SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Utah lawmakers are advancing a bill that would make divorcing parents take a one-time divorce class earlier on in the legal process.

A House committee approved the measure unanimously on Thursday.

Bountiful Republican Rep. Jim Nielson sponsors the bill. Under current state law, parents are already required to take the class. But Nielson says his measure would have them take the course detailing routes for divorce before a court could grant them custody or financial orders.

The proposal would exempt people under threat of domestic violence or similar dangers. Nielson says it would also make the classes available online to help rural families who may have a hard time making the weeknight courses.

The measure goes to the full House for consideration