Across South Carolina

Senate OKs tougher drunken-driving bill

COLUMBIA --- Drunken drivers in the state could soon face stiffer penalties, especially if they make a habit of the offense.

The South Carolina Senate gave final approval Wednesday to a proposal that toughens penalties according to how much alcohol drivers have in their systems and how many times they are convicted.

Also under the proposal, drivers who refuse to take a breath test would have their licenses suspended for six months. The current punishment is a suspended license for three months.

Senate and House leaders must ratify their compromise bill before sending it Gov. Mark Sanford. That could happen by the end of the week.

Car sales tax could go toward roads, bridges

<b>COLUMBIA --- </b> The sales tax paid on vehicles would go toward building and repairing roads and bridges under a bill passed Wednesday in the House.

The measure was approved 90-10 and needs another routine vote before heading to the Senate.

Under the plan, money generated through sales taxes paid on vehicles would be split between the State Infrastructure Bank and the state Transportation Department through a four-year phase-in. Once fully in effect, the move could provide more than $100 million a year.

The money now goes into the state's general fund.

In other news

<b>A WOMAN IS PAYING $1,829 </b> to make sure her family gets the first ride on the Led Zeppelin theme roller coaster at the new Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach. Cindy Ennis was the top bidder on the eBay charity auction for front row seats on the coaster's first run on Tuesday.

<b>-- Associated Press </b>