COLUMBIA, S.C. - Drivers would have to say they don't want their organs donated if they die under a bill filed by a Myrtle Beach senator becomes law.

Sen. Luke Rankin wants drivers to automatically become organ donors when they get or renew licenses. Current law allows drivers to opt in as organ donors.

Organ donation "ought to be the rule rather than the exception," Rankin said.

The Republican said it is not an attempt to mandate organ donation. But the legislation says unless applicants can prove they are an organ donor or sign a form saying they don't want to become one, they cannot get drivers' licenses.

Tuesday was the first day for senators to file bills for the session that begins Jan. 10. House members had their first pre-filing date on Nov. 16.

The new spate of bills includes several dealing with property taxes, government restructuring and education.

_ Voters would decide in November whether to change the constitution so that counties could not raise tax assessments. Property values could only be adjusted when it is sold, transferred or undergoes major improvements under the bill Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken, sponsored.

_ One bill broadens the state's price-gouging laws so they take effect when a state of emergency is declared in another state. The bill from Sen. Dick Elliott, D-North Myrtle Beach takes effect when the impact of a disaster is felt in South Carolina. A similar bill was filed in the House by Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston.

_ Rankin has a bill that would create universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds. "It's time to do it," he said. Every effort to bring education to early childhood has helped create "brighter and better equipped" children, Rankin said. He has no estimate of the cost.

_ Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, filed legislation allowing the governor to decide to lower flags on the Statehouse to half staff when Congress or the president have ordered that honor for federal buildings. Gov. Mark Sanford was criticized for not lowering flags after civil rights icon Rosa Parks died on Oct. 24. Harrell filed a similar bill in the House earlier this month.