State Rep. John Graham Altman said Friday that Fox News wants him to be a guest on "Your World with Neil Cavuto" on Monday to discuss his bill that would prohibit illegal immigrants from collecting South Carolina lottery winnings.

The Charleston Republican filed his bill in February.

"It'll have a good chance if I can get on Fox. Everybody says it's a good idea," he said.

Cavuto's hour-long live show is billed as the No. 1 business news program on cable TV. It airs at 4 p.m. weekdays.

Altman said it is "downright absurd" that illegal immigrants can collect state lottery winnings.

He said supporters of his legislation have contacted him from around the country.

Under his bill, lottery winners would have to show proof of legal U.S. residency.

He said constituents have complained to him that groups of illegal immigrants who cash winning lottery tickets at convenience stores make it more difficult to pay for gas or snacks.

"I've seen it when I go in there to pay for gas," he said.

Altman said he noticed the problem recently at an area grocery store where there was a 20-deep line of illegal immigrants cashing winning lottery tickets at the service counter.

"South Carolina is now part of the Mexican food chain," he said.

Altman was a guest on the Fox News primetime talk show"Hannity & Colmes" on Dec. 22, when he discussed his bill that would allow South Carolina to lock up illegal immigrants.

Altman's legislation would create a felony trespass law, punishable by up to five years in prison, that authorizes the state to seize vehicles, property and assets of illegal immigrants.

In the Legislature

--A House bill would add selling sex toys to the state's obscenity laws. People convicted would face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

--For a full report on the Legislature, go to www.charleston.net/webextras.

Reach Prentiss Findlay at 745-5854 or pfindlay@postandcourier.com.