COLUMBIA, S.C. - Legislation limiting local governments' ability to regulate hog and chicken farms and other business types cleared a Senate subcommittee Thursday with a 4-1 vote.

Opponents see the legislation, now headed to the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, as infringing on local government rights.

"I don't think we should be about the business of telling people what to do," said Sen. Scott Richardson, R-Hilton Head Island.

But supporters say local governments shouldn't pass regulations restricting some types of business if they have not passed zoning laws.

Sen. Danny Verdin, R-Laurens, expects supporters to offer an amendment that allows local governments time to pass their own zoning laws before the legislation would take effect.