COLUMBIA - With the House off and the Senate in shortened session for spring break, Senate committees put in some long work hours.

A casino-boat-regulation bill for local governments was hammered out in subcommittee and could be in full committee this week.

Also possible this week is Senate Finance Committee action on the free-pour bill. The measure received the second of three readings in the Senate two weeks ago but stalled when the committee asked to review it.

The bill was reviewed and recommended by the Judiciary Committee.

Meanwhile, the House subcommittee assigned to work on its version of a free-pour bill will meet about 2 p.m. Tuesday in Room 521 of the Blatt House Office Building. The meeting time is indefinite because it is posted for one hour after the House adjourns from its noon meeting.

On the floor, the House will debate the Senate's medical-malpractice lawsuit-reform bill, and the Senate will continue work on the administrative-reform bill.

The House also will take up the bill filed by Rep. Jackie Hayes, D-Hamer, that confirms designation of part of the Little Pee Dee as a state scenic river. The section is in Dillon County between the Marlboro and Marion County lines.

State law requires legislative action after a scenic-river plan has been developed by local residents and the state Department of Natural Resources, and after the designation has been OK'd by the local county council.

The bill will be treated like a local measure and is expected to pass the House quickly and then be sent to the Senate.