HARRISBURG — Some state lawmakers are seeking to block a proposal to require new state graduation tests for Pennsylvania high school students, arguing that greater legislative input is needed before the state spends any money on the exams.

But their cause is unlikely to succeed because Gov. Ed Rendell's administration insists the testing program is essential to establishing uniform graduation requirements for the state's 501 school districts.

The Senate Education Committee voted 10-1 Monday to approve a measure that would give the Legislature the sole authority to impose any new statewide graduation requirements.

A separate House bill was introduced in April to require the state to consult with the General Assembly before implementing or spending state tax dollars on new graduation tests. It is awaiting a vote by the House Education Committee.

Either bill would effectively halt the State Board of Education's effort to create a series of 10 final examinations covering math, science, English and social studies. Starting with the class of 2014, students would have to pass six to graduate.

Schools could substitute local exams instead to comply with the proposed rules, but only if the tests are approved by companies that evaluate educational tests. The existing Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams also could be used as alternatives.

Although the proposed regulations are undergoing a lengthy state review, Rendell wants to spend $15 million in the coming year to begin developing the tests.

Sen. James Rhoades, the Senate committee's chairman, said the proposed budget allocation would be better spent on other education programs.