This bill, titled the "Federal Jobs for STARs Act of 2026," seeks to eliminate educational barriers for federal employment, specifically for individuals defined as STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes). These are individuals active in the labor force who have not obtained a bachelor's degree but have developed job-related skills through various means such as apprenticeships, military service, community college, or on-the-job experience. To achieve this, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is mandated to prohibit executive agencies from requiring minimum educational attainment unless it is deemed absolutely necessary for specific job skills. OPM must also prescribe regulations for alternative qualifications that meet knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements, and review educational additions during hiring audits. Furthermore, OPM is directed to establish a dedicated hiring path on USAJOBS for STAR workers, making it easier for them to find eligible positions. Beyond immediate hiring reforms, the legislation also requires a joint feasibility study by the Director of OPM, the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget, and other relevant agencies. This study will explore the resources needed to establish programs providing STAR employees with pathways for further training and higher education, including fellowships, scholarships, and tuition assistance. A report on the findings of this study must be submitted to relevant Congressional committees within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The overall aim is to broaden access to federal jobs for a skilled workforce, recognizing diverse paths to expertise.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Government Operations and Politics
Federal Jobs for STARs Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-9596| House
| Updated: 7/6/2026
This bill, titled the "Federal Jobs for STARs Act of 2026," seeks to eliminate educational barriers for federal employment, specifically for individuals defined as STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes). These are individuals active in the labor force who have not obtained a bachelor's degree but have developed job-related skills through various means such as apprenticeships, military service, community college, or on-the-job experience. To achieve this, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is mandated to prohibit executive agencies from requiring minimum educational attainment unless it is deemed absolutely necessary for specific job skills. OPM must also prescribe regulations for alternative qualifications that meet knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements, and review educational additions during hiring audits. Furthermore, OPM is directed to establish a dedicated hiring path on USAJOBS for STAR workers, making it easier for them to find eligible positions. Beyond immediate hiring reforms, the legislation also requires a joint feasibility study by the Director of OPM, the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget, and other relevant agencies. This study will explore the resources needed to establish programs providing STAR employees with pathways for further training and higher education, including fellowships, scholarships, and tuition assistance. A report on the findings of this study must be submitted to relevant Congressional committees within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The overall aim is to broaden access to federal jobs for a skilled workforce, recognizing diverse paths to expertise.