(a) A member who is receiving a joint and survivor annuity under the Defined Benefit Supplement Program may change the annuity or the annuity beneficiary elected pursuant to Section 25011, 25011.1, 25018, or 25018.1, provided all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The annuity beneficiary is the member’s spouse or former spouse.

(2) A final decree of dissolution of marriage is granted, or a judgment of nullity is entered, or an order of separate maintenance is made by a court of competent jurisdiction with respect to the member and the spouse or former spouse on or after the beginning of the initial plan year designated by the board pursuant to Section 22156.05.

(3) The change is consistent with the final decree of dissolution, judgment of nullity, or order of separate maintenance.

(b) A member may change the annuity pursuant to subdivision (a) before or after the first annuity payment is issued.

(c) The member shall notify the system in writing of the change in the annuity. The notification shall not be earlier than the effective date of the final decree of dissolution, judgment of nullity, or order of separate maintenance and shall include a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution, judgment of nullity, or order of separate maintenance, and any property settlement agreement.

(d) A change in the annuity or annuity beneficiary or both shall become effective on the date the notification of change is received by the system. The annuity amount payable to the member upon the change elected by the member shall be determined as of the effective date of the change and shall be the actuarial equivalent of the lump sum that would otherwise be payable to the member as of the date of the change. If the member elects a joint and survivor annuity, the amount payable under the annuity shall be modified consistent with the annuity elected by the member.

(Added by renumbering Section 24305.3 (as amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 655, Sec. 39) by Stats. 2014, Ch. 755, Sec. 50. (SB 1220) Effective January 1, 2015.)