State laws in works.

Publication Date: 2006-12-16

• Author:Yvonne M. Wenger
• Publication:Charleston (SC) Post & Courier

The state Legislature will get into full swing Jan. 9, but lawmakers are already busy pre-filing a hodgepodge of proposed laws including naming a state horse, strengthening underage drinking laws, passing smoking bans and cracking down on illegal immigrants.

--Reps. James Rutherford, D-Columbia, and Jim Merrill, R-Daniel Island, want to prohibit smoking in restaurants and bars, except cigar bars and private clubs, among other exemptions.