Senators gave first-round approval Monday to a bill that would allow the state Department of Health and Human Services to regulate the education and training of dental assistants - despite heavy lobbying on both sides of the issue from dentists, hygienists and dental assistants.

During debate last week, senators said they'd gotten more lobbying on this bill (LB542) than any measure this year.

Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery used the words of a Michigan lawmaker when referring to the lobbying:

"Some of my friends are for this. Some of my friends are against this. I think I will vote with my friends."

Avery was one of 27 senators voting for the measure.