NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Two Tennessee lawmakers are calling for the words "In God We Trust" to be added to the state seal.

HB0771/SB0420 is sponsored by Representative John Holsclaw (R-Elizabethton-D4) and Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City-D3) in their respective chambers.

The bill directs Governor Bill Lee to submit a new design of the state seal to incorporate the language no later than July 1, 2025.

In previous years, the motto "In God We Trust" has been subjected to legal scrutiny, specifically for being emblazoned on police vehicles. Just last year, the city of Haven, Kansas considered removal of the motto from government vehicles before ultimately allowing it to stay.

Critics have previously argued it violates the separation of church and state.

FOX 17 is your home for Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023!