WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal says bipartisan support is building for his proposed federal legislation that attempts to combat campus sexual assaults.

There are currently four Republican co-sponsors of the bill, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. But Blumenthal said Friday he spoke with fellow senators Thursday night and believes other Republicans and Democrats will sign on.

Blumenthal is hopeful hearings will be held in September and the bill could pass the Senate before the end of 2014. He said there are efforts to take up a similar bill in the House of Representatives.

Under the bill, colleges and universities will be required to identify confidential advisers help sexual assault victims. Minimum training standards for on-campus staff would also be imposed. Schools could face financial penalties for not complying with certain requirements.