The Associated Press

AUGUSTA — A bill that seeks to halt the establishment of virtual charter schools in Maine has failed final passage in the House of Representatives.

The House voted 83-54 in favor of the bill on Tuesday, falling short of the two-thirds support that emergency measures, or bills that take effect immediately, need for final passage. It faces a final Senate vote.

The bill sponsored by Democratic Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland would prohibit the Maine Charter School Commission from authorizing the operation of a virtual charter school until the Legislature approves a measure allowing it.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage vetoed another bill that would’ve put a moratorium on virtual charter schools and directed officials to develop a state-run virtual charter academy. The veto was sustained by the Democratic-led Senate.