(AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will debate a bill next year that would allow gay and lesbian couples to serve as foster parents if they are related to the child or have a well-established relationship.

The Judiciary Committee voted Friday to advance the bill to the full Legislature. Lawmakers are about to adjourn for the year, but will debate it in 2014.

The bill would change current state policy that bans openly gay people and unrelated, unmarried adults who live together from serving as foster parents.

The measure was introduced by Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, of Omaha. Nordquist says foster children often do better in homes with relatives or foster parents they know.