ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ The Republican-led Legislature is ready to test Gov. Mark Dayton with a bill that would ban Minnesota cities from setting their own minimum wage and paid sick leave rules.

The Senate passed the labor bill Thursday on a mostly party line vote of 35-31 following its passage in the House last month. The differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill will be decided by a small committee of lawmakers before heading to Dayton.

Democrats criticized the bill, saying cities should be allowed set their labor rules. But Republicans argue businesses need uniformity on wage regulations and sick leave policies from city to city.

Dayton hasn't taken a firm position on the bill but says he's concerned about limiting cities' ability to create policies to fit their needs.

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