Tennessee Code Title 8. Public Officers and Employees § 8-34-201

(a) A retirement system is established and placed under the management of the board of trustees, for the purpose of providing retirement allowances and other benefits under the provisions of chapters 34-37 of this title. The retirement system so created shall be established as of July 1, 1972.

(b) The retirement system is established as a qualified defined benefit plan under chapters 34-37 of this title, as amended, pursuant to §§ 401(a) and 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. §§ 401(a) and 414(d)), or such other provision of the Internal Revenue Code as applicable, and applicable United States department of the treasury regulations and other guidance.