dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4010. Accumulation of reserve for an emergency fund.
A. In addition to provision for liability incurred on account of claims reported but not settled, claims incurred but not reported, and premiums, dues or assessments collected in advance, every company shall accumulate and maintain a reserve for an emergency fund, which in the preparation of financial statements shall be considered a liability of the corporation, of at least $10,000.

B. Each burial society shall, in each calendar year, add to that reserve for an emergency fund at least five percent of its net receipts from premiums, dues or assessments from policies of life insurance until the total accumulated reserve fund equals twenty percent of the total benefits provided in the outstanding certificates of life insurance. However, when the corporation has issued policies of life insurance on a legal reserve basis, the net receipts from those policies shall not be considered in the calculation of the reserve for an emergency fund, but the burial society shall be required to maintain only the reserve provided for in the certificates.

Code 1950, §§ 38-149, 38-461; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-534, 38.1-559; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4011. Maintenance of reserve for an emergency fund.
When the reserve for an emergency fund accumulated in accordance with the provisions of § 38.2-4010 equals the maximum amount provided in subsection B of that section, it shall be maintained at not less than that amount. However, no burial society shall be required, in any one year, to set aside more than five percent of its net receipts from premiums, dues or assessments from certificates of life insurance, other than certificates issued on a legal reserve basis.

Code 1950, § 38-462; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-535; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4012. Disposition of reserve for an emergency fund; discontinuance of business; receiver.
The reserve for an emergency fund required by § 38.2-4010, together with the income earned on that fund, shall be a trust fund for the payment of death claims. Whenever the reserve for an emergency fund exceeds the amount of the maximum sum provided by the certificates issued and in force by the society, the investment income generated by the reserve or an emergency fund shall be added back into that fund. It may apply that excess, or any portion of that excess, (i) in reduction of assessments upon certificate holders, or (ii) in any other equitable division or apportionment that its rules or contracts provide for the payment of claims. When any society discontinues business, delinquency proceedings against the society may be instituted and conducted as provided in Chapter 15 (§ 38.2-1500 et seq.) of this title. In the delinquency proceedings, any unexhausted portion of the reserve for an emergency fund shall be used in payment of accrued claims upon certificates. If this amount is insufficient to pay the claims in full, then the payment of the claims shall be on a pro rata basis; and if a balance remains, the payment of claims shall then be made in the order of their occurrence. Any remaining balance shall be distributed among the members in proportion to their respective premium payments during the latest full year of active business of the society.

Code 1950, § 38-464; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-537; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4013. Certificates of membership.
Each burial society shall issue certificates of membership to each member of the society. Each certificate shall state the amount of the benefit payable and the name of the beneficiary.

Code 1950, § 38-150; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-560; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4014. Required grace period.
Each certificate shall have a provision that the certificate holder is entitled to a grace period of thirty-one days within which the payment of any call or assessment may be paid after the first month. The provision shall also state that during the grace period the certificate shall continue in full force, but if a claim arises under the policy during the grace period but before the call or assessment is paid, the amount of the call or assessment may be deducted from the amount payable under the certificate.

Code 1950, §§ 38-145, 38-449; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-543, 38.1-555; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4015. Certificate to specify amount of payment and when to be paid.
Each certificate issued by any burial society shall specify the sum of money payable upon the occurrence of the risk insured against. The amount payable shall not be larger than one assessment upon the entire membership. Each certificate shall also state that within thirty days after due proof of the occurrence of the insured risk, payment shall be made.

Code 1950, §§ 38-145, 38-450; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-544, 38.1-555; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4016. Payments become liens on society's property.
Upon the occurrence of the risk insured against, the burial society shall be obligated to the beneficiary for payment of the claim unless the contract is invalid because of fraud or other reason. This indebtedness shall be a lien upon all the property, effects and bills receivable of the society. This indebtedness shall have priority over all future incurred indebtedness, except as provided in this chapter in the case of the distribution of assets of an insolvent corporation, and as to rights of third parties.

Code 1950, §§ 38-145, 38-451; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-545, 38.1-555; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4017. Notice of assessment.
Each notice of assessment made by any burial society upon any of its members shall state the cause and purpose of the assessment.

