More than 30 states have already acted to advance skills-first talent practices—through legislation, executive authority, or both. They're generating real results: expanded talent pipelines, faster hiring, and more equitable access to good public sector jobs for STARs.

This resource documents the different approaches states are taking to eliminate unnecessary degree requirements and prioritize skills. You'll see statutory approaches that write policy into law, executive orders that move quickly, and combined strategies that pair both. Each approach has distinct advantages depending on your policy goals and timeline.

Learn what works. Understand the trade-offs. See which strategies align with your state or local context.

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What's Inside

An overview of more than 30 states currently advancing skills-first hiring through legislation, executive authority, or both. State-by-state breakdown showing specific statutory language, executive order approaches, and hybrid strategies. Key features of each approach—implementation timelines, scope, capacity-building, and accountability measures. Real examples from Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and more.

Approaches covered

Statutory action that codifies skills-first policy into law. Executive orders that enable rapid implementation across agencies. Combined strategies that pair fast action with legislative durability. Strategies for assessing state positions and identifying which degree requirements are truly necessary. Approaches to shifting job postings, classifications, and hiring practices. Implementation considerations and reporting frameworks.

Who this is for

State policy leaders and legislative staff designing skills-first talent strategy. Governors, state HR directors, and agency heads ready to modernize recruitment and advancement. Government officials considering statutory vs. executive approaches to policy change. Policy makers seeking proof of concept and real-world examples from peer states.

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