New Mexico Statutes 22-11-19. Regular or provisional membership; optional coverage
A. Any person qualified to be a regular or provisional member covered by a retirement program established for federal civil service employees shall have six months after the commencement of employment to file a written notice with the director of his election not to be covered by the Educational Retirement Act. If the person so elects, he may withdraw any contributions made pursuant to the Educational Retirement Act.
B. Any person qualified to be a regular or provisional member and who was employed by a regional education cooperative on July 1, 1993 shall have the right to exempt himself from Educational Retirement Act coverage within thirty days and such exemption shall be irrevocable as long as the person is employed by a regional cooperative.