BASIC (12-03)

An absolute coverage group includes all positions not under the retirement system either:

• on September 1, 1954 or

• on the applicable date (Section 218(e)(2) of the Act) of the agreement or modification (see SL 30001.375B and SL 40001.435).

Under certain circumstances, ineligibles (persons in positions under a retirement system but personally disqualified from membership) may be covered as part of the absolute coverage group. See SL 30001.340 for a discussion of retirement system ineligibles.

The absolute coverage group does not include positions mandatorily or optionally excluded from coverage under a Section 218 agreement.

The State does not need the consent of the affected employees to establish an absolute coverage group.

Once an absolute coverage group obtains coverage by a Section 218 Agreement or modification, the absolute coverage positions remain covered even if they later are brought under a retirement system.