Topeka ? The House is trying to end the state’s participation in an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft.

On a voice vote Thursday, the House added a provision to a budget cleanup bill to prevent Atty. Gen. Carla Stovall’s office from spending money on litigation against the computer software giant. The prohibition would apply during the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

In 1998, Stovall brought Kansas into an antitrust lawsuit with 17 other states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Justice Department. In November, the federal agency and nine states announced a settlement with Microsoft, agreeing on lesser penalties than those sought by the other nine states and the District of Columbia.

Many conservative Republicans criticized Stovall, allied with the GOP’s moderate wing, for joining in the antitrust lawsuit four years ago and for continuing to pursue the case now. They argued that Stovall was looking to tap the company’s deep financial pockets, while she insisted she was trying to stop illegal trade practices.

Offering the amendment to cut off money for the Microsoft litigation was Rep. Tony Powell, R-Wichita, one of the most vocal critics of the state’s involvement.

No one spoke against his proposal.

“This litigation is being maintained simply to benefit Microsoft’s competitors,” Powell said.

Stovall has said Kansas’ tab in the litigation is minimal only hundreds of dollars because most of the cost is being borne by California and Massachusetts. Other states continuing to pursue litigation are Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Utah and West Virginia.