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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A bill meant to prevent another ballot-tossing election mess is heading to the South Carolina House.

The Senate gave a third reading Wednesday to legislation syncing the candidate filing process for incumbents and those seeking office. It also allows those who don't file properly to pay a fine and remain on the ballot, as long as they fix it before primaries.

About 250 candidates were kicked off primary ballots last June after back-to-back decisions from the state Supreme Court over improperly filed financial forms. The debacle stemmed from confusion over a 2010 law on online filing.

A compromise on who would receive candidates' paperwork allowed the bill to pass. It directs candidates to give their candidacy statement and pay fees at their county election office, rather than local party leaders.