AZ SB1166

Public employers may not reject applicants solely for lacking a postsecondary degree and must offer experience alternatives: 2 years for associate degree, 4 years for bachelor's degree, 6 years for master's degree, 7 years for professional degree, or 9 years for doctoral degree.

Public employers may require a postsecondary degree only if they clearly demonstrate the job duties require it and must explain in the job posting why the degree is necessary or state the position requires specific accreditation or licensure.

The State Personnel Board enforces compliance and must provide written notice to rejected applicants identifying why they did not meet baseline requirements; applicants may appeal decisions they believe were based on lack of a degree.

Any person may report public employers posting positions that require a degree without proper explanation; the State Personnel Board may require reopening the hiring process, modifying the job posting, or taking other corrective actions if violations are substantiated.

This act does not apply to political appointments and defines key terms including "baseline requirement," "direct experience," and "public employer" as state agencies, boards, or commissions; effective December 31, 2023.