The bill, S.B. No. 1441, amends the Government Code to enhance the process for state agency employment openings and the use of aptitude assessments. It requires the Texas Workforce Commission to maintain an online system that allows applicants to complete a single state application and a standardized aptitude test online, which can be sent to multiple state agencies. The bill also mandates that the online system inform applicants that completing the standardized aptitude test is not a requirement for applying for employment. Additionally, it establishes definitions for "standardized aptitude test" and "specialized aptitude test," and outlines the responsibilities of state agencies and the state auditor in developing and implementing these assessments.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that each state agency must review classified positions annually to identify necessary skills and submit this information to the state auditor, who will then develop a standardized aptitude test based on shared skills across agencies. The legislation ensures that applicants who do not complete the standardized aptitude test cannot be penalized in hiring decisions and allows state agencies to consider specialized aptitude tests if they believe it would enhance their hiring process. The initial review of skills by state agencies must be completed by December 1, 2026, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 656.002 (Government Code 656)