TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republicans are pushing for a law requiring government buildings and schools across Kansas to post the national motto of "In God We Trust," an idea critics say is part of a broader effort by the Christian right to promote their religious beliefs in public life.

A Kansas House committee heard testimony Thursday on a bill sponsored by 13 GOP lawmakers that would, among other things, require all public school classrooms and libraries to post the motto. Under the measure, the motto must be posted as soon as schools, colleges, cities and counties receive donations,...