ASSUMPTION BY SUCCESSOR SUBDIVISION.

(a) The governing body of a participating subdivision may, with the consent of the board of trustees and on terms approved by the board, assume the subdivision account and pension liabilities of a subdivision that no longer exists, is in the process of dissolution, is changing its operational form, or no longer has employees. The account and pension liabilities of a subdivision described by this subsection may not be assumed if the subdivision has executed a voluntary termination agreement under Section 842.052 or if the board has specified a date under Section 842.053 for the involuntary termination of the subdivision's participation in the retirement system.

(b) Subject to any limitation set by the board of trustees, the governing body of the assuming subdivision may exercise any authority with respect to plan provisions applicable to members and annuitants of the subdivision plan being assumed that the governing body of that subdivision could have exercised.

(c) Except as otherwise provided by this section, all retirement plan provisions in effect on the assumption date remain in effect until changed by the governing body of the assuming subdivision.

(d) As of the assumption date, the account in the subdivision accumulation fund being assumed and the account of the assuming subdivision will be treated as one account for the purposes of receiving allocations under this subtitle and paying benefits accrued with respect to either subdivision.

(e) The retirement system is not liable to any person for any claim or loss of benefits resulting from the assumption by another participating subdivision of the account and pension liabilities of a subdivision described by Subsection (a).

(f) The board of trustees by rule may establish standards, definitions, and procedures it considers necessary to administer this section and shall take reasonable actions and exercise its discretion in a fair and equitable manner on a case-by-case basis to preserve accrued benefits.