§ 1300. Definitions. The following words and phrases as used in this article shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context:

a. "Retirement system" shall mean the New York state and local employees' retirement system and the New York state teachers' retirement system.

b. "Eligible employee", subject to the limitations of section thirteen hundred two of this article, shall mean a state employee that becomes a member of a retirement system who first became a member of such system on or after April first, two thousand twelve who is identified as eligible to receive the benefit enhancements provided for in this article upon election by the state of New York pursuant to section thirteen hundred one of this article.