Code 1950, §§ 38-145, 38-453; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-547, 38.1-555; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4018. Liability on officers and directors for failing to levy assessments.
The officers or directors of any society who, after due proof of death has been filed, for sixty days refuse or neglect to levy an assessment to pay a claim not disputed by reason of fraud or validity when the death or emergency fund is insufficient to pay the claim, shall be liable to the beneficiary of the certificate. The liability of the officers or directors shall be for a sum not exceeding the face amount of the claim.

Code 1950, §§ 38-145, 38-454; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-549, 38.1-555; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4019. Beneficiaries.
No person other than a spouse, relative by blood to the fourth degree, parent-in-law, child-in-law, stepparent, stepchild, or child by legal adoption of the member, or one who is dependent upon the member or one who has an insurable interest in the life of the member as described in § 38.2-301, shall be named a beneficiary of the member's certificate. Within the above limitations, each member shall have the right to designate his beneficiary and to change his beneficiary, upon due notice to the society. If the beneficiary is not living or if no allowable beneficiary has been designated, any proceeds otherwise payable shall be payable to the member's estate.

Code 1950, § 38-151; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-561; 1986, c. 562; 2020, c. 900.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4020. When certificate invalid.
A certificate of membership shall be invalid if:

1. The certificate holder was ill at the time the certificate was procured;

2. Any person concerned in the procurement of the certificate had reason to believe that the illness existed at that time;

3. The illness continued to the death of the certificate holder and was a contributing cause of death;

4. Health questions were not asked on the application for coverage; and

5. The certificate holder died within sixty days from the date the certificate was issued.

Code 1950, § 38-153; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-562; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4021. Interest in benefits; assignability; liability to attachment, etc.
No beneficiary shall have or obtain any vested interest in a benefit until the benefit has become due and payable upon the death of the member. No certificate of membership in any burial society, nor any interest or rights in the certificate shall be assigned unless the assignment is to a person authorized by § 38.2-4019 to be named as a beneficiary except for the purpose of funding or paying for a preneed funeral contract as defined in § 54.1-2800, notwithstanding the provisions of § 38.2-4022, and so long as such assignment is revocable by the assignor. No money or other benefit provided by any burial society shall be liable to attachment, garnishment or other process, or be seized, taken, appropriated or applied by any legal or equitable process or operation of law to pay any debt or liability of a member or beneficiary, or any other person who may have a right to the benefit, either before or after payment.

Code 1950, § 38-152; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-563; 1983, c. 94; 1986, c. 562; 1987, c. 647; 1989, c. 684.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 40 (Burial Societies)
§ 38.2-4022. Certain contracts with undertakers, etc., forbidden.
No burial society shall contract to pay or pay benefits provided under certificates of membership, to any official or designated undertaker or mortician or person engaged in the business of conducting and servicing funerals, so as to deprive the representatives or family of the deceased member from, or in any way control them in, obtaining funeral supplies and services in an open competitive market.

Code 1950, § 38-155; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-565; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4100. Fraternal benefit societies.
Any society, order or supreme lodge without capital stock, including one exempted under the provisions of subdivision 6 of subsection A of § 38.2-4135 of this chapter, conducted solely for the benefit of its members and their beneficiaries and not for profit, operated on a lodge system with ritualistic form of work, having a representative form of government, and providing benefits in accordance with this chapter, is hereby declared to be a fraternal benefit society.

Code 1950, §§ 38-254, 38.1-569; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.1; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4101. Lodge system.
A. A society is operating on the lodge system if it has a supreme governing body and subordinate lodges into which members are elected, initiated or admitted in accordance with its laws, rules and rituals. Subordinate lodges shall be required by the laws of the society to hold regular meetings at least once each month in furtherance of the purposes of the society.

B. A society may, at its option, organize and operate lodges for children under the minimum age for adult membership. Membership and initiation in local lodges shall not be required of such children, nor shall they have a voice or vote in the management of the society.

