NASHVILLE (AP) - The Senate has approved legislation that seeks to lift Tennessee's ban on switchblades.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville was approved 27-3 on Thursday. The companion bill is scheduled to be heard next week in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

The measure would also end restrictions on carrying blades longer than 4 inches.

The bill would set statewide rules for knives, meaning that local governments would no longer be able to set their own restrictions.

Under the proposal, it would be illegal to carry a switchblade on school property.