396 - Employer not liable for payment of benefits.

§ 396. Employer  not  liable  for  payment  of benefits.   Neither the  state, nor state university, nor any  electing  employer  or  its  local  sponsor  shall  be a party to any contract purchased in whole or in part  with  contributions  made  under   the   optional   retirement   program  established  and  administered pursuant to this article.  No retirement,  death, or other benefits shall be payable by  the  state,  or  by  state  university,  or by any electing employer or its local sponsor under such  optional retirement program.  Such benefits shall be  paid  to  electing  employees  or  their beneficiaries by the designated insurer or insurers  in accordance with the terms of their contracts.