Legislature approves bill to expand Kansas’ rape shield law

? A bill expanding Kansas’ rape shield law has cleared the Legislature.

The House approved the measure on a 123-0 vote Monday, sending it to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. The Senate passed the same version last week, 39-0.

The rape shield law limits testimony or other evidence about the sexual past of a crime victim during trials or other court hearings. A defendant must request in writing that such evidence be admitted, and a judge must determine whether it is relevant.

The law applies to victims of rape and other sex crimes, such as sodomy and indecent liberties with a child. The bill adds aggravated sex trafficking involving a child and electronic solicitation of a child for sexual purposes to the list.