(a) All agents of the bureau shall be governed by such rules of position, classification, appointment, promotion, demotion, transfer, dismissal, qualification, compensation, seniority privileges, tenure, and other employment standards as may now or hereafter be established under such merit system controls as may be authorized by Chapter 20 of Title 45, relating to the State Personnel Board and the State Merit System of Personnel Administration.

(b) This Code section shall not apply to narcotics agents as provided for in Code Section 35-3-9.