LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Volunteer firefighters and paramedics in Nebraska could get a tax break under a bill advanced by a legislative committee.

Members of the Revenue Committee voted 8-0 on Wednesday to send the measure to the full Legislature for debate.

The bill by Sen. Al Davis of Hyannis would allow volunteer emergency responders to claim a $250 credit on their state income taxes. Davis says the bill is intended to recognize the work of volunteer emergency responders, who frequently have to sacrifice work, family and vacation time to be on call.

Rural Nebraska relies heavily on a patchwork of volunteer services throughout the state. Many departments have struggled to recruit younger volunteers to serve as firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians.