NASHVILLE (AP) - A Tennessee Senate committee has voted to kill a legislative proposal seeking to allow communities to hold elections to reverse annexation by cities.

The State and Local Government Committee voted 5-3 on Wednesday to study the measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Bo Watson of Chattanooga after the Legislature adjourns for the year.

The mayors of Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga had urged lawmakers not to adopt the bill, arguing that de-annexation could end up shrinking the size of their cities.

The House earlier in the month passed the bill on a 68-25 vote. The full Senate had been poised to vote on the measure but ultimately sent it back to committee after Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville questioned the measure's fairness and constitutionality.