DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer

Lawmakers in several states are seeking to address the problem of sexual assaults on college campuses, but their bills have encountered criticisms and legal complexities. Among the contentious measures, some are viewed as infringing on victims’ rights and others as too favorable to accused students.

In three states, lawmakers had hoped to pass bills requiring college officials to promptly report all alleged on-campus sexual assaults to local police. The bills’ supporters said too few cases get reported, citing Justice Department estimates that only 20 percent of campus sexual assault victims go to police.

However, each bill has faced forceful opposition. A measure in Virginia was scaled back before winning approval, and sponsors of measures in Rhode Island and New Jersey now say they are open to amendments to address objections.