Code 1950, §§ 38-255, 38.1-570; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.2; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4102. Representative form of government.
A society has a representative form of government when:

1. It has a supreme governing body constituted in one of the following ways:

a. Assembly. -- The supreme governing body is an assembly composed of delegates elected directly by the members or at intermediate assemblies or conventions of members or their representatives, together with other delegates as may be prescribed in the society's laws. A society may provide for election of delegates by mail. The elected delegates shall constitute a majority in number and shall not have less than two-thirds of the votes and not less than the number of votes required to amend the society's laws. The assembly shall be elected, meet at least once every four years, and elect a board of directors to conduct the business of the society between meetings of the assembly. Vacancies on the board of directors between elections may be filled in the manner prescribed by the society's laws.

b. Direct election. -- The supreme governing body is a board composed of persons elected by the members, either directly or by their representatives in intermediate assemblies, and any other persons prescribed in the society's laws.

A society may provide for election of the board by mail. Each term of a board member may not exceed four years. Vacancies on the board between elections may be filled in the manner prescribed by the society's laws. Those persons elected to the board shall constitute a majority in number and not less than the number of votes required to amend the society's laws. A person filling the unexpired term of an elected board member shall be considered to be an elected member. The board shall meet at least quarterly to conduct the business of the society.

2. The officers of the society are elected either by the supreme governing body or by the board of directors.

3. Only benefit members are eligible for election to the supreme governing body, the board of directors or any intermediate assembly.

4. Each voting member shall have one vote; no vote may be cast by proxy.

Code 1950, §§ 38-256, 38.1-571; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.3; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4103. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:

"Benefit contract" means the agreement for provision of benefits authorized by § 38.2-4116, as that agreement is described in § 38.2-4119.

"Benefit member" means an adult member who is designated by the laws or rules of the society to be a benefit member under a benefit contract.

"Certificate" means the document issued as written evidence of the benefit contract.

"Laws" means the society's articles of incorporation, constitution and bylaws, however designated.

"Lodge" means subordinate member units of the society, known as camps, courts, councils, branches or by any other designation.

"Premiums" means premiums, rates, dues or other required contributions by whatever name known, which are payable under the certificate.

"Rules" means all rules, regulations or resolutions adopted by the supreme governing body or board of directors which are intended to have general application to the members of the society.

"Society" means fraternal benefit society, unless otherwise indicated.

1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4104. Purposes and powers.
A. A society shall operate for the benefit of members and their beneficiaries by:

1. Providing benefits as specified in § 38.2-4116; and

2. Operating for one or more social, intellectual, educational, charitable, benevolent, moral, fraternal, patriotic or religious purposes for the benefit of its members, which may also be extended to others. Such purposes may be carried out directly by the society, or indirectly through subsidiary corporations or affiliated organizations.

B. Every society shall have the power to adopt laws and rules for the government of the society, the admission of its members, and the management of its affairs. It shall have the power to change, alter, add to or amend such laws and rules and shall have any other powers necessary and incidental to effecting the objects and purposes of the society.

Code 1950, §§ 38-277, 38.1-593; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.25; 1968, c. 654, § 38.1-638.36; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4105. Qualifications for membership.
A. A society shall specify in its laws or rules:

1. Eligibility standards for every class of membership, provided that if benefits are provided on the lives of children, the minimum age for adult membership shall be set at not less than age fifteen and not greater than age twenty-one;

2. The process for admission to membership for each membership class; and

3. The rights and privileges of each membership class, provided that only benefit members shall have the right to vote on the management of the insurance affairs of the society.

B. A society may also admit social members who shall have no voice or vote in the management of the insurance affairs of the society.

C. Membership rights in the society are personal to the member and are not assignable.

Code 1950, §§ 38-286, 38-293, 38.1-602, 38.1-609; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.29; 1964, c. 355; 1968, c. 654; 1972, cc. 530, 825; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4106. Location of office; meetings, communications to members; grievance procedures.
A. The principal office of any domestic society shall be located in this Commonwealth. The meetings of its supreme governing body may be held in any state, district, province or territory wherein such society has at least one subordinate lodge, or in any other location determined by the supreme governing body. All business transacted at such meetings shall be as valid in all respects as if such meetings were held in this Commonwealth. The minutes of the proceedings of the supreme governing body and of the board of directors shall be in the English language.

