By Jeanette Rundquist/The Star-Ledger

TRENTON — The first major change to New Jersey’s tenure law in a century, but one that leaves intact the practice of laying off teachers based on seniority, won unanimous backing today of a Senate committee.

Senate President Steve Sweeney talks with Senator Teresa Ruiz and Senator Kevin O'Toole
Senate President Steve Sweeney talks with Senator Teresa Ruiz and Senator Kevin O'Toole during a hearing of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee in Trenton. 6/18/12 John O'Boyle/The Star-Ledger

After a lengthy hearing that included testimony from New Jersey Education Association President Barbara Keshishian, education advocates and parents, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee voted, 13-0, to send the bill to the full Senate for a vote.

Today’s vote means bills on the issue have won committee approval in both houses of the Legislature.

Sen. Teresa Ruiz, (D-Essex), who sponsored the Senate bill, said it was a compromise among lawmakers and “stakeholder,” and was “elated” the measure passed.

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