Certain pension, benefits, and employment classification provisions applicable to employees of the authority

18A:71A-11. Certain Pension, Benefits, and Employment Classification Provisions Applicable to Employees of the Authority. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, any former employee of the Office of Student Assistance who was a participant in the alternate benefit program, P.L.1969, c.242 (C.18A:66-168 et seq.), and who has continued in uninterrupted service with the State may continue to participate in the alternate benefit program on the same terms as other eligible employees. b. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, professional administrative staff of the authority are eligible to participate in the alternate benefit program under the provisions of P.L.1969, c.242 (C.18A:66-168 et seq.). c. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, eligible employees of the authority shall be eligible to obtain supplemental tax-deferred annuities with outside investment carriers on the same basis and with the same carriers as available to members of the alternate benefit program under the provisions of P.L.1969, c.242 (C.18A:66-168 et seq.). d. The total number of employees in unclassified service including the number of vacant unclassified service positions on the date this act becomes effective shall not decrease without prior authorization by the board.