MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Assembly has approved a bipartisan bill that would give veterans priority over other students when they register for University of Wisconsin System and state technical college classes.

Supports say the bill introduced by Democratic Rep. Dianne Hesselbein, of Middleton, would help veterans graduate before federal GI Bill benefits expire. The program provides help for veterans enrolled in classes for 36 months, but UW officials say the benefits sometimes run out a semester or two before students graduate.

The bill also would extend benefits to technical college students starting next year.

The Assembly passed the bill 94-1 on Thursday. It goes next to the state Senate.