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GM 1379

Informing the Legislature that on July 2, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1065 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 276).

2025 Regular Session

Hawaii's Act 276 eliminates degree requirements for state jobs, promoting skills-based hiring to boost workforce diversity and address labor shortages.

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Bill Summary · GM 1379

Summary of Bill GM 1379: Skills-Based Hiring

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: GM 1379
- Title: Informing the Legislature that on July 2, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1065 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 276).
- Status: Received
- Introduced: July 02, 2025
- Classification: Proclamation
- Subject: Act 276

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of GM 1379 is to inform the legislature that the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law Senate Bill 1065, which is now known as Act 276. This legislation aims to reform hiring practices within state and county employment by promoting skills-based hiring, thereby reducing reliance on traditional degree requirements.

Key Provisions

  1. Prohibition of Degree Requirements:

    • The Act prohibits state departments, agencies, and political subdivisions from requiring a bachelor's degree as a condition for hiring into state or county positions.

  2. Exceptions:

    • The prohibition does not apply if the knowledge, skills, or abilities required for a position can only be reasonably obtained through a bachelor's degree, as determined by the appointing authority.

  3. Statutory Amendment:

    • A new section will be added to Chapter 78 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to formalize this prohibition on degree requirements.

Impact

  • Workforce Diversity: The Act is expected to enhance workforce diversity by allowing candidates with relevant skills and experience, but without a four-year degree, to apply for positions that were previously inaccessible to them.
  • Addressing Labor Shortages: The legislation responds to a significant labor shortage in state agencies, which has been exacerbated by an increase in vacant positions and a wave of upcoming retirements among current employees.
  • Alignment with National Trends: The Act aligns Hawaii with a growing national trend where many states and private companies are moving away from degree requirements to focus on skills and competencies.

Procedural Aspects

  • Effective Date: The Act takes effect upon its approval, which occurred on July 2, 2025.
  • Legislative Process: The bill passed both the Senate and House of Representatives of the Thirty-Third Legislature of Hawaii on April 30, 2025, before being signed into law by the Governor.

Conclusion

GM 1379 serves as a formal notification of the enactment of Act 276, which is a significant step towards modernizing hiring practices in Hawaii. By focusing on skills rather than degrees, the state aims to create a more inclusive and efficient workforce, addressing both current labor shortages and the need for a diverse applicant pool.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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