A Nebraska lawmaker is trying to redefine legislation that child advocacy organizations say has led to an uptick in wards of the state being placed in foster care rather than with a familiar face.

State Sen. Colby Coash of Lincoln has introduced legislation that would again allow relatives and family friends to care for a ward of the state without needing to obtain a foster care license. The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee will review the bill Thursday and hold a public hearing.

A law that went into effect in July 2012 requires foster care parents to go through training to obtain a foster care license. Exceptions are made for a relative or adoptive family member.