A bill designed to make it less likely that alleged victims will have their sexual histories scrutinized during court proceedings was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

The measure, which will take effect July 1, expands the state’s rape shield law.

That law prohibits evidence at trial of an alleged victim’s previous sexual conduct, unless a judge decides it’s relevant.

The change will apply the same rule to all court proceedings. Current law would permit an alleged victim’s past conduct to become an issue in pretrial hearings, even if such evidence wouldn’t be presented to a jury.