(1) Active PERS members have 12 months to complete the retirement plan choice election form provided by the board and file the election with MPERA. The 12-month election period starts the first day of the month following the month the member is initially reported to MPERA.

(2) Any newly hired PERS member, including seasonal, temporary, or part-time employees, who subsequently becomes inactive, must still file an election within their 12-month election period. Members will not have a new election period by virtue of returning to active employment at a later date.

(3) The 12-month election period for any PERS member who has not been properly reported to MPERA will start the first day of the month following the month the member is properly reported.

(a) An election to transfer to the PERS DCRP or the Montana University System Optional Retirement Program will be effective upon confirmation by MPERA pursuant to ARM 2.43.3512 and will not be retroactive.

(4) The 12-month election period for employees of any municipal corporation, county, or public agency which becomes a contracting employer with PERS as provided under 19-3-201, MCA will start the first day of the month following the month the contracting employer initially reports the employee to MPERA.