MOSCOW, February 21 (RAPSI) – The State Duma passed a bill authorizing the National Guard Troops Service to ensure security of Russian governors in the third and final reading on Wednesday.

The draft law was earlier submitted to the lower house of parliament by President Vladimir Putin.

The bill stipulates that the National Guard troops will protect high ranking officials on a contract basis.

A special law will settle charges for the National Guard’s services. Money received by the troops will be transferred to the federal budget, the bill reads.

If adopted, the legislation is expected to take effect after the expiry of 180 days from the date of its official publication.