B. 1. A society may provide in its laws for an official publication in which any notice, report, or statement required by law to be given to members, including notice of election, may be published. Such required reports, notices, and statements shall 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 is deemed to be mailed to all members at the same address unless a member requests a separate copy.

2. Not later than June 1 of each year, a synopsis of the society's annual statement providing an explanation of the facts concerning the condition of the society thereby disclosed shall either (i) be printed and mailed to each benefit member of the society or (ii) published in the society's official publication.

C. A society may provide in its laws or rules for grievance or complaint procedures for members.

Code 1950, §§ 38-259, 38-318, 38.1-576, 38.1-626; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-638.8, 38.1-638.47; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4107. No personal liability.
A. The officers and members of the supreme governing body or any subordinate body of a society shall not be personally liable for any benefits provided by a society.

B. Any person may be indemnified and reimbursed by any society for expenses reasonably incurred by, and liabilities imposed upon, such person in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding, or threat of such, in which the person may be involved because he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the society or of any firm, corporation or organization which he or she served in any capacity at the request of the society. A person shall not be so indemnified or reimbursed in relation to any matter in (i) such action, suit or proceeding as to which he or she was finally adjudged to be or have been guilty of breach of a duty as a director, officer, employee or agent of the society or (ii) such action, suit or proceeding, or threat thereof, which has been made the subject of a compromise settlement, unless in either case the person acted in good faith for a purpose the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the society and, in a criminal action or proceeding, in addition, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The determination whether the conduct of such person met the standard required in order to justify indemnification and reimbursement in relation to any matter described in (i) or (ii) of this subsection may be made only by the supreme governing body or board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of persons who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding or by a court of competent jurisdiction. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of no contest, as to such person shall not in itself create a conclusive presumption that the person did not meet the standard of conduct required in order to justify indemnification and reimbursement. The foregoing right of indemnification and reimbursement shall not be exclusive of other rights to which such person may be entitled as a matter of law and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors, and administrators.

C. A society shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the society, or who is or was serving at the request of the society as a director, officer, employee or agent of any other firm, corporation, or organization against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by him or her in any such capacity or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the society would have the power to indemnify the person against such liability under this section.

Code 1950, §§ 38-260, 38.1-574; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.6; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4108. Waiver.
The laws of the society may provide that no subordinate body, nor any of its subordinate officers or members, shall have the power or authority to waive any of the provisions of the laws of the society. Such provision shall be binding on the society and every member and beneficiary of a member.

Code 1950, §§ 38-278, 38.1-594; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.26; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4110. Incorporation of fraternal benefit societies.
Domestic fraternal benefit societies may be incorporated under the provisions of Article 3 (§ 13.1-818 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of Title 13.1, as modified by the provisions of this title, and, except as otherwise provided in this title, shall be subject to all the general restrictions and shall have all the general powers imposed and conferred by law upon companies so incorporated.

Code 1950, §§ 38-264, 38.1-579; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.11; 1956, c. 431; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4111. Amendments to laws.
A. A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with the provisions of those laws by action of its supreme governing body at any regular or special meeting or, if its laws so provide, by referendum. Such referendum may be held in accordance with the provisions of its laws by the vote of the voting members of the society, by the vote of delegates or representatives of voting members, or by the vote of local lodges. A society may provide for voting by mail. No amendment submitted for adoption by referendum shall be adopted unless, within six months from the date of submission of the amendment, a majority of the members voting shall have signified their consent to such amendment by one of the methods herein specified.

B. No amendment to the laws of any domestic society shall take effect unless filed with the Commission.

C. Within ninety days from the filing specified in subsection B of this section, all such amendments, or a synopsis of the amendments, shall be furnished to all members of the society either by mail or by publication in full in the official publication of the society. The affidavit of any officer of the society or of anyone authorized by it to mail any amendments or synopsis of the amendments, stating facts which show that same have been duly addressed and mailed, shall be prima facie evidence that such amendments or their synopsis have been furnished the addressee.

D. At the request of the Commissioner, a foreign or alien society authorized to do business in this Commonwealth shall file with the Commissioner a duly certified copy of all amendments of, or additions to, its laws.

