Topeka ? Measures that would start a higher education savings program for low-income Kansans and allow universities to purchase their own insurance were approved Tuesday by the Legislature.

The proposals, contained in one bill, now go to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius for consideration.

One measure would start a three-year pilot program for low-income Kansans, who could receive matching amounts up to $600 a year toward saving for postsecondary education.

A group of Kansas University social work students joined Kansas Action for Children to promote the measure.

To qualify, families must have household income of no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Under 2006 poverty level guidelines, a four-person family could not have household income above $40,000.

The second measure would allow KU and other public universities to purchase their own insurance for students and student employees.

KU had sought the authority, saying it could probably negotiate better policies than the current system where several state agencies are involved in buying insurance.

The measure was involved briefly in an abortion debate when the House added an amendment that health policies couldn’t provide coverage for abortions.

But the amendment was later struck in favor of language that says insurance policies could not cover elective procedures unless determined necessary by a physician.