(a) All officers and employees of the commission who, immediately prior to the effective date of Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-141 through 75-147, and amendments thereto, are engaged in the exercise and performance of the powers, duties, and functions transferred by Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-141 through 75-147, and amendments thereto, as well as all officers and employees of the commission who are determined by the executive director of the commission attached to the office of governor to be engaged in providing administrative, technical, or other support services that are essential to the exercise and performance of the powers, duties, and functions transferred by Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-141 through 75-147, and amendments thereto, are hereby transferred to the commission attached to the office of governor. All classified employees so transferred shall retain their status as classified employees.

(b) Officers and employees of the commission transferred by Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-141 through 75-147, and amendments thereto, shall retain all retirement benefits and leave balances and rights which had accrued or vested prior to the date of transfer. The service of each such officer and employee so transferred shall be deemed to have been continuous. Any subsequent transfers, layoffs, or abolition of classified service positions under the Kansas civil service act shall be made in accordance with the civil service laws and any rules and regulations adopted thereunder. Nothing in Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 75-141 through 75-147, and amendments thereto, shall affect the classified status of any transferred person employed by the commission prior to the date of transfer.