HI HB1370

Authorizes the employees' retirement system to make direct payments to former spouses of members or retirants for portions of retirement benefits awarded in divorce proceedings.

Requires court judgments, orders, or decrees to meet specific criteria including identifying both parties, directing direct payment, specifying the amount or percentage, and allocating tax liability to each party.

Restricts the system from being bound by court orders that require unauthorized actions, contingent awards, lump sum payments for non-lump sum benefits, or termination of membership without member action.

Establishes that payments to former spouses terminate upon death of either the former spouse or retirant, whichever occurs first, and allows the board to assess filing fees and charges for legal and actuarial services.

Appropriates unspecified funds from the employees' retirement system expense fund for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to implement the Act, effective January 1, 2016.