Notice requirements

(a) The Division of Natural Resources shall prepare a written notice no later than August 1, 2020, to be delivered to each Natural Resources Police Officer actively employed by the division: Provided, That the division shall also deliver this notice on the first day of employment to any Natural Resources Police Officer hired after July 1, 2020, but before January 2, 2021. This notice shall clearly and accurately explain the benefits, financial implications and consequences to a Natural Resources Police Officer of electing to participate in the retirement plan created in this article, including the consequences and financial implications in regard to the benefits under the public employees insurance plan as set forth in §5-16-1 et seq. of this code. This notice shall be distributed to each Natural Resources Police Officer and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources shall obtain a signed receipt from each Natural Resources Police Officer acknowledging that the Natural Resources Police Officer was provided a copy of the notice required in this subsection. If a Natural Resources Police Officer makes the election provided for in §20-18-6 of this code, he or she shall be considered to have made a voluntary, informed decision in regard to the election to participate in the retirement system created in this article. (b) Nothing in this section may be construed to alter, affect or change any of the rights and benefits of any Natural Resources Police Officer who has insurance coverage under §5-16-1 et seq. of this code as a result of being a spouse or dependent of a participant who is the primary insured under §5-16-1 et seq. of this code. (c) Nothing contained in this section may be construed to affect or pertain to any life insurance coverage under §5-16-1 et seq. of this code.