Allows appointing authorities in Civil Service to hire from or promote within top five eligible candidates.

This bill changes New Jersey's civil service hiring rules by expanding the pool of candidates that appointing authorities can consider from the current "top three" to the "top five" eligible candidates on competitive or promotional lists. It directly affects government departments and agencies that hire through the Civil Service Commission, allowing them to choose from five candidates instead of three for open positions or promotions. The key provision amends N.J.S.11A:4-8 to replace the existing "rule of three" with a "rule of five," while maintaining the requirement to consider veterans' preference. This change aims to provide more flexibility in hiring without altering the core certification process.