As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) “Legacy pension plan” means the Tennessee consolidated retirement system that is established in title 8, chapters 34 - 37, excluding the Hybrid Retirement Plan for State Employees and Teachers, compiled in title 8, chapter 36, part 9;
(2) “State employee” means any person who is a state official, including members of the general assembly, the attorney general and reporter, district attorneys general, state judges, and district public defenders, or any person who is employed in the service of and whose compensation is payable by the state, or any person who is employed by the state whose compensation is paid in whole or in part from federal or other funds. “State employee” also means any person who is employed in the service of and whose compensation is payable by a public institution of higher education, or any person who is employed by a public institution of higher education whose compensation is paid in whole or in part from federal or other funds; and
(3) “Trustees” means the five (5) trustees designated in § 9-4-1002.