LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A ballot measure that could give Nebraska lawmakers an extra four years in office has won initial approval in the Legislature.

Senators gave the constitutional amendment proposal first-round approval on Monday with a 27-12 vote.

The current proposal would allow lawmakers to serve up to three consecutive four-year terms in office, if voters approve it.

Lawmakers have to approve it twice more. Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus says his proposal could be changed to allow two consecutive six-year terms instead.

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

Schumacher says the extra time is important to preserve institutional knowledge in the one-house Legislature.