INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Senate has endorsed legislation that would prevent most schools from starting classes before Labor Day.

The bill passed Tuesday on a 31-19 vote and now heads to the Democrat-controlled House for consideration. Its supporters say starting classes after Labor Day would give families more summer vacation time while reducing the cost of cooling classrooms in August.

Opponents say school calendars should be left up to school districts.

The bill would apply to public and accredited nonpublic schools, but would not affect schools that have year-round classes.

Democratic House Education Committee Chairman Greg Porter of Indianapolis says he may give it a hearing if it’s assigned to his committee, but he prefers local school board control.

Posted 2/3/2010