A bill that would increase security at churches, synagogues and other potential places of worship passed the Arizona House Appropriations Committee.

The measure allocates $5 million to establish the Arizona State Nonprofit Security Grant Program. That provides funding for safety projects at non-profits that could be targets of terrorism based on their ideology.

Reverend Aubrey Barnwell testified before the panel. 

"Tragically Arizona faith communities are no longer sanctuaries of safety for people for faith. Instead of that, the places of freedom of worship, they have become bound by the threat of violence," Barnwell said. 

The bill is designed to prioritize organizations that are unable to get federal funding due to their size.