BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Legislature has passed a bill that would allow school districts to designate an armed first responder at schools.

The Senate passed the House bill on Friday.

The legislation requires districts to create a plan that must be approved by law enforcement and the local school boards. School districts also have the ability to withdraw from the plan at any time.

Supporters of the guns-in-schools bill say it’s focused on rural schools without a school resource officer, since it takes law enforcement time to respond to an emergency situation.

Education groups have opposed the idea, fearing safety of students and potential lawsuits and higher insurance costs.

The bill now goes to Gov. Doug Burgum.