(1) All blind or partially sighted persons who are now employed or licensed by the Florida Council for the Blind as vending-stand operators or who may hereafter be so licensed or employed are hereby declared to be state employees within the meaning of the State and County Officers and Employees’ Retirement System, and except as hereinafter provided shall be entitled to all the rights and benefits of other state employees thereunder.
(2) Blindness shall not be deemed a retirable disability within the provisions of the state and county retirement system for such employees as are contemplated by this section.
(3) Participation in the State Officers and Employees’ Retirement System shall be compulsory for all vending-stand operators licensed and employed after June 15, 1953.
