NASHVILLE (AP) — Legislation that would permit a charter school to be operated by a for-profit entity is advancing in the House.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis was approved on a voice vote in the House Education Subcommittee on Tuesday. The companion bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.

DeBerry said the legislation is permissive, meaning a school district has to approve it.

Currently, Tennessee has 69 charter schools, which are publicly financed but operated independently.