DES MOINES, Iowa — A bill that has been highly debated along party lines is now headed to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk for her signature.
The bill would allow school staff to carry firearms if they go through training sessions with the Iowa Department of Public Safety and pass a background check.
This legislation would also require school districts with at least 8,000 students enrolled to employ a School Resource Officer, unless the district board votes to opt out.
It has been a piece of legislation that some lawmakers have framed as a response to the deadly shooting at Perry High School in January.
"Time and math do not lie, the first 30 seconds in these scenarios are extremely critical," said Rep. Phil Thompson, R-Boone County. "This bill does set a high standard for districts and staff that want to participate this, and go the extra mile to protect our kids."
The bill also gives school staff who carry firearms and the district qualified immunity. They are granted this immunity, if they used "reasonable force" at the place of employment.
Democrats have argued that there are other ways to keep schools and kids safe, however Republicans say this is the most efficient way to address school safety.
"When you have no liability for teachers in the school district, all children will be at risk, all families will have nowhere to go when their children are harmed or seriously injured," said Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Story County.
The final version of the bill passed out of the House in a vote of 62 to 36, with one Republican voting against the bill with the Democrats.
If Gov. Reynolds signs this legislation into law, the bill would take effect immediately.