SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House Education Policy Committee approved a bill Wednesday to allow agriculture courses to satisfy vocational education requirements for high school students.

Rep. Mary Gill (D-Chicago) and Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said students should be able to use their agricultural studies to fulfill graduation requirements.

Their bill clarifies that agriculture education, business or any other ag-related course would meet the vocational requirement starting next school year.

"This bill is important to me because I have the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences in my district and it is an amazing school that I am so proud to represent. I have sat on their LSC and these courses are amazing."

The measure passed unanimously out of the House Education Policy Committee and now moves to the House floor for further consideration. Senate Bill 1605 previously gained unanimous support in the Senate.

"The agriculture industry plays a vital role in our state," Turner said. "We want to encourage students to learn and understand the industry that boosts our economy and creates jobs."

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