Sec. 854.603.  MEMBER SUPPLEMENTAL DEATH BENEFIT.  (a)  If a person included in the coverage or extended coverage of the supplemental death benefit program dies, a lump-sum supplemental death benefit is payable from the supplemental death benefits fund in an amount equal to the current annual salary of the member at the time of death.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the current annual salary of a member is computed as the amount paid to the member for service on which contributions were made to the retirement system during the 12 months immediately preceding the month of death.  If a member did not receive compensation for service in each of the 12 months immediately preceding the month of death, the member's current annual salary is computed by converting to an annual basis the amount paid to the member on which contributions were made to the system during the period of employment within the 12-month period.  If a member did not receive compensation for service in any of the 12 months immediately preceding the month of death, the member's current annual salary is computed by converting to an annual basis the rate of compensation payable to the member during the month of death.
(c)  The current annual salary of a member included in the extended coverage of the supplemental death benefit program is computed in the manner provided by Subsection (b) but as if the member had died during the first month of extended coverage.
(d)  If a member makes contributions to the retirement system during the same month as an employee of more than one municipality participating in the supplemental death benefits fund, a death benefit is payable only on the basis of the member's most recent employment.
(e)  The board of trustees by rule may require such proof of compensation and periods of employment as it finds necessary.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1876, ch. 453, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.  Amended by Acts 1981, 67th Leg., 1st C.S., p. 228, ch. 18, Sec. 94, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.  Renumbered from Vernon's Ann.Civ.St. Title 110B, Sec. 64.603 and amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 179, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.