NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Republican-controlled state Senate has voted to nullify a local hiring requirement approved by Nashville voters last year.

The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Jack Johnson of neighboring Williamson County (SB2103) was approved on a 27-5 vote on Monday. Johnson said the measure discriminates against workers living in surrounding counties.

The ballot measure that earned 58 percent of the vote in August requires contractors on public construction projects worth more than $100,000 to assign at least 40 percent of work hours to employees who live within the city, and that 10 percent go to low-income residents.

Sen. Steve Dickerson of Nashville said he voted against the measure at the polls last year but opposed overturning the result through legislation.

The House is scheduled to vote on the bill on Wednesday.