TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Kansas is making improvements in its enforcement rate in preventing sales of tobacco to minors.

A new report released Friday showed that Kansas had a compliance rate of 87.1 percent last year, an improvement of 7 percentage points.

The state increased funding for its enforcement efforts after the compliance rate fell close to the 80 percent rate required by federal law. Kansas fell below 80 percent in 2004 and was close to the mark in 2006. Enforcement falls to the state Department of Revenue-Alcohol Beverage Control unit, in conjunction with the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.

Kansas increased funding for training of retailers in 2007 to $412,000, with an additional $100,000 spent to conduct additional spot checks of retailers. The state also increased fines for selling tobacco to minors.