SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 4325

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 15, 2026

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 4325.

      This bill amends current law to allow certain appointing authorities in Civil Service to hire from or promote within the top five eligible candidates for law enforcement officer titles.

      Under current law, appointing authorities regulated by the Civil Service Commission must follow a “rule of three.”  This rule requires the authority to choose from one of the top three eligible candidates from an open competitive or promotional list, taking into consideration veterans’ preference. 

      This bill amends current law to allow police departments to choose from one of the top five eligible candidates from an open competitive or promotional list for law enforcement titles, taking into consideration veterans’ preference.  Under the bill, all other appointing authorities regulated by the Civil Service Commission are required to follow the current “rule of three.”