CHAPTER 19

Section 1. Authority. This rule is adopted pursuant to authority granted under W.S. 9-3-409.

Section 2. Purpose.

1. (a) The purpose of this rule is to require spousal express written consent when a married member:

   1. (i) Requests a refund of contributions;
   2. (ii) Requests a change of beneficiary; or
   3. (iii) Elects any retirement benefit pursuant to W.S. 9-3-418 or 9-3-420.

Section 3. Definitions.

1. (a) As used in this chapter:

   1. (i) "Member" means any participant in the system as specified in W.S. 9-3-402 (a)
   2. (vii) ;
   3. (ii) "Spouse" means the legal husband or wife of a member;
   4. (iii) "WRS" or "system" means the Wyoming Retirement System established pursuant to W.S. 9-3-403.

Section 4. Spouse's signature; member affidavit; notary; action.

1. (a) If a member is married, a spouse's written consent and signature is required on the WRS form in any case when the member:

   1. (i) Requests a refund of member contributions;
   2. (ii) Requests a change of beneficiary; or
   3. (iii) Elects any retirement benefit pursuant to W.S. 9-3-418 or 9-3-420
2. (b) In any case involving any of the requests specified in subsection (a) of this section by a member who is not married, that member must furnish a signed affidavit verifying his or her unmarried status in the manner specified on the WRS form.
3. (c) Any signature required under subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be notarized and the necessary information completed on the WRS form.
4. (c) WRS will not take action on any request under this section until it receives the appropriate notarized signature.