LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska legislative committee has rejected a bill that would have required seatbelts in public school buses.

The eight-member committee voted 4-4 on Thursday, just one vote short of the majority needed to advance the bill to full legislative debate.

The measure by Sen. Robert Hilkemann of Omaha would have authorized buses purchased after Jan. 1, 2016, to come equipped with lap-shoulder belts.

Committee members in opposition say nationally recognized organizations have not proven that seat belts increase child safety on buses. The requirement would have cost Nebraska public school districts between $8,000 and $15,000 per bus.