FRANKFORT, Ky. — Public schools in Kentucky would have to display "In God We Trust" in a prominent location next school year under a bill that has cleared the legislature.
The Senate voted 29-8 Thursday night to send the bill to Gov. Matt Bevin. The measure had already won House approval.
The bill would require public schools to display the national motto in a prominent location beginning with the 2019-'20 school year. There are no penalties if schools don't comply, but someone could sue to force them to do it.
Locations, where the motto could be displayed, include school entryways, cafeterias or common areas where students are likely to see the words.
The bill's lead sponsor, Republican Rep. Brandon Reed, has said the motto is ever-present in society and is prominently displayed in the Kentucky legislature.
The legislation is House Bill 46.
