Legislation Could End Pending Education Lawsuit

Republican legislators are pushing a change in the Kansas Constitution on education funding to end a pending lawsuit.

The measure would add a provision to the constitution declaring that the Legislature has the exclusive power to determine how much money is spent on schools.

The Senate Education Committee agreed Wednesday to sponsor the measure before it was drafted.

Senate Vice President Jeff King, a Republican from Independence, helped draft it and provided a copy of the language to The Associated Press before its formal introduction Thursday.

A three-judge panel in Shawnee County recently ordered the state to increase education funding.

Constitutional amendments require approval by two-thirds of the House and Senate and by a simple majority of voters. Supporters hope the measure goes on the ballot in August 2014.