Substantively identical to S 124, filed 2/21/25.

Enacts new GS 126-8.7 entitled “Reducing barriers to State employment," as follows.  Directs the State Human Resources Commission (Commission) to: (1) regularly assess the educational, experiential, and training requirements  necessary for each position within each State agency, department, and institution; (2) determine when practical experience and training rather than a four-year college degree is the appropriate qualification for a position; (3) identify jobs for which the educational, experiential, and training requirements could be reduced from their present level; (4) remove language for a four-year college degree in position descriptions when they are not necessary for the position.

Starting October 1, 2025, requires the Commission to submit annual reports on its efforts to reduce barriers to State employment under new GS 126-8.6 to the specified NCGA joint committee.