COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill Tuesday that would let counties set rules for vessels that operate so-called cruises to nowhere.

The legislation affects only boats that depart from and return to the state's territorial waters without making a stop elsewhere. It doesn't affect large passenger cruise liners or alter existing gambling laws.

Several legislators said the legislation would likely prompt lawsuits.

Sen. Jake Knotts argued that local governments who find themselves being sued over their regulations should have to foot their own legal bills.

The state is inviting a lawsuit at state taxpayer expense that's tied county government decisions, Knotts said. Let "them also defend it if it comes into court," said Knotts, R-West Columbia.