TOPEKA ? Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a bill giving him more discretion in making some budget cuts during the next fiscal year while protecting aid to public schools.

The Republican governor signed the measure Tuesday. It will remain in effect only during the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The Republican-dominated Legislature passed a plan for raising taxes by $384 million to balance the budget during the next fiscal year. But GOP lawmakers said Brownback still may have to trim spending up to $50 million.

Current state law allows Brownback to make cuts but requires them to be across the board. The new law will allow targeted cuts.

But the measure also protects aid to public schools, the court system’s funding, the Legislature’s budget and payments for public pensions.