COLUMBIA (AP) - South Carolina could soon be the nation's second state to make some sex offenders eligible for the death penalty.

But some opponents say there could be some dire consequences if the proposal passes.

The state House will discuss whether capital punishment should be an option for those people convicted a second time of raping children younger than 11. The Senate has already approved the measure and Governor Mark Sanford has expressed his support. Should it become law, South Carolina would join Louisiana in such legislation. Similar measures are being discussed by Oklahoma lawmakers.

But advocates against capital punishment say applying the ultimate penalty could lead to family members refusing to come forward and more rape victims being killed.

Meanwhile, it may soon be harder to light up when you're out to dinner. A bill that would ban smoking in state restaurants is heading to the House floor. The House Judiciary Committee yesterday approved the legislation.

The measure would cut out smoking in all restaurants, bars, lounges and recreational facilities. The committee agreed to exceptions for cigar bars and private clubs, such as the American Legion.

And the bill no longer has the criminal penalties it had when it came out of a subcommittee.

State Representative Todd Rutherford says the bill was about clean air and protecting the public. Some others on the panel say it would put South Carolina on a course to ban smoking in other places.