Gov. Mark Sanford's proposals to create enrollment limits for all public schools and give conduct grades to students who attend them received a tepid reception Tuesday from a House education subcommittee.

The five-member panel headed by Rep. Bob Walker, R-Spartanburg, indicated a willingness to support both proposals, but also wants to add clarifications before it recommends both bills to House colleagues.

On the enrollment bill, which calls for elementary schools to serve 500 students, middle schools to serve 700 students and high schools to serve 900, Walker wants amendments outlining steps that districts should take to comply when limits are exceeded.

Walker also said he'd like to see tax incentives offered to property owners willing to lease empty structures to districts that want to refurbish them as schools.

How conduct grades might be used at the high school level also generated questions about the added workload for teachers, and whether those grades should be part of transcripts that colleges and potential employers see.

Walker urged the governor's advisers and the education committee's chief researcher to draft amendments that address the questions about both measures. Companion bills are making their way through the Senate.

Richland To Consider Charging Impact Fees

Richland County Council is studying whether charging impact fees to developers would offset the costs of growth.

The county's Administration and Finance Committee voted Tuesday to direct the planning commission to study the fees.

The study is the first step required by state law that the county must take before imposing the fees.

Last summer, a majority of council members said they would consider the fees, but none said outright that they would support impact fees.

The question of the fees was raised in the wake of The Mungo Co.'s announcement that it would develop 1,000 acres in already booming Northeast Richland.

Advocates say one-time impact fees would shift the cost of new roads, new firetrucks and other services from all property taxpayers to new homeowners.

But home builders and real estate agents statewide have fought the fees, arguing that growth pays for itself and that fees would drive up home costs.

Mandatory spay, neuter of pets studied

Richland County Council is considering a mandatory spay-and-neuter policy that would bring it in line with the city's policy.

A Richland County committee on Tuesday approved an ordinance that would require all animals brought in to the animal shelter be spayed or neutered before they are returned to their owners.

There are exceptions for pet owners who have a letter from a veterinarian, proof a dog participated in at least three national animal shows in the past year, proof a dog is a certified assistance dog or proof a dog is registered with the state as a hunting dog.

In the past, council members who represent rural areas had been reluctant to go along with the city's strict policy.

The change could open the door for the county to renew discussions with city officials about partnering with the city to expand the city's shelter.

It would need three votes by the full council before it is final.

Charges against TV anchor dropped

WOLO-TV anchor Shanai Harris has been cleared of all charges in a steroid case involving her ex-husband.

In March 2002, Richland County deputies charged Harris and her former husband, Marion Benton of 68 Loggerhead Drive, after police seized more than 600 doses of steroids at their home and Benton's business, Bodies by Marion at 1722 Broad River Road.

Benton was accused of selling steroids. In South Carolina, steroids are illegal without a prescription.

Benton pleaded guilty last month to anabolic steroid possession and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was ordered to serve 60 days in jail, pay $26,000 and perform 350 hours of community service.

At the same time, a steroid possession charge against Harris was dropped, court records show.