DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Senate panel has approved a bill that could halt the upcoming closings of state mental health centers in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant. A three-member human resources subcommittee approved the bill unanimously Monday. It now heads to a full committee for consideration. The bill would require the state Department of Human Services to keep the facilities open until it develops a “suitable and appropriate” long-term care and treatment plan for its patients. The Legislature would approve the plan.

Gov. Terry Branstad’s budget proposal removes funding for the facilities. State officials say patients will be able to receive treatment elsewhere. Critics say the closings, scheduled later this year, have not been well organized. Democratic Sen. Rich Taylor, the bill’s sponsor, says he has bipartisan support in both chambers.