A bill that would allow more freedom in choosing where first and second-year students live and eat has been killed by lawmakers.

The South Dakota House of Representatives voted 42-28 on Tuesday against House Bill 1193, which would have prohibited the Board of Regents and its institutions from “requiring students to reside in on-campus housing or purchase meal plans.”

“Students who can join the military and die for their country should have the right to choose where they live,” the author of the bill, Rep. Phil Jensen, R-Rapid City, said.

Financial concerns led many lawmakers to vote no.

“This would cost about $87 million that we’d have to pay back on building loans,” Rep. Mike Stevens, R-Yankton, said.

Some members said living on campus helps students do better in school.

“Research shows these programs help students stay in college and graduate,” Rep. Amber Arlint, R-Sioux Falls, said.

Currently, state universities require students to live on campus for two years, but there are exceptions in place for certain circumstances. Rep. Garcia said that many students who ask for permission to live off-campus get it.

The SDSU Students’ Association voted 23-1 to oppose the bill, with Government Affairs Chair Claire Koenecke outlining multiple good things about living on campus.

“Living on campus has multiple benefits, from increasing graduation rates, retention rates, all things like that. Students who live on campus typically have higher GPAs,” Koenecke said.

SA Sen. Blake Gibney voted no to opposing the bill.

The bill needed 36 yes votes to pass but fell short by eight.

Todd Epp of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association contributed to this report.