The "Fostering Competitive Career Opportunities Act" aims to enhance employment opportunities within state positions by eliminating unnecessary postsecondary degree requirements from hiring considerations. The act recognizes the issue of degree inflation, where employers increasingly rely on degrees as indicators of readiness, often overlooking relevant work experience. It stipulates that state employers cannot make hiring decisions solely based on an applicant's lack of a postsecondary degree, although they may still require such degrees if they can demonstrate that specific skills necessary for the position can only be obtained through a degree. The act also mandates that job postings include information justifying any degree requirements and allows for direct experience to be considered in lieu of a degree, with specified limits on the years of experience required.

Additionally, the act establishes a process for applicants who believe they were unfairly denied employment due to a lack of a degree to appeal to the state civil service board. The board is tasked with hearing these appeals and ensuring compliance with the act's provisions. The bill amends K.S.A. 75-2929d to include appeals related to violations of the act and repeals the existing section. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a more equitable hiring process for state employment by prioritizing relevant experience over formal educational credentials.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-2929d