(a) For purposes of this chapter and Section 23300, “nonmember spouse” means a member’s spouse or former spouse, and also includes a member’s registered domestic partner or former registered domestic partner, who is being or has been awarded a community property interest in the service credit, accumulated retirement contributions, accumulated Defined Benefit Supplement account balance, or benefits of the member under this part.

(b) For purposes of this chapter and Section 23300, a member’s registered domestic partner or former registered domestic partner who is being or has been awarded a community property interest in the service credit, accumulated retirement contributions, accumulated Defined Benefit Supplement account balance, or benefits of the member under this part shall be treated in the same manner as a nonmember spouse.

(c) A nonmember spouse shall not be considered a member based upon his or her receipt of any of the following being awarded to the nonmember spouse as a result of legal separation or dissolution of marriage:

(1) A separate account of service credit and accumulated retirement contributions, a retirement allowance, or an interest in the member’s retirement allowance under the Defined Benefit Program.

(2) A separate account based on the member’s Defined Benefit Supplement account balance, a retirement benefit, or an interest in the member’s retirement benefit under the Defined Benefit Supplement Program.

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 418, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2006.)