Tennessee lawmakers have passed a bill requiring that public schools in the state put up the motto "In God We Trust."

The legislation, which will go to Gov. Bill Haslam (R), passed the state House earlier this week, USA Today reported.

"Our national motto is on our money. It's on our license plates. It's part of our national anthem," said state Rep. Susan Lynn (R), who sponsored the legislation.

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"Our national motto and founding documents are the cornerstone of freedom and we should teach our children about these things."

Under the bill, schools would have to display the motto in a "prominent location" such as a school entryway, cafeteria or common area.

Earlier this month, the Tennessee state Senate passed the legislation.

The bill would go into effect immediately if signed by the governor.

Other state legislatures across the country — including Florida, Arkansas and South Carolina — have also discussed similar bills that would require the motto to be displayed in schools.