In order to extend to employees of the political subdivisions of the State of Maine, and to the civilian employees of the Maine National Guard who are employed pursuant to section 90 of the National Defense Act of June 3, 1916 (32 U.S.C., sec. 42), whether members of existing retirement or pension systems or not, the benefits of social security, provided under the Federal Social Security Act enacted by the Congress of the United States, it is declared to be the policy of the Legislature, subject to the limitations of this chapter, that such steps be taken as to provide such protection to such employees on as broad a basis as is permitted under the Social Security Act. This chapter shall apply to employees of Maine Maritime Academy who are members of an existing retirement or pension system. This chapter shall not apply to teachers who are under a state or local government pension or retirement plan, except teachers at the Maine Maritime Academy. For the purposes of bringing sheriffs and their deputies under social security, these law enforcement officers shall be deemed policemen. [PL 1985, c. 801, §§ 5, 7 (NEW).]