A State Senate panel has rejected a watered-down proposal, designed to encourage cervical cancer vaccinations for young girls. Lawmakers refused to approve a version that would only require doctors to tell parents about the shots.

The original bill would have required sixth-grade girls to get the vaccination unless their parents signed a refusal form. Sponsor and Democratic Senator Suzanne Williams of Aurora scaled it back hoping to gain more support.

But even the weaker version fell short. The Senate Appropriations Committee deadlocked on a 5-to-5 vote, so the bill will NOT move on to the full Senate.

It was the second time the panel deadlocked on Williams' proposals.

Aurora Democratic Senator Stephanie Takis voted with Republicans against both versions.