NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal that would allow teachers to remove disruptive students from Tennessee classrooms has passed the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Dolores Gresham of Somerville was unanimously approved 31-0 on Monday evening.

The measure would apply to students in grades five through 12.

Under the proposal, principals must "fully support the authority of every teacher ... to remove a student from the classroom."

The companion to the Senate bill is awaiting a vote in the House Finance Subcommittee.