E. Printed copies of the laws as amended, certified by the secretary or corresponding officer of the society, shall be prima facie evidence of their legal adoption.

Code 1950, §§ 38-277, 38-279, 38.1-593, 38.1-595; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-638.25, 38.1-638.27; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562; 2002, c. 147.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4112. Institutions.
A society may create, maintain and operate, or may establish organizations to operate, not for profit institutions to further the purposes permitted by subdivision 2 of subsection A of § 38.2-4104. Such institutions may furnish services free or at a reasonable charge. Any real or personal property owned, held or leased by the society for this purpose shall be reported in every annual statement. No society shall own or operate funeral homes or undertaking establishments.

1968, c. 654, § 38.1-638.36; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4113. Reinsurance.
A. A domestic society may, by a reinsurance agreement, cede any individual risk or risks in whole or in part to an insurer, other than another fraternal benefit society, having the power to make such reinsurance and authorized to do business in this Commonwealth, or if not so authorized, one which is approved by the Commission, but no such society may reinsure substantially all of its insurance in force without the written permission of the Commission. It may take credit for the reserves on such ceded risks to the extent reinsured, but no credit shall be allowed as an admitted asset or as a deduction from liability, to a ceding society for reinsurance made, ceded, renewed, or otherwise becoming effective after the effective date of this chapter, unless the reinsurance is payable by the assuming insurer on the basis of the liability of the ceding society under the contract or contracts reinsured without diminution because of the insolvency of the ceding society.

B. Notwithstanding the limitation in subsection A, a society may reinsure the risks of another society in a consolidation or merger approved by the Commission under § 38.2-4114.

Code 1950, §§ 38-270, 38.1-575; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.7; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4116. Benefits.
A. A society may apply to the Commission to provide the following contractual benefits in any form:

1. Death benefits;

2. Endowment benefits;

3. Annuity benefits;

4. Temporary or permanent disability benefits;

5. Hospital, medical or nursing benefits;

6. Monument or tombstone benefits to the memory of deceased members; and

7. Such other benefits as authorized for life insurers and which are not inconsistent with this chapter.

B. A society shall specify in its rules those persons who may be issued, or covered by, the contractual benefits in subsection A, consistent with providing benefits to members and their dependents. A society may provide benefits on the lives of children under the minimum age for adult membership upon application of an adult person.

Code 1950, §§ 38-283, 38.1-599; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.31; 1968, c. 654; 1972, c. 530; 1975, c. 262; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4117. Beneficiaries.
A. The owner of a benefit contract shall have the right at all times to change the beneficiary or beneficiaries in accordance with the laws or rules of the society unless the owner waives this right by specifically requesting in writing that the beneficiary designation be irrevocable. A society may, through its laws or rules, limit the scope of beneficiary designations and shall provide that no revocable beneficiary shall have or obtain any vested interest in the proceeds of any certificate until the certificate has become due and payable in conformity with the provisions of the benefit contract.

B. A society may provide for the payment of funeral benefits from the proceeds of a certificate of no more than $2,000 to any person equitably entitled to them because of expenses incurred by the burial of the member.

C. If, at the death of any person insured under a benefit contract, there is no lawful beneficiary to whom the proceeds are payable, the amount of such benefit, except to the extent that funeral benefits may be paid as previously provided, shall be payable to the personal representative of the deceased insured; however, if the owner of the certificate is other than the insured, the proceeds shall be payable to such owner.

Code 1950, §§ 38-284, 38.1-600; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.32; 1968, c. 654; 1972, c. 530; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4118. Benefits not attachable.
No money or other benefit, charity, relief or aid to be paid, provided or rendered by any society, shall be liable to attachment, garnishment or other process, or to be seized, taken, appropriated or applied by any legal or equitable process or operation of law to pay any debt or liability of a member or beneficiary, or any other person who may have a right thereunder, either before or after payment by the society.

Code 1950, §§ 38-285, 38.1-601; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.33; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4120. Nonforfeiture benefits, cash surrender values, certificate loans and other options.
A. A society may grant paid-up nonforfeiture benefits, cash surrender values, certificate loans, and any other options its laws permit. Certificates issued on and after June 28, 1968, must contain at least one paid-up nonforfeiture benefit, except in the case of pure endowment, annuity or reversionary annuity contracts, reducing term insurance contracts or contracts of level term insurance for fifteen years or less expiring before age sixty-six.

