LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska senators will vote on the appointment of a new State Patrol superintendent who was ensnared in a gender-discrimination lawsuit more than a decade ago.

A legislative committee voted 8-0 Friday to recommend the appointment of former State Patrol commander Bradley Rice. His appointment now goes to the full Legislature.

Rice was part of a panel that denied Sgt. Carla Schreiber promotions in the agency between 2004 and 2005. Schreiber says the rejections were based on gender rather than her qualifications. She was awarded damages and the rank of lieutenant in 2007.

At his confirmation hearing Wednesday, Rice said he does not see gender as a factor in promotions within the agency.

Committee members say current reports of Rice’s leadership as commander outweigh the decades-old allegations.