Sec. 20. (a) This section applies only to an individual who, on or after the effective date of the plan, becomes for the first time a full-time employee of the state in a position that would otherwise be eligible for membership in the fund under IC 5-10.3-7.
(b) An individual to whom this section applies may elect to become a member of the plan for all service credit that the member accrues in a covered position as an employee of the state. An election under this section:
(1) must be made in writing;
(2) must be filed with the board, on a form prescribed by the board; and
(3) is irrevocable.
(c) Except as provided in section 32(a) of this chapter, an individual who does not elect to become a member of the plan becomes a member (as defined in IC 5-10.3-1-5) of the fund for all service credit that the member accrues in a covered position as an employee of the state.