B. For certificates, other than those for which reserves are computed on the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, the Commissioners 1941 Standard Industrial Table or the Commissioners 1958 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, or any more recent table made applicable to life insurance companies, the value of every paid-up nonforfeiture benefit and the amount of any cash surrender value, loan or other option granted shall not be less than any excess of (1) over (2) as follows:

(1) The reserve under the certificate determined on the basis specified in the certificate; and

(2) The sum of any indebtedness to the society on the certificate, including interest due and accrued, and a surrender charge equal to 2 1/2% of the face amount of the certificate, which, in the case of insurance on the lives of persons under the minimum age for adult membership, shall be the ultimate face amount of the certificate, if death benefits provided in the certificate are graded.

C. For certificates issued on a substandard basis or for certificates with reserves computed upon the American Men Ultimate Table of Mortality, the term of any extended insurance benefit granted, including any accompanying pure endowment, may be computed upon the rates of mortality not greater than 130 percent of those shown by the mortality table specified in the certificate for the computation of the reserve.

D. For certificates with reserves computed on the Commissioners 1941 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, the Commissioners 1941 Standard Industrial Table or the Commissioners 1958 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, or any more recent table made applicable to life insurance companies, every paid-up nonforfeiture benefit and the amount of any cash surrender value, loan or other option granted shall not be less than the corresponding amount ascertained in accordance with the provisions of the laws of this Commonwealth applicable to life insurers issuing policies containing like insurance benefits based upon such tables.

1968, c. 654, § 38.1-638.34; 1975, c. 262; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4121. Investments.
A society shall invest its funds only in investments authorized by Chapter 14 of this title for the investment of assets of life insurers and subject to the limitations thereon. Any foreign or alien society permitted or seeking to do business in this Commonwealth which invests its funds in accordance with the laws of the state, district, territory, country or province in which it is incorporated, shall be held to meet the requirements of this section for the investment of funds.

Code 1950, §§ 38-307, 38.1-623; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.43; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4122. Funds.
A. All assets shall be held, invested, and disbursed for the use and benefit of the society and no member or beneficiary shall have or acquire individual rights therein or become entitled to any apportionment on the surrender of any part thereof, except as provided in the benefit contract.

B. A society may create, maintain, invest, disburse, and apply any special fund or funds necessary to carry out any purpose permitted by the laws of the society.

C. A society may apply to the Commission, pursuant to resolution of its supreme governing body, to establish and operate one or more separate accounts and issue contracts on a variable basis, subject to Article 3 (§ 38.2-1443 et seq.) of Chapter 14 of this title. To the extent the society deems it necessary in order to comply with any applicable federal or state laws, or any rules issued under those laws, the society may (i) adopt special procedures for the conduct of the business and affairs of a separate account; (ii) for persons having beneficial interest therein, provide special voting and other rights, including without limitation special rights and procedures relating to investment policy, investment advisory services, selection of certified public accountants, and selection of a committee to manage the business and affairs of the account; and (iii) issue contracts on a variable basis to which subsections B and D of § 38.2-4119 of this chapter shall not apply.

Code 1950, §§ 38-301, 38.1-617; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.42; 1960, c. 189; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4123. Exemptions.
Except as herein provided, societies shall be governed by this chapter and §§ 38.2-100 through 38.2-134, Chapters 2 (§ 38.2-200 et seq.) through 9 (§ 38.2-900 et seq.), §§ 38.2-1300 through 38.2-1315, 38.2-1315.1, 38.2-1317 through 38.2-1340, and 38.2-1367, Chapters 14 (§ 38.2-1400 et seq.), 15 (§ 38.2-1500 et seq.), and 18 (§ 38.2-1800 et seq.), §§ 38.2-3100 through 38.2-3125 and 38.2-3300 through 38.2-3317, Chapter 34 (§ 38.2-3400 et seq.), §§ 38.2-3500 through 38.2-3520, Chapter 36 (§ 38.2-3600 et seq.), Chapter 52 (§ 38.2-5200 et seq.), and Chapter 55 (§ 38.2-5500 et seq.), and shall be exempt from all other provisions of this title unless expressly designated therein, or unless they are specifically made applicable by this chapter.

