(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the right of a person to a pension; an annuity, or a retirement allowance; to the return of contributions; the pension, annuity or retirement allowance itself; any optional benefit or any other right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter; and the monies in the various funds created by this chapter are hereby exempt from any state or municipal tax and exempt from levy and sale, garnishment, attachment or any other process whatsoever, and shall be unassignable except as in this chapter specifically otherwise provided.

(b)(1) Restitution, fines, court costs, fees, or any other financial obligations in a criminal case ordered by a circuit or district court judge in this state are not subject to the exemption set out in subsection (a), provided all of the following are satisfied:

a. The amount of the restitution ordered is in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or greater.

b. The person subject to the order is a retiree or beneficiary who is currently receiving benefits from the Teachers' Retirement System.

c. The case has been assigned to the district attorney's restitution recovery division.

(2) If the requirements of subdivision (1) are met, and upon motion filed by the district attorney, the circuit or district court judge may order that the Teachers' Retirement System pay to the circuit clerk of the court no more than 25 percent of the retiree's or beneficiary's gross monthly benefit less any deductions for child support or health insurance for any dependents, to be applied to the balance of the restitution, fines, court costs, fees, or other financial obligations ordered in the criminal case.

(3) An order under subdivision (2) shall set out all of the following:

a. The individual's name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

b. The amount of restitution ordered is in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or greater.

c. The amounts of restitution, fines, court costs, fees, or any other financial obligations owed, detailed individually.

d. The relevant case numbers.

e. The county in which the case was brought.

f. The circuit clerk's name and mailing address.

g. That the restitution, fines, court costs, fees, or other financial obligations are payable as a result of a criminal disposition.

h. The amount or the percentage of funds to be paid.

(4) The district attorney shall notify the court whenever the restitution, fines, court costs, fees, or other financial obligations are paid in full. Thereafter, the court shall issue an order to stop the diversion of the individual's funds. Any payment received by the circuit clerk in an amount over what was owed shall be paid back to the Teachers' Retirement System within 60 days with the specific identifying information as to the retiree or the beneficiary to whom it is owed.