(a) The provisions of this Code section shall apply only to persons who become members or beneficiaries of this retirement system by operation of Code Section 47-23-40.

(b) Any beneficiary of this retirement system subject to the provisions of this Code section who on June 30, 1998, was receiving a benefit from two predecessor retirement systems shall continue to receive both such benefits from this retirement system as if he or she were a beneficiary of two retirement systems.

(c) Any member subject to this Code section who on June 30, 1998, is receiving a retirement benefit from one predecessor retirement system and is an active member of another predecessor retirement system shall continue to receive such retirement benefit from this retirement system and shall continue as an active member of this retirement system. Upon complying with all conditions precedent to receiving a benefit under this retirement system, such member shall be entitled to receive both such benefits in the same manner as if he or she were a member of two separate retirement systems.

(d) Any member subject to the provisions of this Code section who on June 30, 1998, has ten or more years of creditable service in one predecessor retirement system but has not yet begun receiving a retirement benefit and who on such date was an active member of another predecessor retirement system may:

(1) Continue his or her status in this retirement system as if he or she were a member of two retirement systems, and upon retirement his or her retirement benefits in both capacities shall be calculated as provided under this retirement system; or

(2) Combine the years of service under the predecessor retirement system with his or her years of service under this retirement system as provided in Code Section 47-23-45.

(e) (1) As used in this subsection, the term "category of covered position" means service as:

(A) A judge of the superior courts;

(B) A judge or solicitor-general of a state court or a juvenile court judge; or

(C) A district attorney.

(2) Any member subject to the provisions of this Code section who after June 30, 1998, obtains ten or more years of service in one category of covered positions and who subsequently becomes employed in another category of covered position may, at his or her option:

(A) Consider himself or herself vested in a retirement benefit in the initial position and begin accruing service in the subsequent position as if he or she were a member of two retirement systems; or

(B) Combine the years of service under this retirement system as provided in Code Section 47-23-45.