The state House Wednesday approved a bill that would encourage officials to lower tolls on the Mackinac Bridge and assure funding for the bridge.

The House voted 70-38 to approve the bill and return it to the Senate for its approval of minor changes made by the House.

The bill would recommend the Mackinac Bridge Authority hold public hearings on whether it would be feasible to reduce tolls to their level before the May first increase.

Bridge tolls for one-way fares increased on May 1 from $1.50 to $2.50.