LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas' insurance commissioner on Friday said he would stop trying to seek state control of a health insurance exchange required under the federal health care law after facing opposition from top Republicans in the state Legislature.

Commissioner Jay Bradford said the move means that the federal government, rather than the state, will control the insurance exchange. An advisory group appointed to look at the exchange recommended that it and six associated work groups disband because it was no longer a viable option, Bradford said.

"The steering committee and I believe insurance is local and local regulation is preferable. …Although disappointed with this outcome, I have accepted the committee's recommendation," Bradford said in a statement released by his office.