work experience could replace a degree in government hiring

The text as introduced · 451 words

89R12663 LRM-F

By: Dutton
H.B. No. 4351

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to postsecondary degree requirements in hiring and

contracting by governmental entities.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subtitle A, Title 6, Government Code, is amended

by adding Chapter 621 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 621. QUALIFICATIONS FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYEE POSITIONS

Sec. 621.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Direct experience" means any verifiable,

previous work experience in which:

(A) the applicant's primary duties were

consistent with the primary duties of the vacant position; or

(B) the skills necessary to perform the

applicant's primary duties are transferable to the vacant position.

(2) "Postsecondary degree" means an associate's,

bachelor's, master's, professional, or doctoral degree from an

accredited institution of higher education.

(3) "Public employer" means a state agency or a

political subdivision of this state, including a municipality and

county, that seeks to hire an individual for a vacant position.

Sec. 621.002. ALTERNATIVE TO POSTSECONDARY DEGREE

REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYERS. (a) A public employer may

establish for a vacant position as an alternative to a

postsecondary degree requirement a specific number of years of

direct experience in a similar position not to exceed:

(1) two years of direct experience for an associate's

degree;

(2) four years of direct experience for a bachelor's

degree;

(3) six years of direct experience for a master's

degree;

(4) seven years of direct experience for a

professional degree; or

(5) nine years of direct experience for a doctoral

degree.

(b) A public employer may not substitute direct experience

under this section for a licensure, certification, or registration

requirement for a vacant position that is included in

advertisements for the position.

(c) A public employer that elects to substitute direct

experience for a postsecondary degree requirement for a vacant

position must include in all advertisements for the position notice

of the substitution opportunity and a description of the experience

eligible for substitution.

SECTION 2. Subchapter Z, Chapter 2252, Government Code, is

amended by adding Section 2252.911 to read as follows:

Sec. 2252.911. POSTSECONDARY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR

CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES. (a) In this section:

(1) "Direct experience" has the meaning assigned by

Section 621.001.

(2) "Governmental entity" has the meaning assigned by

Section 2252.001.

(3) "Postsecondary degree" has the meaning assigned by

Section 621.001.

(b) This section applies only to a contract for services.

(c) A governmental entity may establish for services

performed under a contract as an alternative to a postsecondary

degree requirement a specific number of years of direct experience

if the person providing the services under the contract is

otherwise qualified to provide the contracted services.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.