Topeka ? Kansas House members have tentatively approved a bill that would increase penalties for certain sex crimes committed in state prisons.

The bill has already passed the Senate. It is in response to a series of newspaper reports and a subsequent Legislative Post Audit Report that raised questions about inappropriate sexual relations between prison guards, staff and inmates.

House members advanced the bill Wednesday to final action. That vote is expected later in the day.

Among the changes to state law would be an increase in the penalty for sexual misconduct by a prison guard or employee to a higher degree of felony. A conviction would result in a presumptive prison term.

It also requires those convicted to register as a sex offender with the state.