Topeka ? Legislators are losing little time in making sure there will be enough money to finance a court-mandated school funding plan passed last year.

Senate leaders plan to pass a bill today to earmark $122.7 million for the funding plan’s third year – in the budget year beginning July 1, 2008. The vote would come a day after the 2007 session opened; normally, a session’s first week is devoted to ceremonial functions.

“Our view is this is the most important thing to set the tone for the session,” said Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt.

Last year, legislators approved a three-year, $466 million increase for schools, which satisfied the court’s decree to spend more money on education. At the time, it wasn’t clear whether the state would have enough money to fund the third year, but state revenues are above expectations.

Making sure there’s enough money for increased education funding also was at the top of a legislative agenda that House Republicans rolled out Monday.

Speaker Melvin Neufeld said a bill will be introduced today to guarantee $249 million for the budget year starting July 1, plus $122 million for the school plan’s third year.

Neufeld, R-Ingalls, said if the economy slumps, “We won’t be in position of having to cut school funding if we already have the money there.”

House GOP leaders also want to deal with the many buildings on the six state university campuses that have been in disrepair because the state hasn’t spent enough to maintain them.

Neufeld said legislation will require universities to submit a five-year comprehensive plan that lists project priorities, and another bill will set up a $75 million trust fund for maintenance.

Another House GOP priority will be making it a separate crime if an unborn child dies when the mother is killed. It would specifically exempt abortions.

Under the health care banner, House GOP leaders are promising legislation to require newborns to be screened for 29 potential health problems, rather than the current four. Neufeld also called for tax credits for small businesses paying health care premiums for workers and allowing individuals to continue health care coverage after they have left a job.

House Republicans also will push legislation dealing with illegal immigrants, including making English the state’s official language and requiring proof of citizenship by those wanting state services such as health care.