DES MOINES, Iowa (WHO-TV) — Teachers in Iowa could soon be allowed to carry firearms in schools if a new bill introduced on Wednesday by House Republicans is passed.

HSB 675 would allow anyone to obtain a professional permit to carry weapons if they’re an employee of a school district, private school, or college that hasn’t opted out of the professional permitting of employees. In order to be issued a permit the employee must be eligible to carry a weapon, must complete one-time legal training, and must complete a firearm safety training course. Armed staff would also have to complete annual live scenario training and quarterly firearm training. School employees who are issued the permit would be entitled to qualified immunity from criminal or civil liability.

Last year the Cherokee School District and Spirit Lake School District passed policies that would allow certified school staff members to carry firearms. Both districts eventually ended the policies after struggling to find an insurance company that would provide a full policy with armed school staff.

The bill would also require school districts with an enrollment of at least 8,000 students to employ, and retain, at least one private school security officer or school resource officer at each building where students grades 9 through 12 attend. To support the employment and retention of the security officers, the Department of Education would be required to create a school security personnel fund that would match moneys provided by the school districts up to $50,000 a year.

The bill is scheduled to be discussed at a House subcommittee meeting at 12:30 p.m. on Monday.