In a dramatic vote, the Georgia House narrowly defeated a school voucher bill that would have offered $6,500 to certain public school students who opted for a private education.

The 89-85 vote against Senate Bill 233 led to cheers on the House floor, mostly among the Democrats who led the charge against it. More than a dozen Republicans broke ranks to oppose the measure, while only one Democrat supported it.

Rep. Imani Barnes (D-Tucker) and Rep. Ruwa Romman (D-Duluth) cheer after Senate Bill 233 fails to pass in the Georgia House on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. The bill would send $6,500 a year to parents to help cover education-related costs, including private school tuition. (Natrice Miller/ natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Credit: Natrice Miller/AJC

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Credit: Natrice Miller/AJC

But Republican proponents swiftly called for a vote to reconsider the measure, which passed 98-73. That means it could come up for a vote later Wednesday or next year.

- LIVE: Watch streams of the Georgia House and Senate

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