4. Length of service award programs shall be established as defined contribution programs and shall be subject to the provisions of this act. Length of service award programs shall be based on applicable features of deferred compensation plans adopted by local government units pursuant to P.L.1977, c.381 (C. 43:15B-1 et seq.), in reference to which the local government unit shall be treated as an “employer” as defined in that law, length of service award contributions by a sponsoring agency shall be treated as “deferred salary” as defined in that law, and the active volunteer members shall be treated as “participants” as defined in that law. If applicable, a length of service award program shall also be administered in compliance with provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code for such programs and the provisions of this act.

L.1997,c.388,s.4.