JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri House members have rejected legislation addressing the care of developmentally disabled people living in state facilities.

The bill called for the state Department of Mental Health to develop a plan by 2013 to change how residents in those facilities are cared for. The measure was defeated 87-67 on Thursday.

Critics argued the bill could force the closings of habilitation centers. They said many residents of the centers need the structured environment and could suffer if they closed.

Republican Zachary Wyatt, of Green Castle, denied that his bill would force any of the habilitation centers to close.

The Senate is considering similar legislation.