The Missouri House of Representatives passed the bill that would return the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to state control. The bill now heads to Governor Mike Kehoe, who intends to sign it later this month.

Legislation putting control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in the hands of a state board is on its way to the governor’s desk.

St. Louis would lose control over its police force under a bill Missouri lawmakers approved Wednesday, possibly joining a few cities nationally where local elected officials don't fully manage law enforcement.