PHOENIX - Arizona lawmakers have rejected a measure that would have made it easier for property owners on the U.S.-Mexico border to build a wall.
The measure fell one vote short in the House on Thursday but could be revived later.
It would allow people to sidestep state and local permitting requirements to build a border wall. GOP lawmakers say it would prevent political interference from local officials philosophically opposed to a border wall.
Democrats say a border wall is ineffective at stopping drug trafficking, and the state shouldn't remove local control for permitting decisions.
Republican Rep. Tony Rivero joined all 29 Democrats in opposition. He did not explain his vote.