SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KHQA) — Illinois lawmakers sent a bill aimed at easing the state's teacher shortage by allowing substitutes to teach more days in the classroom to the governor's desk.

Senate Bill 3893 passed the House and Senate unanimously.

The measure allows substitute teachers to fill in up to 120 school days beginning with the 2021-2022 school year through the 2022-2023.

Currently, substitute teachers can't teach for longer than 90 school days for any one licensed teacher under contract in the same school year.

State Representative Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, co-sponsored the legislation.

“Illinois is still suffering from a massive teacher shortage, thankfully we have retired and certified educators that want to help,” Rep. Caulkins said. “This legislation will provide educators the opportunity to work more days in the classroom. It’s a great bill I am proud to sponsor. I look forward to the bill being implemented pending the governor’s signature.”

The bill now awaits consideration by Governor JB Pritzker, D-Illinois.