Kansas House member faces complaint over tax debate

? A Democrat in the Kansas House faces an investigation into whether he intentionally misled colleagues during a debate last month on property tax legislation.

Twenty-six House Republicans filed a complaint Tuesday with the chamber’s chief clerk against Rep. Jim Ward, of Wichita. House rules require that a committee be appointed to investigate, but Ward says there was no wrongdoing.

The Republicans want the House to consider removing Ward from his seat.

The GOP lawmakers contend Ward misled them about an amendment he offered to a bill imposing a cap on local property taxes.

Ward says Republicans didn’t read the text of his amendment, which provided $45 million to local governments for property tax relief.

The House passed the bill with Ward’s amendment, but reversed course a few days later.