LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The cost of brand inspections for cattle could rise to $1.10 per head under a bill advanced by Nebraska lawmakers.

Senators gave first-round approval Monday to an increase in the maximum fee that the Nebraska Brand Committee can charge.

The committee inspects cattle and investigates missing and stolen cattle. Inspections are mandatory in the western two-thirds of Nebraska anytime a bovine animal changes ownership.

Sen. Al Davis of Hyannis says the committee has reached the maximum fee that it can charge under state law. The ceiling was last increased from 65 cents to 75 cents per head in 2005.

Lawmakers say the committee has been conservative in raising its fees and sometimes has been able to lower them.

The bill advanced on a 28-2 vote.