The Kansas House has approved the 2015 budget for the Department of Corrections, authorizing more than $390 million for state prisons and programs.
The bill passed 79-41 on Thursday, sending the measure to the Senate and restoring the funding that was vetoed last year by Gov. Sam Brownback.
The spending covers the fiscal year beginning July 1 and includes funding for additional corrections officers and increased health care costs.
Lawmakers amended the bill Wednesday to place restrictions on where the Department of Corrections could locate parole offices. The restrictions were prompted by the agency's plan to open a parole office next door to a daycare center in Kansas City. Parents and city officials have protested, saying they don't want convicted sex offenders visiting an office so close to children.
