The Senate scored an early victory for local control advocates Wednesday, defeating legislation that would have given the state the authority to close small school districts that fail to plan for consolidation within two years of dropping below 100 students.

Senators voted down SB 34 on a 11-23 vote, proving they aren't willing to give the state the power to override the will of local voters.

Sen. Cory Brown, R-Gettysburg, asked lawmakers to defeat the bill.

“This is a government by the people, for the people,” Sen. Brown said. “Any time we try to abrogate that right from the people, it should not be taken lightly.”

The Department of Education asked for the change. It's thesecond time the DOE asked lawmakers to clarify the minimum size enrollment law. Last year, DOE officials proposed SB 23 only to see it defeated in the Senate floor.