Section 22303.5.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board shall offer a midcareer retirement information program for the benefit of all members.

(b) In implementing this section, the board shall develop plans for the development and delivery of information to enhance awareness of the features and benefits of the Defined Benefit Program, and services of the system, federal Social Security Act programs and benefits as they apply to members, and awareness of personal planning responsibilities. This information shall be provided to assist members in understanding the importance of financial, legal, estate, and personal planning, and how choices and options offered by the system may impact retirement.

(c)The board, at a public meeting, may assess a participation fee for the recovery of all startup and ongoing expenses of the midcareer information program.

(d) The board shall provide both active and retired members with notice pertaining to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 44830 and pertaining to Section 44252.5, making all members aware of the time constraints and possible requirement for passing the state basic skills proficiency test if an individual wants to return to the classroom after 39 months. The methods for providing the notice may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

(1) Inclusion in annual member publications.

(2) Inclusion within packets of information provided to members upon or prior to retirement.

(3) Inclusion as an attachment to any warrants issued to members.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 734, Sec. 14. Effective October 11, 2001.)