JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A standing room only crowd spilled into the hallway to watch a Missouri House committee hearing on a bill barring payment of union dues as a condition of employment.

Republican committee members said Wednesday Missouri needs “right-to-work” legislation to attract new businesses to the state. Democrats said the bill would cause “freeloading,” with some workers benefiting from a union contract without paying dues.

Gov. Jay Nixon’s administration opposes the legislation, but Nixon would be sidelined if the measure passes the Legislature. Instead of going to the governor, it would be submitted to voters for approval this November.

The hearing was so packed that not everyone got to testify Wednesday morning. The hearing is scheduled to resume Wednesday afternoon.

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