LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska lawmakers have advanced a bill to expand the number of community college programs that are eligible for special state assistance.

Senators sent the measure through the first of three required readings on Monday with a 43-0 vote.

The bill by state Sen. Kate Bolz, of Lincoln, focuses on the Community College Gap Assistance Program. The program provides funding that can be awarded to students who are training for an in-demand occupation.

The bill would allow specific for-credit courses that aren’t currently eligible to qualify.