KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — County money for nonprofits, immigrant status and bible verses all combined to trigger a passionate debate at the Knox County Commission meeting Monday night.

The commission voted to "delay-and-study" an ordinance calling for tighter rules targeting nonprofits receiving public tax dollars. Among the proposed changes — nonprofit leaders would have to swear they don't serve anyone who is "undocumented."The

"If you want to have tax dollars, then you need to meet certain criteria, and I think this criteria is fair," Commissioner Andy Fox said.

Critics said that if passed, the change would scare off food pantries and free health-care clinics. Speakers suggested serving anyone without "proper papers" could put their whole mission at risk. The commissioners plan to study the

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