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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Legislation allowing the state education Department to devise standards for preschool programs in South Dakota has stalled.

The House Education Committee was unable to kill the bill Tuesday, and it couldn't muster the votes needed to change it to a mere study of preschool issues, either.

Both moves failed on 7-7 ties, with one member missing.

The panel will vote again Thursday.

Opponents worry that regulations for pre-kindergarten children may lead to state-funded preschools that might run many private childcare programs out of business.

Deputy Education Secretary Deb Barnett says there's no intent to do that.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-19-08 1336CST | save this article / add to your favorites list