LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — An effort to scale back the use of mandatory minimum prison sentences in Nebraska has won first-round approval from lawmakers.

Senators voted 28-9 on Wednesday on legislation to abolish mandatory minimums for Class 1C and 1D felonies, including robbery, assault on a police officer and certain drug crimes. The bill would also limit “habitual criminal” sentence enhancements to violent crimes.

The bill is part of an effort to reduce Nebraska prison crowding. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and some conservative lawmakers oppose the bill, arguing it removes an important tool for prosecutors.

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers introduced the bill on behalf of a group of senators who have studied the problem. Chambers says the law still allows judges to impose long sentences for violent crimes.