AP — The Kansas Senate has approved legislation barring public employee unions from deducting money from members’ paychecks to help finance political activities.

Thursday’s 24-16 vote sends the bill back to the House to consider changes made by the Republican-led Senate.

Proponents argued the measure would protect members of public employee unions from having part of their pay funneled to candidates or causes they oppose. Supporters also said state and local government agencies processing payrolls shouldn’t be entangled in such transactions.

Opponents argued the bill was unnecessary because union members must agree to any deductions.

Public employee unions said the measure is meant to hurt their fundraising. They called it an attempt by many Republicans to undermine groups that overwhelmingly support Democrats.