CONCORD, N.H.- A bill that would allow parents to enroll their children at any school across the state was dealt a heavy blow Thursday. In what’s seen as a surprising move, House lawmakers voted 168 to 184 against Senate Bill 101 with 21 republicans joining democrats in opposition.

Following that decision lawmakers voted to table measure and then took aim at a second bill on the topic, House Bill 751 and voted to table the legislation.

Out of Thursday’s votes Sen. Tim Lang R-Sanbornton, the bills original sponsor voiced his disappointment, vowed to keep fighting for parents.

Those who voted in opposition noted the added cost parents would incur in transporting their children out of district and also say the bill would force districts to cover the costs to educate special needs students and that could include covering the cost to make accommodating renovations to buildings in the receiving district.