SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — A bill passed in the Illinois Senate would remove “educational barriers” such as a college degree for someone applying for a state government job.

Senate Bill 1884 would allow for work experience, instead of a bachelor’s degree, to be considered when filling for state job opportunities.

The measure, sponsored in part by Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford), aims to “diversify the state workforce and improve hiring outcomes.”

“State job openings will continue to sit unfilled if we do not take away educational barriers,” said Stadelman. “It’s time we take years of work experience and skillsets seriously so our residents have an opportunity at reliable jobs.”

“There are many people who have relevant work experience but lack a college degree, eliminating their eligibility from almost all state government jobs,” Stadelman added. “If a degree is the only qualification they don’t meet, we are turning away talent that will still be able to get the jobs filled and done right.” 

The bill was passed on April 4th and now heads to the Illinois House.