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Bill > S1396
NJ S1396
NJ S1396Permits Department of Human Services to appoint persons separate from civil service eligible list under certain circumstances.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, when the Department of Human Services requests an eligible list of hires from the Civil Service Commission for the purpose of hiring an American Sign Language interpreter to provide interpretation services, it may take several months to receive the eligible list, and in the meantime, positions go unfilled. In addition, there are times when the list is received and either there are no suitable persons, or the persons on the list do not accept the position. This bill will permit the waiving of the commission hiring requirements, enabling the department to fill vacancies. Under the bill, when the department requests a certified eligible list from the commission for the purpose of hiring an American Sign Language interpreter to provide interpretation services, and a list is not provided within 60 days, or an appointment does not result from the list, the department may hire an otherwise qualified candidate for the position. The department, with the written authorization of the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, must sign a waiver designed and authorized by the Civil Service Commission exempting the candidate from the civil service hiring process. Upon accepting appointment, the candidate must satisfactorily complete the working test period to be considered by the commission as qualified for the position and to have civil service status. The commission will not require the department to replace the candidate upon issuance of a subsequent certified eligible list. This bill will help reduce the number of vacancies within the Department of Human Services.
AI Summary
This bill allows the Department of Human Services (DHS) to hire American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters outside of the standard civil service hiring process under specific circumstances to address long-standing staffing shortages. Currently, the Civil Service Commission, which manages the hiring process for state employees, can take months to provide a list of qualified candidates, and sometimes the candidates on the list are unsuitable or decline job offers, leaving ASL interpreter positions unfilled. This bill permits the DHS Commissioner, or a designee, to authorize a waiver from the Civil Service Commission if a certified eligible list of ASL interpreters is not provided within 60 days of a request, or if no appointment is made from the provided list. Once hired, these interpreters must still successfully complete a probationary period, known as a working test period, to gain civil service status. Importantly, the DHS will not be required to replace these hired interpreters even if a new eligible list is later generated by the Civil Service Commission, aiming to reduce vacancies and improve the department's ability to provide essential interpretation services.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1396 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1396_I1.HTM |
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