Except as otherwise provided in this act, on July 1, 1982, officers and employees who, immediately prior to such date, were engaged in the performance of powers, duties or functions of the office of the securities commissioner of Kansas which is abolished by this act, and who, in the opinion of the securities commissioner provided for by this act, are necessary to perform the powers, duties and functions of the office of the securities commissioner of Kansas provided for by this act, shall be transferred to, and shall become officers and employees of the securities commissioner of Kansas as provided for by this act. Any such officer or employee shall retain all retirement benefits and all rights of civil service which had accrued to or vested in such officer or employee prior to July 1, 1982. The service of each such officer and employee so transferred shall be deemed to have been continuous. All transfers and any abolition of personnel positions in the classified service under the Kansas civil service act shall be in accordance with civil service laws and any rules and regulations adopted thereunder.