HONOLULU » A state Senate committee has approved legislation that would grant a governor the authority to nominate members of the state Board of Education.

The legislation by Democratic Sen. Jill Tokuda of Kaneohe and Kailua was passed 6-0 Monday by the Senate Education Committee with minor amendments.

It next goes to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Tokuda’s proposal would allow Gov. Neil Abercrombie to nominate 11 voting members to the board. The governor’s appointees would be subject to Senate confirmation.

Of the current 14-member BOE, 13 are elected and can vote. The 14th is a nonvoting student member.