Introduction
-
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed legislation Tuesday that eliminates graduate degree requirements for state government jobs unless specifically required by law.
-
The bill seeks to remove barriers to employment by allowing candidates to demonstrate qualifications through means other than an advanced degree.
-
Supporters, including the governor and bill sponsors, believe the change will help the state recruit the most capable public service workers.
Olympia, Washington. – Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a bill Tuesday that would eliminate graduate degree requirements for jobs in certain states.
The law, sponsored by state Rep. Mari Leavitt and state Sen. T’wina Nobles, eliminates graduate degree requirements for state jobs when the law does not require it.
Ferguson said the previous law eliminated the same requirement for two- and four-year graduate degrees.
Backstory
The purpose of the legislation is to “[reduce] Disincentives to state employment by eliminating unnecessary graduate degree requirements. “Specifically, it seeks to eliminate these requirements because they are the only way to demonstrate qualifications” for work in a particular country.
Ferguson said this would reduce barriers to employment and allow the state to get the “best talent for public service.”
More news from Fox 13 Seattle
Governor Ferguson signs bill changing ‘alien’ language in WA law
Rise Baking to lay off more than 100 workers in Kent, Wash.
WA AG joins lawsuit against OneMain Financial, alleging bait-and-switch scheme
Chateau Saint-Michel 2026 Summer Concert Lineup Announced
Former WA resident says she was victim of License Express flaw
FBI adds WA double murder suspect Samuel Ramirez Jr. to wanted list
After the fatal stabbing incident on the Key Peninsula in Western Australia, relatives are still worried: “I have never seen anything like this happen to him.”
For free access to Seattle’s best local news, weather and sports, subscribe to the Daily News Fox Seattle Communications.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE FOX LOCAL MOBILE APP Apple App Store or Google Play Store Get live Seattle news, headlines, weather updates and more local and national news.
source
Information in this article comes from Governor Bob Ferguson’s office and Washington State House bill reports.
