TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ A Kansas House committee is considering a bill that would increase the statute of limitations for prosecuting sexual assaults and rapes.

Currently, people guilty of those crimes can escape justice if they avoid arrest for five years after the crime or five years after the victim's 18th birthday. Supporters of the bill say that sometimes happens because victims don't report the crimes for years.

The bill would increase the statute of limitations to 10 years after the crime or 10 years from when the victim turns 18. Some advocates want to completely eliminate the statute of limitations.

The Wichita Eagle reports the committee is expected to advance the bill this week.

Rape victims, law enforcement officers and prosecutors all testified last week in favor of the bill.

___
Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, http://www.kansas.com