The Missouri legislature is likely one vote away from placing the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department under state control. The Senate voted 27-5 on Monday to pass a House bill placing control of the department under a state-appointed board. Four Democrats joined 23 Republicans in voting for the wide-reaching legislation on public safety.

The Missouri Senate has overwhelmingly passed a state takeover bill for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, which will now go back to the house for a final vote, with the mayor of St. Louis vowing to continue fighting against it.

The Missouri Legislature moved closer to transferring control of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to the state with a 27-5 vote Monday by the state Senate.