LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska voters could once again decide whether to let lawmakers serve an extra four years in office under a proposal in the Legislature.

Lawmakers began debate Wednesday on a ballot measure that would allow future senators to serve up to 12 consecutive years.

Term limits went into effect in 2006 under a voter-approved constitutional amendment that limited lawmakers to two consecutive four-year terms.

Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus says he introduced the measure because it takes time for lawmakers to build the experience needed to govern effectively.

Some opponents argue that lawmakers should respect the will of voters, who rejected a ballot measure in 2012 that would have let lawmakers serve three consecutive four-year terms.