TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – The Kansas Senate has advanced a bill changing the way judges are chosen for the state Court of Appeals.

The measure would give the governor the authority to appoint judges to the court, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

It would abolish a special commission that now screens applicants for the Court of Appeals and submits the names of three finalists to the governor, who makes the appointment without Senate confirmation.

Senators gave the measure first-round approval Tuesday. The bill has already cleared the House, and Senate passage on a final vote expected Wednesday would send it to Gov. Sam Brownback.

The Senate previously approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would give the governor new authority to name judges to the state Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.