Bill Description: House Bill 433 would make it easier for applicants with relevant experience but no formal degree to obtain certain state jobs.

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Does it violate the principle of equal protection under the law? Examples include laws which discriminate or differentiate based on age, gender, or religion, or which apply laws, regulations, rules, or penalties differently based on such characteristics. Conversely, does it restore or protect the principle of equal protection under the law?

House Bill 433 would amend Section 67-5309, Idaho Code, to require that the state government’s human resources department take into account applicants' "skills, capabilities, work, and relevant experience" in addition to the postsecondary degrees they might hold. 

It also says, “Except for job classifications legally required to possess a professional license or credential or postsecondary degree, as determined by the administrator, no job classification may require a postsecondary degree unless the job description describes the necessity. Applicants may demonstrate qualifications or equivalency to any substantiated postsecondary degree requirements using relevant and comparable work or volunteer experience, education, skills, capabilities, expertise, or nondegree credentials, including but not limited to skill-based certificates, badges, or professional certifications."

It is appropriate for government to provide equal access to employment based on relevant skills and experience rather than providing preferential treatment to those who possess postsecondary degrees, especially degrees not directly related to the duties of the job. 

As an added benefit, enacting these policies could expand the applicant pool for open positions and reduce the bonuses or pay increases that are sometimes required to fill certain positions. 

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