Retirement plan established; federal qualification requirements.

(a) A joint-contributory retirement plan for teachers of the state is created.

(b) The retirement plan established by AS 14.25.009 — 14.25.220 is intended to qualify under 26 U.S.C. 401(a) and 414(d) (Internal Revenue Code) as a qualified retirement plan established and maintained by the state for its employees, for the employees of school districts and regional educational attendance areas in the state, and for the employees of other employers whose participation is authorized by AS 14.25.009 — 14.25.220 and who participate in this plan.

(c) An amendment to AS 14.25.009 — 14.25.220 does not provide a person with a vested right to a benefit if the Internal Revenue Service determines that the amendment will result in disqualification of the plan under the Internal Revenue Code.