Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, all pension funds and retirement systems established under Articles 2 through 18 of this Code have the authority to make any involuntary distributions that are required by federal law under Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now or hereafter amended. A distribution shall be deemed to be required if failure to make the distribution could affect the qualified plan status of the pension fund or retirement system or could result in the imposition of a substantial penalty on the taxpayer or on the pension fund or retirement system.