The S.C. Senate passed a bill Wednesday that supporters say will prevent another election debacle like last year's that tossed 250 candidates off the ballot for improperly filed paperwork.

The bill, offered by Sen. Larry Martin, R-Pickens, would eliminate the political “death penalty” for improperly filing paperwork. If candidates fail to file financial disclosure forms, they will face penalties and will not be able to take the oath of office, Martin said.

Sens. Chip Campsen, R-Charleston, and Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, offered an amendment which also passed Wednesday requiring candidates to file all documents except for one at the state or county election commission, depending on the office they seek.

Financial disclosure forms for all candidates must be filed online with the S.C. Ethics Commission.

The bill passed 43-0 and now goes to the House.

Sen. Gerald Malloy, D-Darlington, offered an amendment that would have candidates file all documents and fees online--a method that would create even more ease for candidates, he said. The amendment failed.

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