Topeka ? The Senate Judiciary Committee chairman says he expects his panel will vote on a bill to protect journalists from revealing information about sources.

Sen. Tim Owens, an Overland Park Republican, said after a hearing Friday on the shield law bill that he plans to go forward with the legislation. Owens said he hopes to bring it up for a committee vote early next month

The committee heard from supporters saying the bill would provide some measure of protection so journalists won’t have to reveal information such as confidential sources or their notes unless ordered by a judge.

Opponents say the bill isn’t needed and would create a special class of privilege for reporters.