DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – An effort to keep two state mental health facilities open longer remains alive in the Iowa Legislature, though lawmakers acknowledge it may not prevent some employees from losing their jobs. A House Appropriations subcommittee approved a bill Wednesday that would require facilities in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant to remain open until a commission approves a transition plan for the closings.

The closings are set to happen by this summer, though layoffs in at least one facility are scheduled by April 6. Lawmakers acknowledge the bill may not get to Gov. Terry Branstad in time, and they weren’t sure what would happen. The Senate passed the bill following criticism that the closings would be too sudden. Branstad has said the facilities are outdated and there are other treatment options for patients.