Republicans on a House committee have approved a measure that cuts protections of the classified employment system for many state workers.

The measure now goes to the full House. The bill would make all state attorneys, supervisors and information technology workers unclassified. Under the bill, all new hires would also be unclassified, and any current state employee who is either transferred, demoted or promoted would also be unclassified.

The bill wouldn’t affect public safety employees.

Rep. Jerry Henry of Atchison, a Democrat, says the measure warrants more study because it drastically alters the system that allows classified employees to appeal job dismissals and demotions through the Civil Service System. Opponents also say the bill would lead to jobs awarded based on politics instead of merit.