(AP) — Nebraska’s 150th birthday is still about three years away, but lawmakers and volunteers are already starting to plan for the celebration.

The Legislature has given first-round approval to a bill that would create the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission. Nebraska became a state on March 1, 1867.

Sen. Bill Avery of Lincoln introduced the bill and says it will help ensure the state has an appropriate celebration for the anniversary.

Volunteers have been preparing for the celebration since 2012.

The Nebraska 150 Sesquicentennial Committee released an official seal for the occasion earlier this year. The seal includes images of sandhill cranes, Chimney Rock and the Platte River. It will be made into a collectible silver medallion.