Federal Jobs for STARs Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9596
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T03:23:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to reduce barriers in federal hiring by preventing unnecessary educational degree requirements for positions in executive branch agencies. It focuses on recognizing skills gained through non-traditional paths and improving access for certain workers while directing studies on additional support programs.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: The bill defines a "STAR" as a person in the workforce without a bachelor's degree or higher who has gained job skills via routes such as community college, apprenticeships, bootcamps, military service, partial college, other training, or on-the-job experience. It also defines "employee" and "executive agency" based on existing civil service rules.
- Education Requirements: The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must stop agency heads from requiring a minimum degree for jobs unless it is proven essential because the needed skills can only come from that specific degree.
- Alternative Qualifications: OPM must create rules allowing other qualifications, such as demonstrated skills, to satisfy job requirements instead of degrees.
- Audits and Transparency: OPM will check for added education requirements during hiring audits.
- Dedicated Hiring Path: OPM must set up a specific section on the USAJobs website for positions open to STAR workers and require agencies to mark eligible postings accordingly.
- Feasibility Study: OPM, the Office of Management and Budget, and other agencies must study the resources needed for training programs, including fellowships, scholarships, apprenticeships, and tuition help for STAR employees who want further education. A report must go to specified congressional committees within 180 days.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill adds new directives to the Office of Personnel Management's oversight of federal hiring under Title 5 of the United States Code. It shifts from allowing agencies broad discretion on degree requirements to requiring justification for such mandates and promoting skill-based alternatives. It also creates a new category and search tool on the federal jobs site that did not previously exist in statute.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Executive agencies may need to revise job postings and hiring practices, with OPM gaining more review authority. This could increase administrative workload for compliance and audits.
- On Citizens: Workers without college degrees but with relevant experience may gain broader access to federal positions, potentially expanding the applicant pool for certain roles.
- On International Relations: No direct effects are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Executive branch agencies and their hiring offices.
- The Office of Personnel Management, which handles implementation and oversight.
- Individuals classified as STAR workers seeking federal employment.
- Congressional committees receiving the required feasibility study report.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within the framework of federal administrative law by directing executive branch actions on employment qualifications. It does not alter constitutional provisions on federal authority but emphasizes skill-based hiring over degree mandates. No specific political or international elements are addressed in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Downing, Troy [R-MT-2], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-07-06: Introduced in House
- 2026-07-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Federal Jobs for STARs Act of 2026 — issued 2026-07-06 — PDF (4 pages)