JEFFERSON CITY • Legislation giving St. Louis control over its police department sailed through the Missouri House Friday afternoon,  winning approval on a 123-27 vote.

The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Rep. Jamilah Nasheed of St. Louis, said she is nervous but hopeful about the bill’s chances in the Senate. Earlier this year, a local control bill became entangled in the debate over tax credit reform. Senators used the bill as leverage as they attempted to pass their version of a tax credit overhaul, resulting in both bills dying.

The Senate is once again working on tax credit reform as part of a massive economic development bill, raising concerns that local control could once again become part of that debate.

“There are plenty of other bills the Senate can hold hostage this year,” Nasheed said, laughing. “I’m very optimistic that we’re going to get this done.”

House Speaker Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, said he was also optimistic about the bill’s chances, even though the economic development package that derailed it in May appears to be once again unraveling in the Senate.

A deal on tax credits was struck over the summer between House and Senate leadership, Tilley said, and he expects the Senate to live up to that deal. If they don't, it may spell doom for the economic development legislation but shouldn't affect local control.

A five-person state board currently runs the Police Department, under a structure that dates back to the Civil War. The governor appoints four members, and the mayor fills the final spot.

In giving the city control of its police force, the bill also includes protections to prevent political interference with the department and requirements that officers hired after the city gains control would have to live in the city, just like other city employees already do.

State Rep. Kathie Conway, R-St. Charles, was the only lawmaker to speak out in opposition of the bill Friday. She argued that police officers really weren’t on board with the proposal and were only acting out of fear of a possible local control ballot initiative bankrolled by retired investment banker Rex Sinquefield.

“They’ve been backed into a corner,” Conway said.

Testifying on behalf of the bill Thursday was Joe Steiger, vice president of the St. Louis Police Officers Association. He admitted that most officers would probably prefer to keep the status quo but were forced to alter their position out of concern that they wouldn’t be able to defeat a ballot initiative.

Steiger also pointed out that Nasheed’s bill includes protections for members' pensions and seniority, one of the main reasons behind police opposition over the years.

“The City of St. Louis expects and deserves the same treatment as every other city in the state of Missouri, except Kansas City. That is to control it’s own affairs,” Nasheed said.