NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- House lawmakers agreed late Tuesday to re-open negotiations over a stalled proposal to expand eligibility for Tennessee charter schools.

The bill failed last month when House Democrats closed the education committee before a vote.

The Senate passed the bill, which would open charter school registration to any at-risk student.

Under the new proposal, at-risk students who receive free or reduced-price lunches in school systems with 14,000 students will be permitted enrollment in charter schools. It also limits the number of charter schools statewide to 90.

Democrats had previously argued more charter schools would drain regular public-school funding. Other critics said it focused too much on urban areas.

Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen has indicated he would sign a charter schools expansion into law, and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has warned that Tennessee could lose out on more than $100 million worth of federal stimulus money if it doesn't expand access to charters schools.

House speaker Kent Williams, who earlier voiced disgust at caucus positioning, said he is pleased lawmakers were able to reach a compromise.

"I think the parties came to an agreement that both sides are happy with," Williams said. "And, I'm glad to see it moving. It's always good when we keep negotiating."