Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill that would support a program that teaches inmates how to be good parents.

Senators voted 38-1 on Monday to advance the measure sponsored by Sen. Kate Bolz of Lincoln.

The bill would let the state take over an existing inmate parenting program that was created by a nonprofit in 2009. Parents in the program are taught relationship and parenting skills.

Bolz says the program helps reduce the likelihood convicted parent will return to jail. About 7 percent of the program’s participants who have been released from jail have returned. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services estimates the recidivism rate for such a group is more than 25 percent.

The program would cost the state $250,000 a year to fund.