(AP) — Missouri senators have started debate over legislation seeking to address a student transfer law and unaccredited school districts.

The transfer law requires unaccredited districts to pay for students to transfer to better-performing nearby public schools. It has led to financial problems and generated concern about the ability of districts to control the number of students.

Debate began Tuesday and continued into the night. No vote was reached before senators adjourned.

The Senate is considering a measure that includes provisions seeking to limit tuition paid by unaccredited districts and allow receiving districts to establish transfer policies. It also would open the door for students enrolled in struggling schools to use district funds to attend private schools.

Senators have kept the private school option while adding standards for schools to qualify.