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 career readiness, often overlooking relevant work experience. The act specifies that while state employers can set baseline requirements for job postings, they cannot base hiring decisions solely on the absence of a postsecondary degree, except in cases where such a degree is demonstrably necessary for the position. Additionally, the act mandates that any job posting requiring a degree must include justification for its necessity.

Furthermore, the act stipulates that state employers must consider direct work experience as a valid substitute for educational qualifications, with limits on the number of years of experience required based on the level of degree typically associated with the position. It also prohibits state employers from imposing additional requirements beyond the established baseline. Lastly, the act extends to contractors, stating that minimum experience or educational requirements cannot be mandated unless justified in the request for proposals. This legislation is designed to broaden employment opportunities for individuals without degrees while ensuring that necessary qualifications are still met for specific roles.

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