In this file photo, Rep. Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, speaks to her fellow House members after being sworn in as House Speaker on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

NASHVILLE - Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell today predicted that legislation affecting teachers' ability to bargain collectively will pass with some modification.

"I think there will be a few changes to the bill," the Nashville Republican told members of the Tennessee chapter of the National Federation of Small Business. "Ultimately, I think it will pass."

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam, speaking later, said "there will be a few more twists and turns before we get there," referencing a final bill.

Meanwhile, Gov. Haslam's legislation, which would toughen requirements for teacher tenure, comes up in the Senate Education Subcommittee on Wednesday.

Read more in tomorrow's Times Free Press.