A proposal to increase mental health services for children throughout Nebraska has won first-round approval from lawmakers.

Lawmakers advanced a bill Thursday that would create a pilot program to offer behavioral health services to children, using computer technology to connect them remotely with professionals.

The measure would establish three pilot clinics, with at least one in an urban area and one in a rural setting.

Sen. Amanda McGill says the bill is an extension of the promise she made to reform youth mental health services in the wake of Nebraska’s safe haven law. The law prompted parents to abandon older children at hospitals and emergency rooms, so they could gain access behavioral health services.

Lawmakers voted 35-0 to advance the bill.