The definitions in Part 3 (commencing with Section 20000) shall apply to this part. The following definition shall also govern the interpretation of this part:

“Participating agency” means any public agency that meets the criteria for becoming a contracting agency in this system pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 20460) of Part 3, but that has not elected to participate in this system as a contracting agency, and that elects to contract with the board to participate in the replacement benefit plan administered pursuant to this part by the board.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 793, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 2002. Conditionally inoperative as prescribed in Section 21763.)