After July 1, 1973, any person elected or appointed to the office of judge of the supreme court or judge of the district court for the first time must, from and after the date that person qualifies and takes office, be a participating member of the public employees retirement system. Any person so elected or appointed is not eligible for membership in or for receipt of benefits from the retirement program provided by chapter 27-17. As used in this section, the phrase "for the first time" means a person elected or appointed, who, after July 1, 1973, does not hold office as a judge of the supreme court or the district court at the time of the person's election or appointment.
N.D.C.C. § 54-52-02.3