NASHVILLE (AP) — Rep. Curtis Johnson is presiding over the Tennesee House while Speaker Beth Harwell is away to attend to her mother's funeral.

Harwell, a Nashville Republican, left for Spring City, Pa., on Wednesday. Her mother, Jessie Halteman, was 97.

Harwell's staff expects her to return next week.

Johnson, a Clarksville Republican, was elected as speaker pro tempore before this year's session began.