19-50-103. No effect on other retirement programs -- taxes deferred -- Roth deferral exception. (1) The deferred compensation program established by this chapter is in addition to retirement, pension, or benefit systems, including plans qualifying under section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 403(b), as amended, established by the state or a political subdivision, and a deferral of income under the deferred compensation program may not affect a reduction of any retirement, pension, or other benefit provided by law.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), any sum deferred under the deferred compensation program is not subject to taxation until distribution is actually made to the participant or the participant's beneficiary because of severance from employment, retirement, or unforeseeable emergency.

(3) Effective July 1, 2013, any deferred compensation program established under this chapter may include Roth accounts and accept Roth deferrals pursuant to section 402A of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 402A. A participant's Roth deferral into a deferred compensation account and any associated earnings, known as the participant's Roth assets, may be withdrawn tax-free if the requirements for a qualified distribution under 402A(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 402A(d)(2), are met.

(4) For purposes of this chapter, any qualified private pension plans in existence in 1974 qualify.