DES MOINES, Iowa — [KCCI] – The Iowa House took the next step in advancing a bill that would allow teachers and school staff to obtain a professional permit to carry a gun on school property. House lawmakers passed the bill in a 61 to 36 vote Monday. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk to sign. The Iowa Senate passed the bill Wednesday.

The bill would allow teachers and other school staff to get a permit to carry a gun on school grounds. In order to get a permit, staff would have to pass background checks and attend at least five training courses. Staff at private schools, colleges and universities would also be allowed to get a permit.

Large school districts would also be required to have at least one security officer per high school. School boards would be able to vote to opt out of that requirement. If Gov. Kim Reynolds signs this bill into law, it would take effect immediately.The House already passed the bill in February. That version included a grant program to help recruit and retain school resource officers. The Senate voted to remove that portion of the plan Wednesday and sent it back to the House for review.