COLLECTION OF MEMBERSHIP FEES

(a) Each member annually shall pay a membership fee of $2. A contributing member shall pay the fee with the member's first contribution to the retirement system in each fiscal year in the manner provided by Section 815.402 or 820.101, as applicable, for payment of the member's contribution to the retirement system. (b) If the membership fee is not paid with the member's first contribution of the year to the retirement system, the board of trustees may deduct the amount of the fee from that contribution or from any benefit to which the member becomes entitled. (c) If the legislature appropriates, on behalf of each contributing member for any fiscal year, a membership fee to be deposited in the expense account in an amount equal to or greater than the membership fee required by Subsection (a), the members are not required to pay the membership fee for that year. The retirement system may apply the membership fee to the administration of any program administered by the board of trustees.