COLUMBIA - The House on Wednesday upheld Gov. Mark Sanford's veto of a bill capping property-tax increases after reassessment at 20 percent. The House action kills the bill because a veto stands unless both houses override it.

The House did override, 85-25, Sanford's veto of a bill that lets property owners declare their land fireworks-free and gives police the power to enforce the bans.

The Senate also must override the veto or it will stand. A vote is likely today.

The Senate dealt with vetoes of two bills, then adjourned to dedicate a portrait of the late Sen. Ed Saleeby, D-Hartsville.

The tax cap was sponsored by Rep. Vida Miller, D-Pawleys Island, and was ardently sought by residents of rapidly-appreciating coastal property.

Sanford vetoed it on the grounds it is unconstitutional because property must be assessed at fair market value. Opponents said they also are concerned about the shift of an estimated $462 million from owners of higher-valued property to people whose property is not appreciating as much. Miller asked colleagues to override the veto and let the courts decide its constitutionality.

Rep. Thayer Rivers, D-Ridgeland, said the law would cause tax increases of 76 percent for people in his county. "You're going to be handing a majority of your constituents a tax increase on their home," Rivers said.

Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach, said counties and cities should cut their spending instead of raising taxes to compensate for the cap.

Miller said the effort now will turn to other ways to provide tax relief, and she is forming a committee to study the issue.

The fireworks bill was a result of pleas from residents of heavily populated unincorporated areas such as Shore Drive to give counties fireworks control, especially on beaches.

Efforts to give counties the power to regulate fireworks have failed in the past.

"This tool is the first counties have been offered," said Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach, who sponsored the bill. "I suggest to you that this is a good bill that you passed."

The House voted 76-33 to sustain the veto of the 20 percent reassessment tax cap; votes were no to sustain, yes to override.

Voting no | Liston Barfield, R-Aynor; Jim Battle, D-Nichols; Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach; Billy Witherspoon, R-Conway

Voting yes | Carl Anderson, D-Georgetown; Tracy Edge, R-North Myrtle Beach; Vida Miller, D-Pawleys Island; Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach

Not voting | Jackie Hayes, D-Hamer