TITLE public-finance

Part III. Teacher Retirement System of Texas

Chapter 29. Benefits

Deferred Retirement Option Plan

34 TAC §29.61

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) adopts a new §29.61 concerning the administration of the new Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) passed by the 75th Legislature, 1997. Section 29.61 is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 14, 1997, issue of the Texas Register (22 TexReg 11058). The text will not be republished.

The justification for TRS to adopt this rule is to establish needed administrative procedures for the distribution of DROP accounts. The rule allows a lump sum, or installment payments for five or ten years. It also provides the guidance for the designation of beneficiaries to receive a DROP distribution in the event of death.

No public comments were made on this proposal.

The new section is adopted under the Government Code, Chapter 825, §825.102, which provides the Board of Trustees of the Teacher Retirement System with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of the funds of the retirement system. In addition, House Bill 2644 passed by the 75th Legislature, 1997, provided authority in the Government Code, §824.804 for the Board of Trustees to determine the number and frequency of installment payments under the DROP. Further, the Government Code, §824.101(e) and §824.505 authorize the Board of Trustees to adopt rules relating to beneficiary designation for accounts payable upon the death of members and annuitants.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 9, 1998.

TRD-9800353

Charles Dunlap

Executive Director

Teacher Retirement System of Texas

Effective date: January 29, 1998

Proposal publication date: November 14, 1997

For further information, please call: (512) 370-0592 Ext. 6115