Section 26807.7 Of Chapter 9. Retirement Benefit From California Education Code >> Division 1. >> Title 1. >> Part 14. >> Chapter 9.
26807.7
. (a) A participant who retired and elected a beneficiary
annuity pursuant to Section 26807.5 and designated his or her
same-sex spouse or same-sex former spouse as annuity beneficiary may
elect to change his or her annuity subject to all of the following:
(1) A participant who elected the 100 percent beneficiary annuity
or the 50 percent beneficiary annuity may elect to change his or her
beneficiary annuity to the 75 percent beneficiary annuity described
in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 26807.5, provided the
participant's same-sex spouse or same-sex former spouse is more than
exactly 19 years younger than the participant.
(2) The annuity change made by the participant pursuant to this
section is made on or after July 1, 2015, and on or before December
31, 2015.
(3) The participant married a same-sex spouse, the marriage is or
was recognized by the United States government, any state government,
or any foreign government, and his or her same-sex spouse or
same-sex former spouse was designated as his or her annuity
beneficiary prior to July 1, 2015.
(4) The same-sex spouse or same-sex former spouse is the current
annuity beneficiary and remains the annuity beneficiary following the
annuity change made pursuant to this section.
(5) The annuity beneficiary has not predeceased the participant as
of the effective date of the annuity change made by the participant
pursuant to this section.
(b) The annuity change made by a participant pursuant to
subdivision (a) shall be deemed effective as of the effective date of
the prior annuity election or June 26, 2013, whichever is later.
(c) The annuity change made by the participant pursuant to
subdivision (a) shall be on a properly executed form provided by the
system subject to the following requirements:
(1) The form is signed and dated by the participant and the
participant's spouse, if applicable, on or after July 1, 2015, and on
or before December 31, 2015.
(2) The date the form is received at the system's headquarters
office is within 30 calendar days after the date of the participant's
signature and within 30 calendar days after the date of the spouse's
signature, if applicable.
(d) After receipt of a participant's election, the system shall
mail an acknowledgment notice to the participant that sets forth the
new annuity elected by the participant.
(e) A participant may cancel an annuity change made pursuant to
subdivision (a) and elect to receive his or her benefit according to
his or her prior annuity election provided the requirements of
paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (a) are still met. The
cancellation shall become effective as of the date of the initial
option change pursuant to subdivision (b) subject to the following
requirements:
(1) The cancellation is made on a properly executed form provided
by the system.
(2) The form includes the signatures of the participant and his or
her spouse, if applicable, and the signatures are dated.
(3) The form is received at the system's headquarters office
within 30 calendar days after the date of the acknowledgment notice
described in subdivision (d), regardless of whether the form is
received after December 31, 2015.
(f) If a participant elects to change his or her annuity pursuant
to subdivision (a), the participant's annuity shall be modified in a
manner determined by the board to prevent any additional liability to
the plan.
(g) A participant shall not change his or her annuity in
derogation of a spouse's or former spouse's community property rights
as specified in a court order.