In Pierre on Wednesday, the House State Affairs committee killed a bill that would have mandated South Dakota health insurers include autism and therapy known as ABA in their coverage.

One mom with a child who has autism says losing ABA therapy coverage has put a strain on her family and marriage.

Officials with health care also testified.

“I want to be clear today in offering testimony today is not to dispute the stories you’ve heard here from families today or to downplay the experiences and the impact the ABA has had on families who have received ABA services, but rather my intent is to shed light on the process and the impact that benefit mandates have insurance policy holders across the state,” Lisa Carlson with Sanford Health said.

The committee took 90 minutes of often emotional testimony before voting 7– 4 to send the bill to the 41st day, effectively killing the bill.

Opponents testified that the bill is a mandate and would require the state of South Dakota to pick up as much as $1.4 million or more in costs.

As the vote was called, many of the supporters in the room broke down in tears.

