NJ S873

Civil service examinations must be offered on a continual basis where practicable, with applications and fee payments accepted through the Civil Service Commission's website.

Working test period for political subdivision employees increases from three months to six months; seasonal positions may be extended from six to nine months with chair approval.

New temporary layoff provisions allow appointing authorities to close entire layoff units or implement staggered employee layoffs for economy or efficiency reasons, with employees unpaid during designated layoff days.

Employees on special reemployment lists following layoff can be removed from the list if they decline a reemployment opportunity with substantially similar duties, hours, and location within 25 miles of their former position.

Political subdivisions may negotiate with employee majority representatives to establish alternative disciplinary review procedures, including binding arbitration, as an alternative to Civil Service Commission appeals.