Public Act No. 23-194 - Accelerating the State Hiring Process

• Appointing authorities may select any qualified and suitable candidate from a certified candidate list rather than being restricted to top candidates, effective July 1, 2023

• Appointing authorities may immediately fill vacant positions upon candidate selection if needed to maintain operational efficiency or comply with lawful orders, with preemployment checks completed during the candidate's working test period

• Appointing authorities may begin screening job applicants as soon as a position is posted, notwithstanding Chapter 67 or other employment requirements

• When fewer than five candidates are available on a candidate list, the Commissioner of Administrative Services may authorize a new examination based on documented need

• Appointing authorities may fill positions from either a new candidate list or any candidate list in the same or comparable job class