LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would expand the use of problem-solving courts in Nebraska has won first-round approval in the Legislature.

Lawmakers advanced the proposal Tuesday on a 35-0 vote. The specialty courts have grown popular throughout the country as a way to address the underlying cause of illegal behavior, rather than sending offenders to prison.

Problem-solving courts have been designed for veterans, people with mental health problems, people charged with drunken driving and people with drug addictions. Nebraska already has more than 15 adult and juvenile drug courts

Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg says he introduced the bill because problem-solving courts have proven their effectiveness, have better outcomes and cost less than incarceration.