Nebraska lawmakers began debating a measure that would allow partners of people diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea to receive prescription drugs without visiting a doctor.

Sen. Sara Howard of Omaha introduced the bill during debate on Monday. She says the measure is needed to address a state epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases.

The bill would allow physician and nurses to provide oral drugs for an infected patient’s partner. The measure intends to prevent partners from re-exchanging sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, Howard says it would protect pregnant mothers from passing illnesses onto babies.

A similar measure was introduced last year, but fell four votes short of the 25 votes it needed to advance through first-round legislative debate.

Lawmakers will continue debating the bill on Tuesday.