Sec. 5.12. 14TH CHECK FOR RETIREES. (a) In this section, "annual investment yield" has the meaning assigned by Section 5.11(d) of this Act.

(b) In a fiscal year ending after September 1, 2000, for which the board determines that the average annual investment yield on the market value of fund investments for the preceding five fiscal years exceeded the annual investment yield projected by the actuary for that five-fiscal-year period by at least 300 basis points, the board may authorize the disbursement of a 14th pension check.

(c) The 14th pension check is paid to each retiree who is entitled to receive an annuity in the last month of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the check is disbursed. Except as provided by Subsection (d) of this section, the check is in an amount equal to the amount of the annuity payment made in the last month of the preceding fiscal year.

(d) For a retiree who has received an annuity for less than one year, the amount of the 14th pension check is prorated so that the amount of the check is one-twelfth of the check that would have been paid to a retiree receiving an annuity for a full year times the number of full months an annuity has been paid.

(e) Authorization of a 14th check for any year is subject to the discretion of the board. Authorization for one year does not obligate the board to authorize a 14th check for any other year. The 14th check shall be paid as the board directs.