Transfer of employees; retention of benefits

Except as otherwise provided in this act, on the effective date of this act, officers and employees who, immediately prior to such date, were engaged in the performance of powers, duties or functions of any state agency or office which is abolished by this act, or which becomes a part of the department of agriculture, or the powers, duties and functions of which are transferred to the secretary of agriculture, and who, in the opinion of the secretary of agriculture, are necessary to perform the powers, duties and functions of the department of agriculture, shall be transferred to, and shall become officers and employees of the department. Any such officer or employee shall retain all retirement benefits and all rights of civil service which had accrued to or vested in such officer or employee prior to the effective date of this act. The service of each such officer and employee so transferred shall be deemed to have been continuous. All transfers and any abolition of personnel positions in the classified service under the Kansas civil service act shall be in accordance with civil service laws and any rules and regulations adopted thereunder.