For the purposes of administration of state or federally supported programs under Section 19800, the department shall, by regulation, establish and maintain personnel standards on a merit basis for local agencies (including standards of qualifications, competency, education, experience, tenure, and compensation) necessary for proper and efficient administration, and to ensure state conformity with applicable federal requirements.

(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 427, Sec. 93. (AB 1062) Effective January 1, 2014.)