AUGUSTA — A legislative committee voted down the Peaks Island secession bill today.

The State and Local Government Committee opposed the bill by a vote of 7-to-5. The bill would allow Peaks Island, House Island, Pumpkin Knob and Catnip Island to separate from Portland and become a new town called Peaks Island if islanders approved the change.

The vote came after a discussion among committee members about how the city of Portland and the secessionists could reach middle ground. The committee has asked the city to come up with proposals addressing governance, parking and island schools.

The city is expected to report back to the committee next week. The committee could decide to vote on the bill again if they are unsatisfied with the city's response.