169.328.  Accumulated contributions returned to member, when — eligible rollover distributions, election for distribution. — 1.  Should a member cease to be a regular employee, except by retirement, the member, if living, shall be paid on demand, made by written notice to the board of trustees, the amount of the person's accumulated contributions (with interest as determined by the board of trustees as provided in sections 169.270 to 169.400) standing to the credit of the person's individual account in the employees' contribution fund.  The accumulated contributions with interest shall not be paid to a member so long as the person remains a regular employee or before the member incurs a break in service.  If the member dies before retirement such accumulated contributions (with interest) shall be paid to the member's estate or designated beneficiary unless the provisions of subsection 3 of section 169.326 apply.

  2.  If a former unvested member's accumulated contributions have not been withdrawn four years after the person has ceased to be a member (other than by reason of death or retirement), the board of trustees shall pay the same to such former member within a reasonable time after the expiration of such four-year period.

  3.  If, on account of undeliverability, improper mailing or forwarding address, or other similar problem, the board of trustees is unable to refund the accumulated contributions of a former unvested member or to commence payment of retirement benefits within four years after the end of the calendar year in which such former member ceased to be a regular employee, the board may transfer the accumulated contributions to the general reserve fund.  If, thereafter, written application is made to the board of trustees for such refund or benefits, the board shall cause the same to be paid from the general reserve fund, but no interest shall be accrued after the end of the fourth year following the end of the calendar year in which such former member ceased to be a regular employee.

  4.  In its discretion the board of trustees may approve extensions of any time periods in this section on account of a former member's military or naval service, academic study or illness.

  5.  Any member or beneficiary who is entitled to receive a distribution that is an eligible rollover distribution, as defined in Section 402(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, may elect to have that distribution transferred directly to another eligible retirement plan, as defined in Section 402(c)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, designated by the member or beneficiary in accordance with procedures established by the board of trustees.  An eligible rollover distribution shall include a distribution to a nonspouse beneficiary that is treated as an eligible rollover distribution under Section 402(c)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  All such transfers shall be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 401(a)(31) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder.