(a) Except as specifically provided otherwise in this chapter and subject to subsection (b), the rights of a person to any annuity or benefit or right accrued or accruing to any person under the provision of this chapter and the various monies in the system created by this chapter, are hereby exempted from levy and sale, garnishment, attachment, or any other legal process whatsoever, and are unassignable.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the rights and benefits provided in this chapter are assignable only pursuant to actions for the support of a child, spouse, or other dependent, as ordered by any court of competent jurisdiction.