A bill to require school attendance in Nebraska until age 18 has advanced through a first-round vote in the Legislature, but lawmakers said they will add exceptions before it receives final approval.

Lawmakers voted 29-17 on Wednesday to advance the bill, but its sponsor said it will likely need changes to address concerns that the rule was too broad.

The bill (LB996) by Lexington Sen. John Wightman would eliminate an exception in state law that allows students to drop out at age 16, if they receive a parent or guardian's written consent.

Omaha Sen. Brenda Council suggested that parents and students should first be required to meet school officials. Other lawmakers argued that students who don't want to be in school would cause disruptions for those who do.