LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill designed to reduce Nebraska’s prison crowding and expand parole services is slated for debate by lawmakers.

A legislative committee voted 5-0 Wednesday to advance a measure sponsored by Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha.

The bill is intended to slow population growth in the state prison system, which was 59 percent above its design capacity as of January. Supporters say it also would reduce relapses into criminal behavior in a system criticized for ineffective parole policies, and use probation for low-level offenses.

The measure resulted from an investigation into the Department of Correctional Services last year.

Speaker of the Legislature Sen. Galen Hadley of Kearney has designated the bill one of his 25 priority bills.