This bill amends N.J.S.11A:4-8 to change the current hiring practice for appointing authorities in Civil Service from selecting candidates from the top three eligible candidates to the top five. The amendment specifies that the Civil Service Commission will certify the five highest-ranking candidates from an open competitive or promotional list for each provisional or vacancy. If there are ties in scores, those candidates will share the same rank, and if fewer than five candidates are available, only those eligible will be certified.

The bill aims to provide appointing authorities with a broader pool of candidates, enhancing their ability to make selections that best meet the needs of their departments. This change is intended to improve the hiring process while still considering veterans' preferences in the selection of candidates. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.