RALEIGH, N.C. – A bill to allow North Carolina school districts to start classes each year as much as 2½ weeks earlier than what’s now allowed has hit a roadblock.

The House Commerce Committee narrowly defeated a motion Tuesday night to recommend the measure go to the House floor.

The bill would change the 2004 law requiring most schools to begin no earlier than Aug. 25 and end by June 10. Districts could start as early as Aug. 8.

Education groups argue districts should decide their own start dates. The tourism industry and parents oppose the change because they say districts want to erode traditional summer vacations.

The 13-to-14 vote doesn’t necessarily kill the bill. Sponsor Rep. Ray Rapp of Madison County hopes the motion will be reconsidered.