Retirement; Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma; references; deleting terms; application; procedure; options; liability; expenses; effective date; emergency.

This bill updates the legal definitions and administrative procedures for the Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma. It clarifies who counts as a member by expanding the definition of "classified personnel" to include certain Department of Corrections instructors and counselors, while also refining categories for non-classified staff like bus drivers and maintenance workers. The legislation modifies how applications for retirement are processed, outlines specific steps to be taken if a joint annuitant dies, and adjusts rules regarding retirement options and the system's liability. Additionally, it repeals two older sections of the state code and declares an emergency to allow the changes to take effect immediately.