The approval followed four hours of public testimony for and against the bill. Dubbed the "Put Parents in Charge Act," the proposal would give parents tax credits or scholarships worth up to $4,600 to offset the cost of private tuition or home-schooling costs.

Supporters argued parents should get to choose where their children attend school. Opponents countered that public money should not go to private schools. Both sides were equally represented, with each taking turns.

On the committee, Rep. Shirley Hinson, R-Goose Creek, said she voted to move forward to "get more people involved in the debate." The former Berkeley County School Board member said she recognizes amendments are needed.

Rep. Lewis Vaughn, R-Greenville County, said he's always supported school choice and called the bill a "start in the right direction." Rep. Bill Clyburn, D-Aiken, cast the lone "no." He said too many questions remain about the bill's fiscal impacts.

Legislative subcommittee meetings don't normally attract a crowd. But this one brought in people by the busload. Onlookers filled the room's 150 seats 30 minutes before the meeting started.

More than 50 people signed up to speak. Speakers who couldn't cram into the room were brought in one at a time.

Supporters not set to speak camped out on the lawn, surrounded by students in lime green T-shirts that read, "Pass School Choice Now." The shirts were distributed by the pro-tax-credit group South Carolinians for Responsible Government.

Many who attended were members of the S.C. Association of Independent Home Schools. Private schools belonging to the S.C. Independent Schools Association also brought students.

"I have come to the realization that public schools will not meet the needs of every child," said Theresa Middleton, principal of Miracle Academy in Berkeley County.

Jon Butzon of the Charleston Education Network encouraged legislators to research the bill.

"The potential for unintended consequences is huge," he said. "Once you squeeze this tube, you're not going to be able to put the toothpaste back."

The legislators seemed surprised when Peggy Torrey of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce spoke against the bill.

They twice asked her whether she represented the chamber or her personal views. She said the pro-business group opposes the bill because it puts public money in schools that do not have to abide by the same accountability measures as public schools.

Private school students do not have to take standardized tests to gauge progress nor do they have to publicize their budgets or provide other information.

"Is this the beginning of an explicit set of double standards?" asked Berkeley County School Board member Kathleen Bounds.

The Rev. Tony Beam, pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Fountain Inn, said, "I don't believe government accountability is the only accountability there is. Money, time and more bureaucracy doesn't work. Parental involvement will."

Phyllis Gildea, president of the Charleston County Parent Teacher Association countered with, "But since there's no way to compare, the idea that parents will just know is wishful thinking."

Rep. Ken Clark, R-Swansea, also spoke in opposition. He said he envisions the bill primarily benefiting more affluent parents, rather than the low-income students it is touted to help.

The bill has no Senate sponsor.

"It's important to at least debate this issue," said Rep. Doug Smith, R-Spartanburg, the bill's main sponsor. "It's time to have a social, philosophical, moral debate."

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