COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A Senate panel began considering a bill Thursday that would set mandatory jail sentences for spouse-batterers.

The bill has been on the fast track in the Statehouse for two weeks after a House subcommittee killed similar legislation.

But one prosecutor says parts of the bill might keep some victims from pursuing cases.

Lexington County criminal domestic violence prosecutor Nicole Howland says stiffer penalties and mandatory minimum sentences are a problem because some victims won't want their partners jailed for long periods. She says other victims might not want their abusers to pay heavy fines when that money could instead be used for child support.

The bill increases fines for first and second offenses, jail time for second offenses and makes a third offense a felony.