Eligibility of state employees

All employees of the state of Tennessee who were employed by the state prior to July 1, 1947, for not less than eight (8) years and have reached sixty-five (65) years of age and who are not otherwise covered by any other retirement system administered by the state, shall be entitled to benefits as provided for in this part. Acts 1974 ch. 714, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-1311(a). All employees of the state of Tennessee who were employed by the state prior to July 1, 1947, for not less than eight (8) years and have reached sixty-five (65) years of age and who are not otherwise covered by any other retirement system administered by the state, shall be entitled to benefits as provided for in this part. Acts 1974 ch. 714, § 4; T.C.A., § 49-1311(a).