In so far as this article, as added by chapter eight hundred forty-one of the laws of nineteen hundred forty-seven, as amended by chapter five hundred three of the laws of nineteen hundred forty-eight, as amended by chapter six hundred forty-eight of the laws of nineteen hundred forty-nine, or as amended by this act relates to rights to membership in or to rights or benefits of members of the retirement system, it is the intent of the legislature to codify the provisions of former articles four and five of the civil service law which relate thereto and which were in effect immediately prior thereto. No diminution or impairment, within the provisions of article five, section seven of the state constitution, and no increase of such rights or benefits is intended to be effectuated by this article as so added or amended. If, in codifying the provisions of such former articles four and five, this article as so added or amended:
N.Y. Retire. and Soc. Sec. Law § 117