(a) The purpose of this article is to provide group term life insurance benefits for members of this system who are employees of the state or the university. Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, this article shall not apply to a school member, or any other local member.
(b) If this section is in conflict with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Section 3517.5, the memorandum of understanding shall be controlling without further legislative action, except that if the provisions of a memorandum of understanding require the expenditure of funds, the provisions shall not become effective unless approved by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act.