TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A bill prohibiting public employee unions in Kansas from deducting money from members' paychecks to help finance political activities is advancing in the Legislature.

The Senate is scheduled to debate the measure Thursday. The GOP-dominated chamber is expected to pass it.

Supporters of the bill say they want to prevent public employee unions from funneling money deducted from members' paychecks to candidates or causes opposed by those members. They also contend that state and local government agencies processing payrolls shouldn't be entangled in such transactions.

Opponents argue there's no need for the legislation because union members must agree to any deductions. Public employee unions say the measure is meant to hurt their fundraising and is another politically motivated attempt by many Republicans to undermine groups that overwhelmingly support Democrats.