COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — If unemployed workers in South Carolina can't find a job in six months, they would have to volunteer 16 hours weekly to continue getting benefits from the state under a bill up for debate Tuesday by a Senate panel.

Its sponsor, Sen. Paul Campbell, said it's easier for people to get a job if they have a job of some sort, and his intent is to match people's skills with work that needs done in city or county governments and schools, from electrical work to assisting in classrooms.

"I just think if someone's busy working, they'll be more industrious and more likely to get a job," said Campbell, R-Goose Creek. "Depending on the skill they've got, I think we can put that skill to work. I'm not talking about collecting garbage on the side of the highway."

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