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Pa. House of Representatives once again has a bill advancing in that chamber that would allow schools to display the national motto "In God We Trust" in their building.

(File photo/Jan Murphy)

Legislation to encourage public schools to post the national motto, "In God We Trust," inside their buildings is once again on the move in the state House.

The House Education Committee voted 19-6 on Monday to approve the legislation that would allow schools - but not mandate them - to post the motto in classrooms, the library, cafeteria, or anywhere in their buildings.

The House passed a similar bill in the last legislative session by an overwhelming 172-24 vote but the measure died due to inaction in the Senate.

Rep. Cris Dush, R-Jefferson, who is sponsoring the legislation, said it is his hope that schools that post the 60-year-old motto might inspire some students to ask questions about its origin.

But Rep. Jim Roebuck, D-Philadelphia, questioned the need for the legislation since nothing prevents schools from posting the motto now.

Rep. Rick Saccone, R-Allegheny, who sponsored the bill in the last legislative session, said having a law that allows schools to post it "will encourage them and ... give them the confidence they can put it up with absolute, full confidence that they are legal and it's not a violation of the First Amendment."

The committee rejected a Democratic amendment that would have had the state pick up any costs resulting from litigation that may result. Saccone said three national groups have offered to defend a school district at no charge should a lawsuit be filed over the posting of the motto.

"Our motto has always been there for us to show our trust in God. ... We're just celebrating the history of that," said Saccone, who has asked the State Board to consider including instruction about the motto in the state's academic standards for history.

"It's not about Christianity at all. It's about tracing the history of our national motto and how it became what it is regardless of whatever faith you are. Our nation relied upon God so it applied to all faiths."

Since introducing the legislation in 2013, Saccone said he has spoke to 62 civic and church groups and received a positive reception each time.

"There is a thirst for people to say yes, we want to know our traditional history, traditional values," he said. "We want to return to those. We want to celebrate those in this time of chaos in our country and spiraling downward to lawlessness and selfishness."

Despite the optional nature of the legislation, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania warns schools could still be opening themselves up to a lawsuit by posting the religious-based motto in a school.

"The supporters have been citing the national motto appears on dollar bills and cash but the courts have been clear that the standard is different in a school," said Andy Hoover, legislative director for the ACLU of Pennsylvania. "Getting over that First Amendment hurdle is higher with schools because students have to go to school."

*This post was updated to include Andy Hoover's comment.