(Columbia-AP) Jan. 31, 2006 - A bill giving the governor authority to lower flags on the State House grounds to half staff when notable national figures die is heading to the House floor.

The House Judiciary Committee passed the bill Tuesday. The Senate is considering a similar proposal.

Efforts to give the governor more flexibility in handling that honor gained momentum after Rosa Parks' death in October.

At the time, Governor Mark Sanford said state law kept him from ordering flags lowered to honor the civil rights figure, although flags were lowered on federal buildings.

Posted 6:40pm by Chantelle Janelle