COLUMBIA, S.C. - Criminal background checks would be required for workers at South Carolina's ports under a bill given key approval in the House on Tuesday.

Currently, the South Carolina Ports Authority cannot search for past criminal records for people who are not employed by the state, said agency spokesman Byron Miller.

The bill requires a fingerprint-based criminal check by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for all employees engaged in activities related to cargo.

"There are a lot of people who come here to do business," Miller said. "There is nothing preventing someone convicted of a terrorist crime two years ago from working on our docks."

The death of a worker earlier this year prompted tougher screening.

Archie Porcher of Cainhoy was charged with reckless homicide after he was accused of running over William E. "Bill" Hughes, 42, at the Wando Welch Terminal of the Port of Charleston on Feb. 12.

Porcher has at least 24 convictions for moving violations in South Carolina, along with an armed robbery conviction and several drug convictions, according to court records. His driver's license has been suspended since June because of a conviction for possession of LSD and cocaine.

The legislation does not apply to those making deliveries to or from State Ports Authority facilities.

However, Rick Todd, president of the South Carolina Trucking Association, said his drivers would be required to have background checks under pending federal legislation.

"We want a uniform system and pay the fee one time," Todd said.

Larry Young, president of the South Carolina Stevedores Association, said he didn't understand why the truck drivers were left out of the state legislation.

"We think everybody should bite the bullet," Young said. "It's a cost issue for everybody."

The bill needs third reading before it heads to the Senate.