A controversial bill that proposed to give technology companies an exemption to almost any South Australian law has been killed off by the State Government.

The ABC yesterday reported that the Research, Development and Innovation Bill 2017 had prompted concerns among the Greens as it went before South Australia's Upper House.

It would have allowed any law — with the exception of Aboriginal heritage — to be temporarily disapplied in order to facilitate a research project.

The Greens and the Law Society argued the bill was far too broad.

MLC Tammy Franks presented a petition with 10,000 signatures to the Upper House as the Government gave notice it would withdraw the legislation.

"Absolutely it went too far, [an] absolute overreach from [Attorney-General] John Rau, and the Government is wise to reconsider its position today," she said.

"We want to support research and development in this state, but we don't want to do so at the expense of our civil liberties."

Premier Jay Weatherill on Wednesday defended the bill and said it was "his idea".

"This will be used in very rare circumstances with a lot of checks and balances, but we did want to get this message across, that South Australia is a place that's prepared to try new technologies and do new things in new ways," he said.

Tammy Franks said the value of the Legislative Council was on full display after the bill passed the Lower House uneventfully.

"We've stopped this bill for the moment, but I suspect it will be back with a vengeance next year," Ms Franks said.

"We'll be keeping our eyes on this one."

Mr Rau has said the Government "continues to support encouraging innovative business to invest in South Australia".

"Given the blatant misinformation and resulting community concern about the bill, the Government has decided not to progress today," he said.