GREENVILLE, S.C. - Sen. Bill Mescher, R-Pinopolis, is excited that one of the biggest opponents tattooing in South Carolina has changed his mind.

It took a tour of an illegal tattoo parlor for Sen. Jake Knotts, R-West Columbia, to be convinced police cannot stop tattoo artists. He said he will no longer fight Mescher's legalization bill.

"It was a nasty, nasty, nasty house," said Knotts, a former police officer. "I still think that tattoo parlors are not good for South Carolina, but I do think that the courts have failed."

Mescher said even though his four previous bills legalizing and regulating tattoo parlors have been rejected in the House, he is hoping for approval next year if other lawmakers follow Knotts' lead.

With the budget still unfinished, Mescher said he doesn't think the House will be able to take action until next year.

"I think most of us have an open mind," said House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, who has voted against tattoo legislation in the past.

South Carolina and Oklahoma are the only states in the nation that ban tattooing.

Information from: The Greenville News