LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska lawmakers Wednesday evening approved an amended plan to reorganize schools in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

After several hours of debate, senators also advanced LB 641 to the second round of debate.

The compromise plan does not break up Omaha Public Schools, does not create a common property tax levy and establishes a paid, 18-member board, to oversee integration and spending.

"Be visionary think out of the box -- you're going to have to," said Sen. Greg Adams of York. "We can take Nebraska, and in a few years, we can have a model at the eastern end of the state."

"There is so much in here -- the proverbial devil in the details -- I can't tell you what it's going to cost," said Sen. Mike Friend of Omaha.

The measure has the support of several key lawmakers, including Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers.

Some senators said the bill is very complicated and there are still a lot of questions about whether it can pass in its current form.

On Wednesday, Senator Mike Flood, speaker of the legislature, promised to be available in early-morning sessions next week to answer any questions senators may have about the bill, and its amendments.