ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Legislation giving military veterans a legal right to Veterans Day off from work is advancing in the Minnesota Legislature.

The bill cleared a state House committee on Wednesday and was also getting consideration in the Senate. It would require employers to approve time off for documented veterans each November 11th as long as a request is made a month ahead of time. Their absence also can't affect public health and safety or cause a significant operational disruption.

Democratic Rep. Andrew Falk says veterans have earned the day and deserve to mark it as they choose.

The measure encountered opposition from some lawmakers who worried about it creating a hardship on employers.

The bill leaves it up to the employer to decide if the time off comes with pay or not.

More From AM 1240 WJON