The State Senate again put off action Wednesday on a bill that would allow police to more easily ticket adult drivers who don’t wear seat belts.

Last week, the Senate set Wednesday as the time for a showdown over a promised filibuster by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, an opponent of a strong seat-belt law.

But shortly before 5 p.m., state Sen. Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, moved that the Senate adjourn. His motion was approved by a voice vote.

The adjournment allowed senators to attend a 6 p.m. reception for legislators and their staffers at the Embassy Suites hotel, sponsored by the S.C. Association of Counties.

Two advocates of a strong seat-belt law — Sens. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, and Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken — said they have been assured seat belt debate will take place today.

But the Senate has put off opportunities to confront McConnell and a handful of other senators who oppose a stronger seat-belt law for more than a month. About 28 of 46 senators have said they will vote for a stronger law.

Under current state law, adult drivers cannot be cited for not wearing a seat belt unless police see the driver break another law.

Youths 17 and under can be cited for not wearing a seat belt, even if an officer does not see another violation.

— John Monk