LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A vetoed bill that would have given nurse practitioners in Nebraska more independence will come up for debate again next year in the Legislature.

Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue says she plans to again introduce the measure, which Gov. Dave Heineman vetoed last year despite strong support from lawmakers.

The bill would have removed a requirement that nurse practitioners secure a written agreement with a doctor, who would be available for collaboration or referral if a patient doesn’t respond to treatment.

Heineman vetoed the legislation in April, citing concerns for patient safety. Lawmakers had approved the bill on a 43-0 vote, but the session ended before they were able to attempt an override. The governor is leaving office in January due to term limits.