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Bill > S4891
NJ S4891
NJ S4891Allows appointing authorities in Civil Service to hire from or promote within top five eligible candidates.
summary
Introduced
11/20/2025
11/20/2025
In Committee
11/20/2025
11/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill amends current law to allow appointing authorities in Civil Service to hire from or promote within the top five eligible candidates. Under current law, appointing authorities regulated by the Civil Service Commission must follow a "rule of three." This rule requires the authority to choose from one of the top three eligible candidates from an open competitive or promotional list, taking into consideration veterans' preference. This bill amends current law to allow appointing authorities regulated by the Civil Service Commission to choose from one of the top five eligible candidates from an open competitive or promotional list, taking into consideration veterans' preference.
AI Summary
This bill amends New Jersey Civil Service law to expand the number of top candidates from which appointing authorities can choose when filling a position, changing the existing "rule of three" to a "rule of five." Specifically, the bill modifies N.J.S.11A:4-8 to require the Civil Service Commission to certify the top five (instead of top three) highest-ranked candidates from an open competitive or promotional list for a provisional or permanent position. Under this new provision, when a certification contains at least five interested eligible candidates, a regular appointment must be made from among those candidates. The bill maintains existing provisions about tie-breaking and ranking, and allows candidates on reemployment lists to be certified and appointed in order of their ranking. The change is intended to provide appointing authorities with more flexibility in hiring and promotion decisions while still maintaining the merit-based selection process. The bill will take effect immediately upon enactment.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 11/20/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4891 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4891_I1.HTM |
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