NASHVILLE -- The Tennessee House gave final approval this afternoon to a controversial bill that allows the State Board of Education to approve charter schools rejected by local school boards.

Representatives voted 61-28 to concur with a minor amendment, sending the charter authorizer bill to Gov. Bill Haslam, who is expected to sign it.

The bill was introduced by House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, last year as a result of a dispute involving Nashville Metro schools, the State Board of Education and the Haslam administration.

The bill at this point would affect the state's five largest school districts, including Hamilton County.