The GOP-controlled House Pensions and Benefits Committee approved a bill authorizing the bonds on a 7-6 vote, sending it to the entire House for debate. But on a voice vote, it tabled a separate measure to start the 401(k)-style plan for state and local government workers hired after 2014, as well as a separate, non-traditional plan for new teachers.

The measures followed two years' worth of legislation overhauling the retirement system for teachers and state and local government employees. The committee faced skepticism from retiree groups and public employee unions that lawmakers needed to consider additional changes this year.

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System projects that previous changes — which include boosting state contributions and setting aside state casino profits to pensions — would eliminate a projected $9.3 billion gap between revenues and benefits promised to workers by 2033. But many GOP lawmakers believe such a gap will occur again if the state isn't more aggressive in moving away from traditional plans that guarantee benefits upfront, based on a worker's salary and years of service.