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(a) Duties and powers of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The department shall have power and authority to adopt, amend, or rescind such rules and regulations, require such reports, make such investigations, and take such other action as it deems necessary or suitable or to administer this chapter; provided that the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development may delegate such power and authority, subject to his ultimate supervision and control. Such rules and regulations shall be effective upon publication in the manner, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, which the department shall prescribe. The department shall determine its own organization and methods of procedure, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Whenever the department believes that a change in contribution or benefit rates will become necessary to protect the solvency of the fund, it shall promptly so inform the Governor and the Legislature, and make recommendations with respect thereto.

(b) Regulations and general and special rules. General and special rules may be adopted, amended, or rescinded by the department. General rules shall become effective 10 days after filing with the Secretary of State and publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation in this State. Special rules shall become effective 10 days after notification to or mailing to the last known address of the individuals or concerns affected thereby. Regulations may be adopted, amended, or rescinded by the department and shall become effective in the manner and at the time prescribed by the department.

(c) Publication. The department shall cause to be printed for distribution to the public the text of this chapter, the department's regulations and general rules, its annual reports to the Governor, and any other material the department deems relevant and suitable and shall furnish the same to any person upon application therefor.

(d) Personnel. Subject to other provisions of this chapter, the department is authorized to appoint (subject to the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service), fix the compensation, and prescribe the duties and powers of such officers, accountants, attorneys, experts, and other persons as may be necessary in the performance of its duties under R.S. 43:21-1 et seq. All positions shall be filled by persons selected and appointed on a nonpartisan merit basis from lists of eligible persons prepared by the Civil Service Commission, in accordance with the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service, except that any attorney, now or hereafter in office or position of legal assistant for the department, shall be placed in the exempt class of the civil service and thereafter shall not be subject to removal except for cause and then only in accordance with the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to apply to any attorney designated as special counsel in accordance with the provisions of sections 43:21-6, subsection (h), and 43:21-17. The division shall not employ or pay any person who is an officer or committee member of any political party organization. The commissioner may delegate to any such person so appointed such power and authority as he deems reasonable and proper for the effective administration of this chapter, and may in his discretion bond any person handling moneys or signing checks hereunder.