NASHVILLE (AP) - House Speaker Beth Harwell is getting legal advice about how or whether the chamber could expel fellow Republican state Rep. Jeremy Durham amid allegations of sexual harassment and other questionable behavior.

But Harwell told reporters at the state Capitol on Thursday that she hopes it doesn't need to come to that if he steps down on his own.

In the Nashville Republican's words: "As I've said all along, I think it has been his best interest to resign."

Several women have alleged inappropriate behavior by Durham both in person and via email, but none have filed a formal complaint with the Legislature.

House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada says he's against a move to expel Durham without a finding by the Legislature's human resources department.