they’re laid off. The rule would be eliminated for most employees. The bill also creates first-ever severance pay for most state employees.

A more formal vote is required in the House before the proposal moves to the Senate.

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper called for many of the changes.

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