(a) It is the purpose and intent of this section and §§ 16-93-603 and 16-93-604 to establish parole eligibility for a person convicted of a felony committed on or after April 1, 1977, and prior to April 1, 1983.
(b) Nothing in this section and §§ 16-93-603 and 16-93-604 is to be construed to repeal the parole eligibility laws in effect on the date criminal offenses were committed prior to April 1, 1977.