COLUMBIA - South Carolina - arguably the nation's most cigarette-friendly state - is thinking of kicking the habit, or at least making it less appealing for those who smoke.

This week House lawmakers advanced two bills to increase the state's lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax and another measure that bans smoking in bars and restaurants.

For 10-year House veteran Jim Battle, D-Nichols, the ideas are nothing new. But he and many other lawmakers said they were shocked by the progress the legislation is making this year.

Smoking "really is under assault," he said.

House lawmakers can't point to any specific reason why this year is different. Rep. Rex Rice, R-Easley, said it's an indication of a changing culture and awareness about the health effects of smoking.

"The use of tobacco products is driving up the cost of health care for all of us," said Rice, a longtime supporter of cigarette tax increases.

Rice's subcommittee apparently made history Thursday by approving two bills that seek to raise the 7-cents-a-pack tax. Rice said it was the first time a standalone bill increasing the cigarette tax advanced past the bottom rung of the legislative process.

One bill, sponsored by Rep. Paul Agnew, D-Abbeville, and 54 other lawmakers, proposes increasing the cigarette tax by 32 cents to help pay health-care costs for impoverished children and set up a similar program for employees of small businesses.

The second bill, sponsored by Rice, would eventually increase the tax by 40 cents to cover the state's rising health-care costs. It includes a provision to lower the income tax to keep the legislation "revenue neutral."

House lawmakers are expected to take up the bills when they return April 18 from a weeklong spring break.

Both measures face difficult journeys through the full committee, but groups advocating a higher tax applauded the move.

"This is a historic victory that would save thousands of South Carolina's kids from a lifetime of addiction and disease," said Renee Martin, executive director of the South Carolina Tobacco Collaborative.

Cigarette company officials said lawmakers are moving too fast and not acknowledging the perks of the low cigarette taxes.

"Before we do anything hasty, let's see what positive economic benefits there might be," said John Singleton, spokesman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco. "I think you'll see South Carolina sell a lot more cigarettes."

Tobacco companies are also fighting the smoking ban proposal that passed the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. It would prohibit smoking in restaurants, bars and recreational facilities. The committee carved out exceptions for cigar bars and private clubs, and removed criminal penalties.

ON THE NET

For a full report on the Legislature, click www.charleston.net/webextras.