RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The North Carolina House has given its initial approval to a version of a Senate bill that would sweep out more than 100 appointees to state boards and regulatory commissions and eliminate a dozen outdated panels.

The proposal given tentative approval Thursday essentially fires members of several commissions now or in the coming months and makes way for new appointments from Republican legislative leaders and new GOP Gov. Pat McCrory. The size of many commissions also would be reduced.

House Republicans say it's the right time at the beginning of a new administration to make the changes. But Democrats like Minority Leader Larry Hall say the bill is an unprecedented power grab.

A final House vote is expected next week. Then House and Senate Republicans will work out differences.