1. The commissioner shall be assisted in the performance of his duties by three deputy commissioners. Each deputy commissioner shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner, and until his successor has been appointed and qualified.

Each deputy commissioner shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as the commissioner shall prescribe.

Unless otherwise provided by law, each deputy commissioner shall receive such salary as may be established by the commissioner with the approval of the Civil Service Commission and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting.

The commissioner may designate one of the deputy commissioners to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the commissioner during his disability or absence.

L.1974, c.44, s.1; amended 2004, c.130, s.44; 2008, c.29, s.88.