All Roll Calls
Yes: 129 • No: 33
KansasSB 1662025–2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Enacting the fostering competitive career opportunities act to remove postsecondary degree requirements from state employment considerations.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
commerce
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
State jobs focus on skills, not degrees
State employers cannot base a hiring decision only on the lack of a college degree. Each job posting must set baseline requirements like experience, certifications, or courses, and may not include a degree unless it is strictly necessary. Employers cannot add extra requirements beyond the posted baseline during screening, interviews, promotions, or final offers. A degree is allowed only if the needed skills come only from that degree, or if licensure or accreditation requires it, and the posting must explain why. Postings must list tests, training, apprenticeships, or other ways to prove skills. When experience may replace a degree, required years are capped at 2 (associate), 4 (bachelor’s), 6 (master’s), 7 (professional), and 9 (doctoral). These rules do not apply to political appointments. The law takes effect upon publication in the statute book.
Fewer degree rules in state contracts
State agencies cannot require minimum experience or college degrees for contractor staff just to win a contract. If they include such a requirement, the solicitation must explain why the state cannot meet its needs without it and how it ensures those needs will be met. This applies to requests for proposals and other solicitations for goods or services.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/23/2026
Yea: 39 Nay: 1
Yes: 39 • No: 1
Senate vote • 4/23/2026
Yea: 90 Nay: 32
Yes: 90 • No: 32
Actions Timeline
Approved by Governor on Wednesday, March 26, 2025
4/10/2025SenateEnrolled and presented to Governor on Friday, March 21, 2025
3/21/2025SenateFinal Action - Passed; Yea: 90 Nay: 32
3/17/2025HouseCommittee of the Whole - Motion to Amend - Offered by Representative Haskins
3/14/2025HouseCommittee of the Whole - Amendment by Representative Haskins was rejected
3/14/2025HouseCommittee of the Whole - Motion to refer to committee failed Committee on Higher Education Budget
3/14/2025HouseCommittee of the Whole - Be passed
3/14/2025HouseCommittee Report recommending bill be passed by Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development
3/11/2025HouseHearing: Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1:30 PM Room 346-S
3/6/2025HouseReceived and Introduced
2/25/2025HouseReferred to Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development
2/25/2025HouseFinal Action - Passed as amended; Yea: 39 Nay: 1
2/19/2025SenateCommittee of the Whole - Committee Report be adopted
2/18/2025SenateCommittee of the Whole - Be passed as amended
2/18/2025SenateCommittee Report recommending bill be passed as amended by Committee on Commerce
2/17/2025SenateHearing: Monday, February 10, 2025, 1:30 PM Room 159-S
2/10/2025SenateReferred to Committee on Commerce
2/4/2025SenateIntroduced
2/3/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Amended by Senate Committee
As introduced
Enrolled
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