Any other provision of this article to the contrary notwithstanding, an employee of the legislative branch of government may become a covered employee in the manner provided for in this Code section. As relates to employees in the office of the Lieutenant Governor and employees of the Senate, its officers, and its committees, the Lieutenant Governor shall act. As relates to employees in the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and employees of the House, its officers, and its committees, the Speaker of the House shall act. As relates to employees in the office of the Secretary of the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate shall act. As relates to employees in the office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Clerk of the House shall act. As relates to employees in the Office of Legislative Counsel, the legislative counsel shall act. As relates to employees in the Office of the Legislative Budget Analyst, the legislative budget analyst shall act. As relates to employees in the Office of Legislative Fiscal Officer, the legislative fiscal officer shall act. The above officers or officials shall notify the state merit system in writing of the positions or employees which are to become covered under this article and the effective date thereof. On that date, this article, as it relates to such covered employees, shall apply.