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Bill On Past Sexual Assault Evidence OK'd By Maryland Senate

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A measure to allow judges to admit evidence of similar sex offenses in some cases against a suspect accused of rape has been passed by the Maryland Senate.

Senators voted unanimously for the measure Friday. A similar bill is pending in the House.

Under the measure, prosecutors would be able to introduce evidence from past cases that are not directly related to the charges a person is facing in court. That's not allowed under current law, but the measure would create an exception if the victim is a child or the accused's defense is that the act was consensual.

Sen. James Brochin, the bill sponsor, says it will give victims a chance to have their say in court.

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