Repeals provisions of GS 126-7.1 requiring priority consideration in hiring and salary grade and rate protections for certain employees hired to fill state positions after being separated from state employment as the result of a reduction in force. Specifies that the extended period of priority reconsideration afforded to state employees by Section 26.14D of SL 2009-451, as amended, remains unaffected. Makes other clarifying and conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2011, and applies to employees subject to reductions in force on or after that date.