The state Legislature voted 41-6 Wednesday to give second-round approval to the limit. A final vote is expected on Friday and then the bill will go to Gov. Dave Heineman. He has said he would support a 30-day age limit.

Every state has a safe-haven law meant to protect newborns from being dumped in trash bins and worse, but Nebraska's is the only one that lacks an age limit.

Most of the 35 children dropped off at Nebraska hospitals since the law took effect in July have been preteens or teenagers as old as 17.

Tuesday, the Nebraska Legislature advanced through the first round a 30-day age limit for children dropped off under the state's safe haven law. Lawmakers voted for the bill after several hours of debate.

The law currently has no age limit. Parents or legal guardians can leave children 17 and under at hospitals without fear of prosecution for child abandonment.

Speaker of the Legislature, Sen. Mike Flood, originally introduced a bill with 3-day age limit on behalf of Gov. Dave Heineman. Senators adopted an amendment implementing the 30-day age limit, before advancing the bill.

The Legislature's Judiciary Committee recommended the 30-day limit after Monday's public hearing on the bill. Supporters say it allows more leeway for mothers struggling with a new infant.

State Senators spent most of Tuesday morning debating Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery's amendment to set a 1-year age limit on safe haven drop offs. That amendment failed on a 26-23 vote.

During debate, lawmakers discussed a wide range of topics related to the safe haven issue. Many mentioned the need to work on ways to better provide mental health and other services to older children and their families. Those issues are expected to be addressed in the next regular session, beginning in January.

Some senators were also critical of Gov. Dave Heineman's special session call, which limits lawmakers to considering only age limits on children dropped off under the safe haven law.

Now, after the second round approval of the 30-day age limit, the Legislature only needs to give the bill final round approval before it goes to Gov. Heineman to be signed into law. Since the Legislature must meet for a minimum of 7 days during a special session, that is expected to happen Friday.