(a)
(1) Beginning on March 1, 2001, the Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System shall pay an amount not to exceed seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) to the named beneficiary of the retiree or a member in the Arkansas State Highway Employees' Deferred Retirement Option Plan immediately following the retiree's death.
(2) If there is more than one (1) named beneficiary, the amount shall be divided equally between the named beneficiaries.
(3) If there are no designated persons surviving the retiree or plan member, the lump sum shall be paid to the estate.
(b) If a retiree or a plan member is entitled to a similar benefit from a reciprocal system, then the Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System shall pay a prorated share based on the number of years in the Arkansas State Highway Employees' Retirement System divided by the total public service time.