LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Advocates for felons say Nebraska should restore voting rights immediately after they complete their sentences.

About 20 people spoke Wednesday at a legislative committee hearing on a bill sponsored by Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha that would give felons the right to vote once they complete their sentences, including prison time and parole.

Nebraska in 2005 began allowing felons to vote two years after they finish their sentences. Sponsors of that measure say the two-year timespan was a political compromise a decade ago and was meant as a stepping stone.

Advocates say restoring voting rights will help felons integrate into society and reduce recidivism rates.

The bill had no opposition. Wayne says he intends to designate it as his priority, increasing the odds lawmakers will debate it this year.

GREELEY, Neb. (AP) — A driver accused of hitting a highway worker has pleaded not guilty to motor vehicle homicide in the woman’s death.

76-year-old Nicholas Dutcher, of Scotia, entered the plea Monday to the misdemeanor charge in Greeley County Court. Dutcher is set to next appear in court on March 27.

Authorities say that on Oct. 3, Dutcher was traveling at least 55 mph in a pickup when he hit Peggy Gray, of North Platte, who was working as a flagger on a highway between Greeley and Wolbach. Investigators say Gray’s husband, a road construction worker, was at the scene and saw his wife thrown nearly 100 feet when she was hit.

She died from her injuries in November.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Results from a monthly survey of business supply managers suggest manufacturing is boosting economic conditions in nine Midwest and Plains states.

The Mid-America Business Conditions Index report released Wednesday says the overall economic index for the region rose to 60.5 in February from 54.7 in January. It’s the highest figure since April 2014 and the fourth monthly increase in a row.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the increases point to the improving regional manufacturing economy.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth in that factor. A score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

DETROIT (AP) — Strong demand for pickups and SUVs helped brighten February for the U.S. auto industry.

Overall sales of new vehicles were expected to fall slightly from last February as automakers cut back on deliveries to rental-car companies and other fleets. Industry forecasting firm ALG said predicted sales would fall 1.4 percent to 1.3 million.

But SUV and truck sales were surprisingly strong. Sales of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup jumped 17 percent from last February to more than 50,500 trucks, while Ford sold nearly 69,000 SUVs — a February record.

General Motors and Nissan both saw 4 percent gains over last February. Ford’s sales dropped 4 percent, partly due to a 24 percent decline in car sales.

Other automakers report sales later Wednesday.