Wrap: St. Charles Republican Representative Kathie Conway is sponsoring a bill that would criminalize sexual exploitation of or by clergy persons.

Conway says the bill was inspired by a woman whose pastor took advantage of her during after a life crisis.

The victim and her husband went to the police, but the police said their hands were tied because the relationship was consensual.

The law would prohibit any romantic interactions within 120 days of a parishioner first seeking counsel.

The House Crime Committee took no immediate action on the bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.

Wrap: The House Crime Committee is considering criminalizing sexual exploitation of or by clergy persons.

St. Charles Republican Representative Kathie Conway says the law would prevent romantic interactions between a parishioner and their religious leader within 120 days of their first advisement meeting.

St. Louis County Republican Representative John McCaherty is a pastor himself.

He says religious leaders should follow the same ethical laws that licensed therapists do, but wants to make sure the language isn't one-sided.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christina Turner.