The "Fostering Competitive Career Opportunities Act" aims to eliminate unnecessary postsecondary degree requirements from state employment hiring processes. This legislation addresses the issue of degree inflation, where employers increasingly rely on degrees as indicators of job readiness rather than relevant work experience. The act stipulates that state employers cannot make hiring decisions solely based on an applicant's lack of a postsecondary degree, and they must establish baseline requirements for job postings that do not include degree requirements unless justified. If a degree is deemed necessary, the employer must provide specific reasons for its necessity in the job posting.

Additionally, the act outlines that state employers may consider direct work experience as a substitute for a postsecondary degree, with limits on the number of years of experience required based on the level of degree typically associated with the position. The legislation also prohibits state employers from imposing additional requirements beyond the established baseline and mandates that any requests for proposals for goods or services cannot require minimum educational attainment unless justified. This act is designed to broaden employment opportunities for individuals without degrees while ensuring that necessary qualifications for specific roles are still met.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-2929d
As Amended by Senate Committee: 75-2929d