The House gave preliminary approval to a bill that Western Missouri Representative Mike McGhee says will make sure that schools allow non-disruptive prayer.

The measure includes language requiring all state sponsored schools display a copy of the Bill of Rights in a conspicuous place. 

St. Louis County Republican Jim Lembke says he wants to make sure that the right to pray freely is protected.

But on the other side critics say this is simply election year politics.

The opposition says the U.S. Constitution already protects religious freedom.

The bill still faces final house vote before it is sent to the senate.

If it clears the legislature it would need voter approval before it would become part of the state constitution.

At the Capitol, I'm Reed Erickson.