COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Governor Mark Sanford's office says he will sign a tougher criminal domestic violence bill today.
The law would take effect January First and double the minimum fine for a first conviction of domestic violence to $1,000. Offenders can also get 30 days in jail.
A second conviction could bring a year in jail and $5,000 in fines.
The Legislature left a mountain of 62 bills on the governor's desk last week that Sanford must deal with by midnight tonight.
The governor is expected to veto some, including a tougher seat belt bill.
Sanford's office says he signed 16 of the bills on Friday.
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