Committee hears bill to stop post‑graduate degree being sole hiring requirement for classified jobs

House Bill 2309, presented Feb. 16 to the State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee, would prohibit the state classification plan from prescribing a postgraduate degree as the sole demonstration of qualifications for classified positions unless state or federal law requires that degree.

Danielle Creech, staff to the committee, said the Office of Financial Management maintains the classification plan and the bill aims to expand applicant pools while retaining competency‑based standards. Representative Marie Levitt, the prime sponsor, said the measure builds on prior efforts to recognize diverse backgrounds and remove unnecessary barriers to state employment.

Witnesses called in support described how alternative pathways and experience allowed them to perform in public‑sector roles. Sherry Sawyer of OFM said the bill’s goal is “to continue to remove barriers to state employment” and that passage would help expand applicant pools while maintaining standards. Community witnesses described successful alternative hiring and training paths and urged support.

The committee heard three signed testimonies (one in person, two remote), recorded a large number of pro‑signatures on the portal, and closed the hearing. The bill will move forward subject to the committee’s scheduling.