SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6138

BYSenator McCaslin

Revising minimum qualifications for classified employment.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1988

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410); Eugene Green (786-7405)

AS OF JANUARY 15, 1988

BACKGROUND:

For many positions in the state classified service, minimum qualifications include a requirement for a specific degree from a college or university.  Some state employees with long years of experience who do not have the required degree, or have a degree in some other discipline than that required, are not allowed to take the examination for the position sought.

Under the statutes and administrative rules, the Director of Personnel is responsible for setting minimum qualifications for positions covered by the State Civil Service Law (Chap. 41.06 RCW).  The Director of the Higher Education Personnel Board has similar responsibilities under the Higher Education Personnel Act (Chap. 28B.16 RCW).

SUMMARY:

In both the state and the higher education classified services, the respective directors are prohibited from setting minimum qualifications for a position or an examination which include a graduate or undergraduate degree, unless the requirement can also be satisfied if the applicant demonstrates a specified amount of pertinent employment experience.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested