For purposes of determining the benefits of a county sheriff or a deputy county sheriff for credited service earned prior to January 1, 1980, the benefits are calculated pursuant to § 3-12C-1106 . For credited service after January 1, 1980, the benefits are calculated pursuant to § 3-12C-1107 . Nothing in this chapter may be construed as an abridgement of the right of a sheriff to exercise the right to elect to participate pursuant to § 3-12C-303 . Source: SL 1979, ch 26 , §§ 2, 3; SDCL § 3-12-92.2; SL 2019, ch 22 , § 1; SL 2025, ch 27 , § 69.