OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A proposed overhaul of Nebraska’s prison sentencing and parole laws is drawing criticism from Gov. Pete Ricketts, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, prosecutors and police.

Ricketts urged Nebraskans Thursday to contact state lawmakers and speak out against two bills that won first-round approval this week. One would allow many felons to qualify for parole sooner, while another would abolish mandatory minimum sentences for an assortment of mid-level felonies.

Attorney General Doug Peterson says the bills would apply to serious crimes, jeopardizing public safety.

Stothert says senators aren’t taking Omaha’s gang problem seriously. She says the city needs the mandatory minimum laws in its effort to crack down on gun and drug crimes.

Supporters of the bills are designed to create a strong incentive for inmates to change their behavior.