TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Opponents of a measure that would consolidate school districts have expressed their opinions in a Kansas House committee meeting.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the bill would require 98 of Kansas’ 105 counties to have one unified school district per county.

Twenty-two counties already fit that requirement. Kansas’ seven most populous counties would be allowed to have multiple districts if each has more than 1,500 students.

Tom Benoit, a member of a coalition of rural districts called Schools for Quality Education, said at a meeting Wednesday that any consolidation should be local patrons’ decision.

Democratic state Rep. John Bradford says Kansas residents are receiving incorrect information, making them believe the bill would close schools. Bradford defended his bill, saying it wouldn’t lead to the effect patrons of rural and small districts fear.