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Kansas House Approves Bill To Make Affidavits For Search Warrants Public

The Kansas House has approved and sent a bill to the Senate that allows more access to police documents about the reason behind arrests.

The bill also would make affidavits justifying search warrants open to the parties involved.

The bill advanced 113-10 on Thursday, as the House finished work on dozens of bills ahead of the first major legislative deadline of the session.

A tougher fight for the bill is expected in the Senate.

Individuals whose homes are searched would have 30 days to request documentation explaining the reason for the search.

Kansas is one of the few states that seal probable-cause affidavits.

Prosecutors have raised concerns that opening the records could jeopardize the safety and privacy of victims and witnesses.

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