LINCOLN, Neb. -- A bill that would have required at least two workers on trains operating in Nebraska was derailed Tuesday in the Legislature, reports the Omaha World-Herald.

A vote to advance the measure to the second round of debate fell six votes short of the 25 needed. The vote means the bill is probably dead for the session.

No train operates with fewer than two workers, but the bill's sponsor, State Sen. Don Pederson of North Platte, said he wanted to ensure that trains would not operate with fewer crew members until the federal government declares trains can safely operate that way.

The requirement would have applied only to the two largest railroads operating in the state - the Union Pacific and the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe.

The railroads say future changes in technology may make it safe for one person to operate a train. Union Pacific lobbied against the bill.