BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Senate has rejected a proposal that would allow trained staff members to carry concealed firearms in schools.

The Senate voted 27-18 to kill the legislation on Tuesday. It would allow up to 10 schools to participate in the guns-in-schools “pilot program.” The House passed the bill in February.

The bill is aimed at rural schools without a school resource officer, since it takes law enforcement time to respond to an emergency situation.

Some education groups say the measure opens schools to lawsuits and higher insurance costs.

Ardent pro-gun lawmakers have unsuccessfully pushed similar legislation in the two prior sessions.

The bill would require 80 hours of training for potential gun-packing school officials. Schools also would be required to provide them counseling after a shooting incident.