(Columbia-AP) April 7, 2004 - The Senate bypassed the seat belt bill again on Wednesday so members could take care of other matters on the Senate calendar.

Rules Committee Chairman Larry Martin of Pickens told the committee it would be a chance to get to less contentious issues on the Senate's calendar.

Senators have adjourned for the week. When they return Tuesday, Chairman Martin told News 10 they will probably take up either the seat belt bill or tort reform.

A bill that senators have been debating for weeks now would allow police to stop motorists who are not wearing their seat belts. Current law allows officers to ticket motorists for seat belt violations after they have been stopped for another offense.

The Senate adjourned last Thursday with Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston) still holding the floor. He has been filibustering against the bill he says is an intrusion on personal freedom and a mangled piece of legislation. Supporters of the primary enforcement bill haven't been able to get the 28 votes needed to shut down his filibuster.

Opponents of a primary seat belt law have stalled consideration of a tougher bill for weeks in the Senate and say the change infringes on personal choices and privacy. Others argue the current law is working so why change it.

Supporters say lives saved by a tougher law outweigh the privacy concerns. They say it would also save on medical costs.

The proposal is tucked into a bill dealing with notations on drivers licenses for the deaf. A bill allowing for primary seat belt enforcement has already passed the House.

updated 12:53pm by BrettWitt