(A) The principal place of business and primary executive, administrative, and home offices and all original books and records of a domestic society must be located and maintained in this State. The meetings of its supreme governing body may be held in a state, district, province, or territory in which the society has at least one subordinate lodge, or in another location as determined by the supreme governing body, and all business transacted at these meetings is as valid in all respects as if these meetings were held in this State. The minutes of the proceedings of the supreme governing body and of the board of directors must be in the English language.
(B)(1) A society may provide in its bylaws for an official publication in which a notice, report, or statement required by law to be given to members, including notice of election, may be published. These required reports, notices, and statements must be printed conspicuously in the publication. If the records of a society show that two or more members have the same mailing address, an official publication mailed to one member must be deemed to be mailed to all members at the same address, unless a member requests a separate copy.
(2) Not later than June first of each year, a synopsis of the society's annual statement providing an explanation of the facts concerning the condition of the society must be printed and mailed to each benefit member of the society, or the synopsis may be published in the society's official publication.
(C) A society may provide in its bylaws or rules for grievance or complaint procedures for members.
HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 259, Section 1.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 38 - Fraternal Benefit Societies
Section 38-38-10. Fraternal benefit society defined.
Section 38-38-20. Lodge system operating requirements; lodges for children.
Section 38-38-30. Representative form of government requirements.
Section 38-38-40. Definitions.
Section 38-38-50. Operation for benefit of members; power to adopt bylaws and rules.
Section 38-38-110. Membership provisions in bylaws or rules.
Section 38-38-140. Waiver of bylaw provisions.
Section 38-38-210. Requirements for formation of domestic society.
Section 38-38-220. Amendment of bylaws; notice to director.
Section 38-38-230. Not-for-profit institutions for benefit of members.
Section 38-38-240. Reinsurance.
Section 38-38-250. Consolidation or merger of domestic societies.
Section 38-38-260. Reorganization into mutual life insurer.
Section 38-38-310. Contractual benefits allowed; persons covered.
Section 38-38-320. Designation and change of beneficiary; payment of death benefits.
Section 38-38-330. Attachment, garnishment or seizure of benefits.
Section 38-38-350. Application of laws of State.
Section 38-38-410. Authorized investments.
Section 38-38-420. Assets to be held for use and benefit of society; special funds and accounts.
Section 38-38-430. Governance by chapter.
Section 38-38-440. Designation as charitable and benevolent institution.
Section 38-38-510. Standards of valuation for certificates; maintenance of excess reserves.
Section 38-38-520. Required statements and reports; penalties.
Section 38-38-530. Renewal of licenses; fees; license as prima facie evidence.
Section 38-38-540. Examination; notice of examination.
Section 38-38-550. Authorization to transact business in State; what to file with director.
Section 38-38-580. Injunctions.
Section 38-38-590. Licensing of agents.
Section 38-38-600. Applicability of general insurance provisions; membership requirements exception.
Section 38-38-710. Appointment of director as legal attorney for service of process.
Section 38-38-720. False statement or misrepresentation with intent to defraud; penalties.
Section 38-38-730. Societies and associations exempted from provisions of chapter.