Date Published: February 8, 2007   

News in brief from around the Statehouse Thursday

The Associated Press

Students who major in math and science-related fields would receive more scholarship money under a proposal headed to the House floor.

The House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved the plan for students receiving a lottery-funded Palmetto Fellows Scholarship or LIFE Scholarship. It is meant to attract students into high-tech fields that will boost the state's economy.

Under the proposal, recipients of the LIFE scholarship who major in math or science would receive an additional $2,500, for a total of $7,500. Palmetto Fellows Scholarship recipients would receive an additional $3,300, for a total of $10,000. Students can use the scholarships at in-state schools only.

Students would become eligible for the higher amounts beginning with their sophomore year, provided they complete enough math and science courses their first year.

The bill, introduced by House Speaker Bobby Harrell and co-sponsored by 70 percent of House members, should easily pass to the Senate.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Legislators who want a statewide school choice plan to involve private schools announced Thursday they're going to try again to pass their plan.

Proposals to give parents tax credits or money for private school tuition have failed repeatedly, but Rep. Tracy Edge said he believes more people now agree with the concept. The Myrtle Beach Republican introduced legislation Thursday identical to what died on the House floor last year by seven votes.

"This year is the year we're going to take action," said Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau. He said he will reintroduce next week the same bill he proposed last year, which died in a Senate subcommittee.

On Wednesday, education Superintendent Jim Rex announced his plan to allow parents to transfer their children to other public schools both within and outside their district lines, and help provide transportation for poor families.

But Edge said that is an "illusion" of choice that won't meet demand.

His bill would allow a $1,000 tax credit to all parents who send their child to private school and a $500 tax credit for parents who home school their child. It would also give $4,500 toward private tuition to low-income parents - set this year as $41,300 for a family of four - and help pay tuition for any child with special needs.

Grooms' bill would also give tax credits to people or businesses that donate money to a Rural School Infrastructure Bank to aid poor-performing rural schools.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A device that turns liquor into a breathable vapor of oxygen and alcohol would be banned under a bill that received key approval Thursday in the state Senate.

A bill banning the Alcohol Without Liquid device, known as AWOL, passed on the Senate floor. It requires another perfunctory vote before heading to the House. Some 20 states have already banned the device, which is distributed by a North Carolina company.

The product's Web site describes it as a "fun new legal way to enjoy alcohol" with no hangover and few calories.

Punishment would range from a $300 fine for a first offense and up to a $3,000 fine or two years in prison for a third offense.