LEGISLATOR-GUARDSMAN: The South Carolina legislator who sought a combat role in Afghanistan is returning to his statehouse desk. Bennettsville Rep. Doug Jennings told the House Thursday that Columbia Rep. James Smith would be back home on Sunday. Smith left for training and an Afghanistan tour 15 months ago as an Army National Guard captain. He returned briefly last year before heading to Afghanistan.

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RELIGIOUS DISPLAYS: The Ten Commandments could be displayed in South Carolina schools and courthouses as long as they are posted with other historical documents like the Bill of Rights under legislation sent to the Senate floor. Supporters said the legislation closely follows U.S. Supreme Court decisions to limit the government's role in expressions of religious preference and should survive a court challenge.

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COPPER THEFTS: People selling scrap copper would have to show photo identification, and thieves could face up to 10 years in prison under legislation heading to the Senate floor. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the House bill Tuesday as a way of trying to curb copper theft. The requirements also would apply to people selling stainless steel beer kegs.

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BOOZE INHALER: A device that turns liquor into a breathable vapor of oxygen and alcohol would be banned from South Carolina under legislation sent to the House floor. The House Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday to ban the Alcohol Without Liquid device, known as AWOL. More than 20 states have already banned it. The president of the North Carolina company distributing the device has said lawmakers' fears are unfounded. Kevin Morse has said it takes up to 15 minutes for a half-shot of liquor to vaporize, and people don't inhale the full amount.

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CIVIL WAR: South Carolina's observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War would be overseen by a new board under legislation approved by a House committee. The bill creating the South Carolina Civil War Sesquicentennial Advisory Board was sent to the House floor Tuesday. The 19 unpaid board members would plan and develop activities across the state to commemorate various events, including the first shots fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor in April 1861.