This bill amends N.J.S.11A:4-8 to expand the pool of eligible candidates that appointing authorities in Civil Service can consider for hiring or promotion. Currently, the law requires appointing authorities to select from the top three eligible candidates; however, this bill increases that number to 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, allowing for a broader selection process.

Additionally, the bill maintains the provision that if multiple candidates have the same score, they will share the same rank without breaking ties. It also ensures that a certification with at least five interested eligibles is considered complete, allowing for regular appointments from this group. If a permanent appointment is not made, an eligible candidate on an incomplete list is entitled to a provisional appointment. This change aims to enhance the hiring flexibility for appointing authorities while still considering veterans' preferences.