Sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks and backed by Attorney General Doug Peterson, the bill advanced on a 42-0 vote.

Pansing Brooks invoked victims of human trafficking during her statements in support of the bill on the legislative floor.

"We have people who are truly vulnerable that need to be supported," she said following the vote.

But several senators raised concerns about the measure during several hours of debate Tuesday and Wednesday. They argued it would dial back efforts to eliminate mandatory minimum penalties and would strip judges of discretion in sentencing.

Pansing Brooks said she is committed to working with her colleagues to address those concerns.

The bill (LB289) must advance through two additional rounds of debate before becoming law.