Personnel employed or appointed by a member to work for a joint system shall have the same authority, rights, privileges, and immunities including coverage under the Workers’ Compensation laws which the officers, agents, and employees of the appointing member enjoy within the territory of that member whether within or without the territory of the appointing member when they are acting within the scope of their authority or in the course of their employment.

Personnel employed or appointed directly by a joint system shall be qualified for participation in the South Carolina Retirement System with the same rights, privileges, obligations, and responsibilities as they would have if they were employees of an authority, if they are residents of this State.