Topeka ? The Kansas Senate has advanced a bill protecting journalists from being forced to release their notes on unpublished information.

The Senate gave first-round approval Tuesday to the measure creating what’s commonly called a shield law. A second vote would be needed to send the bill to the House.

The bill would give journalists limited protection against being forced to identify unnamed sources or disclose information they hadn’t published or broadcast.

A journalist could be forced to comply with a subpoena only if a state judge ruled that the information was relevant to a case and could not be obtained in another way.

Supporters say such a law would help journalists remain independent. Critics question whether it’s necessary.