LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Foster children in Nebraska could have more chances to play sports, join a sleepover with friends and attend school dances under a bill advanced by lawmakers.

Senators gave first-round approval Monday to a bill that would make it easier for foster youth to enjoy normal childhood experiences.

Nebraska has faced criticism for imposing too many restrictions on foster youths in the name of safety. The group Nebraska Appleseed released a report in October that highlighted several of the requirements, such as mandatory background checks for everyone at a home where a foster child wants to attend a sleepover.

Other factors include the cost of activities and a lack of transportation. The bill would let the child pick an advocate who could argue for more flexibility.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska is one step closer to finding a chancellor as the final four candidates ready themselves to navigate an intense interview process over the next two weeks.

The search for a new chancellor began in April after Chancellor Harvey Perlman announced he would retire this June.

The finalists for the position are Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska interim senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and vice president for agriculture and natural resources; April Mason, Kansas State University provost and senior vice president; Sabah Randhawa, Oregon State University provost and executive vice president; and Daniel Reed, University of Iowa vice president for research and economic development.

University president Hank Bounds will begin his deliberation after the interviews conclude March 4. His choice will require the Nebraska Board of Regents’ approval.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will debate a bill aimed at making sure adoptive parents do not lose parental rights if they change their minds about allowing contact with a child’s birth parents.

The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee voted 6-1 Monday to advance the measure by Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier.

The bill would ensure that even if adoptive parents and birth parents have an agreement to allow communication after the adoption, birth parents could not sue if the agreement is broken. Advocates say the measure would create stability for adopted children.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha says he will fight the bill, noting that many birth parents from his district are disadvantaged.

Watermeier has designated the measure as his legislative priority, increasing the odds that lawmakers debate it.

Weather permitting, construction will resume on L-56C March 7, on the South Platte River Bridge at R.P. 2.00, south of Hershey.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane and controlled by traffic signals with a 12’ maximum width restriction.

The South Platte River Bridge work is anticipated to be completed in May of 2016. Work will continue on the new railroad viaduct and grading for the new roadway. Concrete pavement work is anticipated to start early summer 2016 and continue through the fall of 2016.

Motorists are reminded to be extra careful in and near highway work zones, and to buckle up, every trip