SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The Illinois House approved a measure that would give victims of sexual abuse up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave from work following the incident.

Democratic Rep. Camille Lilly of Chicago says the proposal expands an existing law that currently protects employees of large companies to ones at small businesses.

The plan was approved by a 72-26 vote on Wednesday.

Some Republican lawmakers say the plan would put a burden on small businesses who can’t afford to keep a position open while an employee is on leave. But Democratic Rep. Carol Ammons of Urbana says it is unlikely an employee would be able to afford taking up to 12 weeks off of work anyway.

The measure heads to the Senate for consideration.