Legislature backs Bible in public schools

Columbia — The state Legislature on Wednesday cleared the path for the Bible to be taught in public schools and police to crack down on gang activity in the state. But raising the cigarette tax and allowing concealed weapons on campuses will likely have to wait until next year.

With only one day left in regular session before the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn today, the state budget was still not finalized. The House made its passage contingent on reforming the Department of Transportation and the workers' compensation system.

However, the Legislature passed measures to keep government operating if it is unable to reach an agreement on a new spending plan. They're also putting safeguards in place to ensure Charleston County schools get the money needed to overcome a budget deficit, among certain other measures.

The Senate debated the House's plan to raise the cigarette tax but no vote was taken. Senators will decide today whether to continue the session later this month and again in July if necessary.

On the House side, members voted 97-10 to give key approval to a Senate bill that will allow elective high school courses on the Old and New Testament to be taught. Proponents believe the Bible-based curriculum will give students a lesson in history and literature. Rep. Joe Neal, D-Hopkins, offered a failed amendment to expand the teachings to other religious texts, such as the Torah.

"If this is an attempt to get around the Constitution and insert a faith above another faith, that's a mistake," he said. "I'm a Christian, but I don't believe my faith ought to be fostered in a way that's not honest and above board."

In other business, the House:

--Sent a proposal to allow concealed weapon permits holders to carry guns in schools back to committee. The bill is in response to safety concerns following the multiple shooting at Virginia Tech, but lawmakers said they needed more time to study the issue.

--Voted 103-9 to give key approval to a Senate bill that allows the state grand jury to investigate criminal gang activity. The House amended the bill, which means it needs to go back to the Senate for approval. The bill makes it illegal to force a person to join a gang or stop them from leaving. The State Law Enforcement Division would also be authorized to develop a gang database, not available to the public, for the purpose of investigations.

--Voted 99-5 to give key approval to a Senate bill that allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty when someone is convicted of intentionally setting a fatal fire.

--Refused to agree with changes the Senate made to a bill allowing students to transfer to any public school in the state. House and Senate members will now have to negotiate the final details, putting the bill's chances of becoming law this year in jeopardy. If the Legislature decides to extend session this summer, a conference committee would still have time to sort out the differences and get it to the governor's desk.

Reach Yvonne M. Wenger at ywenger@postandcourier.com or 803-799-9051.