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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A critical deadline for legislation in South Carolina is looming this week.

Any bills that don't advance through either the House or Senate by April 30 can't even be discussed in the other chamber without a two-thirds vote. That's a nearly impossible hurdle for any bill that may be at all controversial.

Also, this is the second year of the Legislature's two-year session, so bills not approved before lawmakers go home in June must be reintroduced next year and start all over.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell warned House members they may work long hours this week trying to get bills to the Senate that eliminate some sales tax exemptions and reduce income taxes for residents and small businesses.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)