(a) Notwithstanding Sections 20035 and 20037, “final compensation,” for the purpose of determining any pension or benefit with respect to a state miscellaneous member (1) who retires or dies on or after July 1, 2003, (2) who was a member of a state bargaining unit listed in subdivision (b), and (3) whose monthly salary range that was to be effective July 1, 2003, was reduced by 5 percent pursuant to a memorandum of understanding entered into during the 2003–04 fiscal year, means the highest annual compensation the member would have earned as of July 1, 2003, if that 5 percent reduction had not occurred. This section shall apply only if the period during which the member’s salary was reduced would have otherwise been included in determining his or her final compensation. The increased costs, if any, that may result from the application of the definition of “final compensation” provided in this section shall be paid by the employer in the same manner as other retirement benefits are funded.
(b) The section shall apply with respect to members in State Bargaining Units 1, 4, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, and 21.