BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A northern Idaho senator is backing legislation to "expressly permit" using the Bible in public schools.

Republican Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll of Cottonwood told the Senate Education Committee Thursday that schools are already allowed to reference the Bible, but her bill would make that permission clearer in state law. The panel unanimously agreed to introduce the bill. It must still pass both chambers before it can head to the governor's desk for his approval.

The legislation says the Bible can be used for reference purposes in public schools while studying topics such as literature, history, biology, music and world geography.

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