TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A split among Republicans on Friday blocked a proposal from conservative Kansas lawmakers to allow parents of academically struggling students to pay for private schooling with state dollars normally earmarked for public schools.

A bill that ties public school funding to the proposal failed on a 20-20 vote in the GOP-controlled Senate. The chamber had voted 19-19 against the measure Thursday night, with two Republicans absent.

The bill would set up education savings accounts for students who are at risk of failing in public schools. Parents could use the funds for a wide ra...