All personnel, including those on personal service contracts, working within the Surplus Property Division of the Department of Economic and Community Affairs at the passage of this article shall, by virtue of this section, be considered to meet the requirements of the department in terms of education, training, and experience and shall automatically be placed within the state Merit System with permanent status with all the rights and privileges thereof and shall enjoy the same employment and retirement privileges and rights as the Legislature may determine from time to time or as may be otherwise determined by law or administrative rule or regulation according to the rules and regulations of the Personnel Department of the State of Alabama. All new future employees of the Surplus Property Division of the Department of Economic and Community Affairs shall be required to meet the requirements of the state Merit System.

All present employees of the Surplus Property Division of the Department of Economic and Community Affairs shall remain in their respective positions and continue to enjoy employment conditions including, but not limited to, salary range and advancement at a level no less than those enjoyed prior to the enactment of this article. However, nothing herein shall be construed to prevent or preclude the removal of an employee for cause in the manner provided by law.