LAWSUIT CAPS - The Senate launched debate on a bill that would limit lawsuits brought against South Carolina doctors and health care providers. The biggest issue involves a $250,000 cap on pain and suffering and other non-economic damages in lawsuits. Opponents say supporters aren’t proving that doctors would save much if lawsuits awards for non-economic damages were limited.

RETIREMENT SYSTEMS - State employees and retirees came to the Statehouse Tuesday to tell legislators to protect their retirement plans and the cost of living adjustments that come with it. State Treasurer Grady Patterson told a Senate subcommittee he had several solutions that could make the system more stable. His suggestions include making retirees returning to state jobs make contributions to the retirement plan.

EDUCATION CONSOLIDATION - The House approved a bill where state revenue sources for education K-12 would be consolidated into six spending categories for each local school district and special school. Districts would have the flexibility within six categories to determine how best to use that money to meet their individual needs.

EVOLUTION ALTERNATIVE - A Senate subcommittee dropped language from a school book bill that called for a committee to determine whether alternatives to evolution should be taught in schools. That bill now heads to the Education Committee. The subcommittee also approved an anti-bullying bill that defined bullying as ranging from harassment to physical or emotional harm.

RED-LIGHT CAMERAS - South Carolina cities would be able to use cameras to catch people running red lights under a bill that cleared a Senate Transportation subcommittee. The tickets from the cameras would be civil citations and fines associated with the ticket couldn’t exceed $100.

HEALTHY SCHOOLS - Under a new bill, schools will not be allowed to stock vending machines with any food or drink that does not meet the U.S. Agriculture Department’s guidelines for healthy snacks. The “Students Health and Fitness Act,” would be phased in during three years. The act would also require 2 1/2 hours a week in physical education by the end of three years.

ROAD NAMES - A bill that would bar naming certain roads and highways after living persons was sent back to a subcommittee. Members of the House Education and Public Works Committee did not want to tie the hands of local officials with such a ban. Other members said the measure was unnecessary since a name could be removed.

MECHANICS LIENS - A bill that would permit only commercial property managers to put a mechanics lien on property passed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. The bill would allow property managers not paid for work to put a mechanics lien on property, which wouldn’t allow the owner to sell or refinance property until the lien is satisfied.

Judge rejects new trial for

man convicted in 1975 slaying

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A judge has denied a request for a new trial for a man convicted nearly 30 years ago of killing of a Greenville County sheriff’s deputy and the officer’s father.

Charles Wakefield had requested a new trial after the star witness in the case against him recanted his testimony in a videotaped interview, but the judge ruled the recantation was not credible.

Circuit Judge James Brogdon said Wyatt Earp Harper’s recantation contradicted the testimony of several of the most respected men in South Carolina law enforcement circles, including 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge William ‘‘Billy’’ Wilkins.