SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois senators could soon pass a plan to allow public and charter high schools to annually observe a week for students to learn about workers rights.

The "workplace readiness week" would include information about local, state, and federal laws and how the labor movement played a role in winning protections and benefits for workers. 

Sen. Michael Halpin (D-Rock Island) said students could learn about wage and hour protections, worker safety, unemployment insurance and paid leave.

"This is not a mandate on any school district," Halpin said. "They are free to adopt it or not. If they end up adopting it though, it does have the minimum requirements for what should be presented to students. It applies only to students in 11th and 12th grade."

Students would also receive information about state-approved apprenticeship programs and alternative career paths for young people who choose not to go to college.

This legislation passed out of the House on a 88-22 vote on April 16. Senate Republicans noted that they are concerned the "workplace readiness week" may promote biased views or topics.

"This kind of question has come up as to making sure there's sufficient balance as some of the things that come up at times in this sphere can be controversial," said Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods).

Although, Halpin stressed that the bill is designed to generally inform students about laws on the books and should not include any biased content.

House Bill 4417 passed out of the Senate Education Committee on a 8-3 vote. The proposal now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

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