A Nebraska bill that would expand protections for human trafficking victims has won first-round approval from lawmakers.

The bill that advanced on Thursday focuses heavily on minors of both sexes who are coerced and sometimes forced into the sex trade.

Sen. Amanda McGill of Lincoln says the law should reflect that young people often aren’t entering the sex trade by choice.

The measure would define human trafficking as a form of child abuse, offer an affirmative legal defense for human trafficking victims charged with prostitution, and provide immunity to minors who could otherwise face charges.

Lawmakers say they plan to continue addressing the issue. Sen. Colby Coash of Lincoln says he’s concerned that the penalties for johns still aren’t enough to dissuade them.