Topeka ? One Kansas House committee will be eliminated and eight others will gain or lose members when the Legislature reconvenes in January.

Leaders of the House’s Republican majority say some changes result from Rep. Dale Swenson, of Wichita, switching from the GOP to the Democratic Party at the beginning of this year.

GOP leaders said other changes are occurring because newly renovated rooms in the Statehouse will be available.

The Higher Education Committee will be eliminated and its duties, assigned to the Education Committee.

The Education Committee will add two members, as will committees on commerce, corrections and transportation. The Health and Human Services Committee will add four members.

Two budget subcommittees will lose a member each, and a fiscal oversight committee will drop two members.