JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are dropping a proposal to fine federal employees up to $1,000 if they attempt to regulate prairie chickens in the state.

House and Senate negotiators Thursday evening drafted the final version of a bill protesting the federal government’s recent listing of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species.

The measure declares that the federal government has no power to regulate prairie chickens in Kansas. It also covers the darker, larger and more abundant greater prairie chicken.

The negotiators accepted a House proposal to allow the attorney general to file lawsuits to block federal enforcement actions.

Senate Republicans originally wanted to make it a felony to attempt to enforce federal rules on prairie chickens. As a compromise, they suggested fines.

House members were receptive to fines but reconsidered.