The New Hampshire Senate split from the House Thursday when it scuttled a controversial bill that would allow students to enroll in any public school in the state.

Although the bill could still pass this year through the state budget process, the Senate’s vote signaled that the Republican-controlled legislature is divided on how to proceed with the closely-watched proposal. The House voted to approve it in March and included it in the budget bill that representatives approved last month.

The open enrollment law would bring New Hampshire in line with about one-third of states nationally, where parents are allowed to send their students to districts outside of the one where they live. Currently, individual school districts control whether New Hampshire students can enroll elsewhere on their home district’s dime.

The proposal has been championed by school choice advocates, who argue it would increase competition and allow students who live in low-performing districts to seek better-performing schools elsewhere. In contrast, opponents have contended it would exacerbate inequalities in education, causing low-performing sending districts to lose students and money.