The bill passed on a 19-13 vote after an at-times emotional debate, with multiple opponents of the bill asking lawmakers to refer to their Christian faith when making a decision about policy aimed at children.

A coalition of more than 240 pastors, Christian faith leaders, and faith-based nonprofit organizations across Tennessee have come together to oppose a bill that could allow public schools to deny enrollment for migrant children without legal status.

Tennessee is advancing a plan to let schools turn away students or charge their families tuition if they cannot prove their legal residency.