Tennessee Code Title 8. Public Officers and Employees § 8-35-109

(a) Except as provided in § 8-35-123(c), any person who assumes office as a state judge, a county judge, a county official, a commissioner, a county chair, a member of the general assembly, or any district attorney general and any assistant thereto by whatever name called, on or after July 1, 2025, shall become a member of the retirement system as a condition of taking office or assuming a position.

(b) Any person who assumed office as a state judge, a county judge, a county official, a commissioner, a county chair, a member of the general assembly, or any district attorney general and any assistant thereto by whatever name called, prior to July 1, 2025, and made an irrevocable election to participate in the retirement system, shall continue membership in the retirement system, as provided in chapters 34-37 of this title.