§ 122. Eligibility of incumbents of positions not heretofore
classified. A position to which the provisions of this article are
hereafter extended shall be classified under an appropriate title. For
the purpose of continuing the essential activities of the state without
interruption, and notwithstanding any inconsistent provisions of this
chapter, the president of the state civil service commission is
empowered, without requiring an examination, to approve the continued
employment of the permanent incumbent of such position under its
classified title upon the certification of the director of the
classification and compensation division that such incumbent has been
satisfactorily performing the duties of such position for a period of at
least one year immediately prior to such extension. After such
classification becomes effective, such incumbent shall be entitled to
the same salary, status, rights, privileges and benefits as if he had
been originally appointed under this chapter to the position designated
by the classified title. No such incumbent, by reason of any change in
title, shall be deprived of any rights he might previously have acquired
under this chapter for appointment, transfer, reinstatement or
promotion.