TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators in Kansas are pursuing proposals to limit collective bargaining between state agencies and their workers and to overhaul the state’s civil service.

The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday debated a collective bargaining bill. Chairwoman and Republican Sen. Julia Lynn of Olathe said the panel would vote on it Thursday.

The measure would limit bargaining between state agencies and unions to setting minimum wages.

Supporters said the state should operate more like private industry. Critics said workers would be harmed.

Lynn said the committee also will consider another bill preventing state and local government agencies from doing payroll deductions for workers for union dues.

Meanwhile, a House committee pl

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A legislative committee in Kansas is considering a proposal to restrict collective bargaining between public employees and state and local government agencies.

Chairwoman Julia Lynn said the Senate Commerce Committee will debate the measure during its meeting Wednesday. Lynn is an Olathe Republican and has said she believes the GOP-dominated panel supports the bill.

The measure would limit contract talks between government agencies and unions to minimum pay for workers. Employers could determine other issues themselves, including how workers are evaluated.

The bill also would allow agencies to impose terms if there is an impasse.

Republican Sen. Jeff Melcher of Leawood is pushing the measure and has argued that negotiations involving individual employees produce better results.

Critics say the bill is an attempt to destroy public employee unions.