Topeka ? Kansas legislators have approved a new tax on nursing home beds that’s aimed at securing additional federal funds for the homes.

The House approved the bill Tuesday on an 86-33 vote, sending it to Gov. Mark Parkinson. The Senate passed it Saturday.

Parkinson is expected to sign the bill because the federal funds it would attract — $56 million in Medicaid dollars — would offset previous budget cuts. The tax plus Medicaid funds would be distributed back to nursing homes.