(a)      Except as provided for in subsection (c)(2) of this section, a former nontemporary State employee who returns to State employment in a position in the State Personnel Management System within 3 years from separation is reinstated.

      (b)      A reinstated State employee shall have unused accumulated sick leave restored.

      (c)      (1)      A former nontemporary employee who is reinstated in a position in the State Personnel Management System shall receive credit for time employed before separation for the purpose of determining the employee's:

                  (i)      step in the pay grade applicable to the employee's class;

                  (ii)      rate of annual leave accrual; and

                  (iii)      seniority rights.

            (2)      A former nontemporary State employee who returns to a position in an independent personnel system in accordance with the reinstatement provisions of that system shall receive benefits allowed by that personnel system.