(a)

1. (1) A person's initial status as a contributory or noncontributory member of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System shall be determined by the law in effect at the time the person became a member of the system.
2. (2) All service rendered before July 1, 1986, is contributory service.

(b)

1. (1) A member's contributory status is irrevocable once the member becomes a contributory member of the system.
2. (2) A contributory member shall not elect to become a noncontributory member.

(c) A contributory election is valid if the contributory election is:

1. (1) Made on an election form provided by the system; and
2. (2) Signed by both the member and the covered employer.

(d)

1. (1) If a member makes a contributory election before the preparation of his or her first salary payment in the fiscal year, the contributory election is effective immediately.
2. (2) If a member makes a contributory election after the preparation of his or her first salary payment in the fiscal year, the contributory election is effective July 1 of the next fiscal year.