Topeka ? A proposed constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the authority of the Kansas Supreme Court failed today to get the required two-thirds majority in the House to advance.

The vote was 66 for and 58 against.

Approval of a constitutional amendment requires 84 votes in the 125-member House and 27 votes in the 40-member Senate before it can be placed on the ballot for voter consideration.

The amendment was aimed at the Kansas Supreme Court, which has ordered the Legislature to increase school funding.

Some lawmakers have said the court reached beyond its authority in the rulings.

“It’s about whether we believe self-government is a principle worth fighting for,” said Rep. Lance Kinzer, R-Olathe. “We are in a constitutional conflict with the Kansas Supreme Court.”

But opponents said the proposal would have given too much power to the Legislature and reduced the independence of the judiciary.

The proposal would have prohibited the judicial branch from ordering the Legislature to make or re-direct any appropriations, and could have nullified future school finance orders.