Don't rush out to get that tattoo just yet

LEGISLATION

COLUMBIA - Efforts to pass a bill legalizing tattooing failed in the state House on Thursday, as lawmakers voted to send the bill back to committee. It was a setback for an issue that has been debated and killed in the General Assembly for a decade. The bill already has been approved by the Senate, and supporters have been hopeful that it would be made into law this year.The bill prevents people younger than 18 or those under the influence of drugs and alcohol from getting a tattoo. It also prevents tattooists from reusing sterilized needles.

The tattooist must be certified in CPR and blood-borne pathology and have Red Cross certification. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control will train and regulate tattooists and can revoke licenses for violations.

Supporters say illegal tattooing leads to hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases.

Opponents said they were concerned that the bill doesn't do enough to address concerns about zoning for tattoo parlors.

South Carolina and Oklahoma are the only states that ban tattooing. -- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Riverbanks' male koala gets 2 female friends

ZOO

COLUMBIA -- Two female koalas are making their new home in South Carolina's capital city. Lottie and Kilarney came to Riverbanks Zoo from the David Fleay Wildlife Park in Queensland, Australia.

They join Mirai, a male koala sent to Riverbanks from a Japanese zoo in 2002. Another male koala that arrived at the same time has since died. -- ASSOCIATED PRESS