Section 47-16-103. Right to withdraw dues; effect of withdrawal on membership and benefits

   (a) Any member may withdraw the total sum which he has paid into the fund as membership dues at any time before retirement or before he begins to draw retirement benefits. No interest shall be paid on amounts so withdrawn.

(b) Membership shall cease upon withdrawal of dues under subsection (a) of this Code section. No person who so withdraws his dues shall be eligible to again become a member or to receive any benefits under this chapter, provided that any prior member who, before January 1, 1982, has withdrawn the total sums which he has paid into the fund may be reinstated as a member by meeting the following requirements:

   (1) He may claim credit for all prior service as a sheriff by tendering payment of all dues which he would have paid had he been a member of the fund, together with interest on such amount at 8 percent per annum and such reasonable penalty as may be imposed by the board, provided that in no event shall any sheriff who rejoins the fund under this subsection be permitted to claim credit for any prior service as a peace officer, except sheriff, or as a member of the armed forces of the United States; and

   (2) The application for reinstatement is filed with the secretary-treasurer on or before June 30, 1982.

Ga. L. 1963, p. 630, § 15; Ga. L. 1975, p. 823, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 1607, §§ 1, 2.