NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The state Senate has passed a bill to allow faculty and workers with handgun carry permits to be armed on the campuses of Tennessee public colleges and universities.

The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville passed on a 28-5 vote Tuesday. The House is expected to take up the measure Wednesday.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam raised concerns about the measure for not giving institutions the power to opt out of allowing more guns on campus.

Bell said the Legislature has the authority to dictate gun policies at public universities and dismissed concerns from faculty members who worry about their safety if the bill becomes law.Previous story: Tennessee Senate committee to hear campus gun bill

Bell said he hopes some professors will follow through on vows to quit and that more conservative instructors will take their place.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)