Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-35-314: Optional retirement allowances

Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, optional retirement allowances may be selected in accordance with chapter 36, part 6 of this title. Until the first payment on account of any benefit becomes normally due, any member of any local retirement system may elect to convert the retirement allowance otherwise payable to such member to a reduced retirement allowance of equivalent actuarial value as provided in chapter 36, part 6 of this title.