N.J.S.A. 11A:2-3 Members; term; quorum; vacancies; chairperson
The Civil Service Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for staggered terms of … Implemented by a rule in N.J.A.C. Title 4A.
In plain language
Five members, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, serving staggered four-year terms and continuing until a successor is appointed and qualified. No more than three may come from the same political party, which is the structural guard on a body whose main job is deciding appeals against the government. Three members are a quorum. The section then deals with holdover service, vacancies and the chairperson. The holdover provision matters in practice: a Commission with expired terms is still a functioning Commission.
Written by the NJ Civil Service Navigator editorial team from the text of this section. The statute itself is below, unabridged.
Current through the close of the 221st Legislature (L. 2025, c. 346). What that means
Enacted by L. 1986, c. 112, effective September 25, 1986. Last amended by L. 2008, c. 29, effective June 30, 2008.
A New Jersey statute changes only when the Legislature amends it, so a section untouched since its last amendment is settled rather than out of date.
Reviewed as of July 28, 2026. Official text: njleg.state.nj.us.
The Civil Service Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for staggered terms of four years and until the appointment and qualification of their successors. No more than three of the five members shall be of the same political party. Three members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
The holding over of an incumbent beyond the expiration of the term of office shall reduce, in commensurate length, the term of office of a successor. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms, in the same manner as original appointments. No member shall hold any other State or federal office or position.
The Governor shall designate one member to serve as the chairperson of the commission. The chairperson shall be the chief executive officer and administrator of the commission and shall devote full time to the duties of the position. The chairperson shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
The rules that implement this section
A statute sets the framework and the Civil Service Commission’s rules fill in the detail. Where a question turns on procedure, the rule usually governs; where it turns on who is covered or what the Commission may do, the statute does.
- N.J.A.C. 4A:1, the whole chapter
Legislative history
Session laws, newest first
- L. 2008, c. 29, section 3Amended
effective June 30, 2008 - L. 1986, c. 112Enacted
effective September 25, 1986
Effective-date provisions
Quoted from the session laws themselves.
- Section 120 of L. 2008, c. 29 provides: “This act shall take effect immediately and any actions necessary to implement this act may be taken any time thereafter. General implementation shall be completed no later than 12 months following enactment.” Chapter 29, L. 2008, was approved on June 30, 2008.