(a) The board may employ an executive officer exempt from civil service and, subject to the provisions of law relating to civil service, clerical assistants and, except as provided in Section 159.5, other employees as it may deem necessary to carry out its powers and duties.

(b) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 624, Sec. 4. (SB 1436) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, by its own provisions.)