A Kansas House committee has approved a proposal to spend $1.2 million to fund a new research center for potential medical cures with adult stem cells.

The Appropriations Committee voted Thursday to direct House budget negotiators to push for the spending.

Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill last month creating the new center at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.

The law prohibits the new center from using money or resources on research with embryonic stem cells. Instead, the aim is to make Kansas a leader in research with adult stem cells.

Three senators and three House members are negotiating the final version of a $14.5 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.