SB1166

THE CONTEXT: The Arizona State Personnel Board hears and reviews disciplinary appeals and whistleblower complaints filed by covered state employees, former state employees, and other individuals referenced in statute ( Arizona Personnel Board ). The Director of the Department of Administration (Director) or the Director's designee must: 1) employ staff as necessary to perform the duties prescribed by this article; 2) establish those offices as the Director determines necessary to maintain an effective and efficient program of personnel administration; and 3) adopt rules and procedures relating to personnel and personnel a...

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would prohibit public employers from rejecting applicants solely for not having a postsecondary degree, mandate public employers determine baseline requirements for jobs, including direct experience, certifications and courses. Postsecondary degrees may be included as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to years of direct experience not to exceed: a) two years for an associate degree; b) four years for a bachelor's degree; c) six years for a master's degree; d) seven years for a professional degree; and e) nine years for a doctoral degree, and exempt public employers from direct experience requirements if the job demonstrates that a postsecondary degree is required.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to set a clear legal boundary for public employers instead of leaving the conduct unaddressed. It would prohibit public employers from rejecting applicants solely for not having a postsecondary degree, and would also mandate public employers determine baseline requirements for jobs, including direct experience, certifications and courses. Postsecondary degrees may be included as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to years of direct experience not to exceed: a) two years for an associate degree; b) four years for a bachelor's degree; c) six years for a master's degree; d) seven years for a professional degree; and e) nine years for a doctoral degree, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.