Nothing in this chapter shall prevent any local agency from establishing its own merit system and determining thereunder the personnel standards to be applicable to its employees, but as to employees engaged in administering state and federally supported programs under Section 19800, such local systems and standards shall be subject to approval and review by the department to the extent necessary to qualify for federal funds.

(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 427, Sec. 94. (AB 1062) Effective January 1, 2014.)