LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska lawmakers have given initial approval to a psychology internship program that would provide specialists in under-served parts of the state.

The proposal would offer funding for five doctoral-level psychology internships. The number would increase to 10 in the program's third year. Lawmakers advanced the bill on Monday with a 30-0 vote.

Interns would be placed in under-served areas and rural communities where behavioral-health services are needed.

Sen. Amanda McGill of Lincoln says her bill seeks to fill a gap in mental health services. Most professionals are based in Omaha and Lincoln, and even some parts of those cities are considered under-served.

The program would cost an estimated $548,000 in its third year.

The bill is LB901.