LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska zoos are one step closer to getting a tax break, although some lawmakers continue to criticize the measure as a snub to residents to whom they’ve promised property tax relief.

Senators on Tuesday advanced a measure by voice vote that would allow nationally accredited zoos or aquariums to avoid charging sales taxes on memberships and admissions.

The chief beneficiary would be Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, ranked first in the world by travel website TripAdvisor with some 1.7 million visitors a year.

The second-round vote was briefly delayed by senators who say the measure gives special preference to an organization that already operates successfully without it. Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha says his bill represents investment into an important economic activity in the state.