TOPEKA ? House Speaker Doug Mays today announced he will appoint a committee to investigate the recent diclosure that a Kansas Supreme Court justice discussed the pending school funding case with two legislators.

He said the committee will examine “whether or not the integrity of the legislative process in Kansas has been threatened.”

Mays said he would appoint the committee after the conclusion of the current wrapup session to ensure that the Legislature concludes its business on several major issues, including school finance.

Last week, Kansas Supreme Court Justice Lawton Nuss removed himself from further proceedings in the school funding case after he said he discussed the litigation with Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton and Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina.

The three had lunch March 1, but Nuss did not disclose the matter until it became apparent that news of the incident would be reported.

Judges are forbidden from discussing privately pending cases with interested parties. Chief Justice Kay McFarland has asked the Commission on Judicial Qualifications to investigate the matter.

The incident has sparked a political firestorm, especially criticism from lawmakers who have long complained of the court’s meddling in the Legislature’s business on school finance.

The Legislature is under order to increase school funding after the court found the school finance system unconstitutional because it shortchanges all students, especially low-income students.

Mays said the purpose of the investigation was not to embarass or defame anyone.

“It will be an honest attempt to establish, in the light of day, the nature of the relationship and any improper interaction between the legislative and the judiciary branches of government in Kansas,” Mays said in a statement.