S.B. 1065 Summary

• Prohibits the State of Hawaii and its departments, agencies, and political subdivisions from requiring a bachelor's degree as a condition of eligibility for positions in state or county employment.

• Exempts positions where skills-based hiring is not viable because the required knowledge, skills, or abilities can only reasonably be obtained through a bachelor's degree program, as determined by the appointing authority.

• Addresses Hawaii's labor shortage in state agencies, noting vacant positions increased from 18% in 2019 to 27% in 2023, and 30% of existing state employees will be eligible for retirement within five years.

• Aligns with private sector trends, citing that 55% of companies removed degree requirements for entry- and mid-level positions, and at least 16 states have removed four-year degree requirements for state employment.

• Takes effect upon approval.