1986, c. 562; 1987, cc. 565, 655; 1993, c. 158; 1994, c. 308; 2000, cc. 46, 532; 2004, c. 315; 2012, c. 156; 2014, c. 571.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4124. Taxation.
Every society organized or licensed under this chapter is hereby declared to be a charitable and benevolent institution, and all of its funds shall be exempt from every state, county, district, municipal and school tax other than taxes on real estate and office equipment.

Code 1950, §§ 38-262, 38.1-577; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.9; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4126. Reports to be filed.
A. Every society doing business in this Commonwealth shall annually, by March 1, unless the Commission extends the time for cause shown, file with the Commission a true statement of its financial condition, transactions and affairs for the preceding calendar year. The statement shall be in general form and content as approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for fraternal benefit societies or other form required by the Commission and as supplemented by additional information required by the Commission.

B. As part of the required annual statement, each society shall, by March 1, file with the Commission a valuation of its certificates in force on December 31 of the previous year, provided the Commission may, in its discretion for cause shown, extend the time of filing such valuation for not more than two calendar months. Such valuation shall be done in accordance with the standards specified in § 38.2-4125. Such valuation and underlying data shall be certified by a qualified actuary or, at the expense of the society, verified by the actuary of the department of insurance of the state of domicile of the society.

Code 1950, §§ 38-316, 38.1-624; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-638.44, 38.1-638.45; 1968, c. 654; 1975, c. 262; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4127. Annual license.
Societies now authorized to do business in this Commonwealth may continue such business until June 30, 1987. The authority of such societies and all societies hereafter licensed may thereafter be renewed annually, but in all cases will terminate on June 30. However, a license so issued shall continue in effect until the new license is issued or specifically refused. For each such license or renewal the society shall pay the Commission twenty dollars. A duly certified copy or duplicate of such license shall be prima facie evidence that the licensee is a fraternal benefit society within the meaning of this chapter.

Code 1950, §§ 38-271, 38.1-588; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.20; 1968, c. 654; 1978, c. 4; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4128. Examination of societies; no adverse publications.
A. The Commission, or any person the Commission may appoint, may examine any domestic, foreign or alien society doing business or applying for admission to do business in this Commonwealth in the same manner as authorized for examination of domestic, foreign or alien insurers. Requirements of notice and an opportunity to respond before findings are made public, as provided in the laws regulating insurers, shall also be applicable to the examination of societies.

B. The expense of each examination and of each valuation, including compensation and actual expense of examiners, shall be paid by the society examined or whose certificates are valued, upon statements furnished by the Commission.

Code 1950, §§ 38-319 through 38-321, 38.1-627, 38.1-629, 38.1-630; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-638.48 through 38.1-638.51; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4129. Admission; foreign or alien society.
No foreign or alien society shall do business in this Commonwealth without a license issued by the Commission. Any such society desiring admission to this Commonwealth shall comply substantially with the requirements and limitations of this chapter applicable to domestic societies. Any such society may be licensed to do business in this Commonwealth upon showing that its assets are invested in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and filing with the Commission:

1. A duly certified copy of its articles of incorporation;

2. A copy of its bylaws, certified by its secretary or corresponding officer;

3. A statement of its business in a form prescribed by the Commission, duly verified by an examination made by the supervising insurance official of its home state or other state, territory, province or country, satisfactory to the Commission;

4. Certification from the proper official of its home state, territory, province or country that the society is legally incorporated and licensed to do business therein;

5. Copies of its certificate forms; and

6. Such other information as the Commission may deem necessary.

Code 1950, §§ 38-272 through 38-274, 38.1-589 through 38.1-591; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-638.21 through 38.1-638.23; 1956, c. 431; 1968, c. 654; 1978, c. 4; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4130. Injunction; liquidation; receivership of domestic society.
No domestic society shall:

1. Exceed its powers;

2. Fail to comply with any provisions of this chapter;

3. Fail to fulfill its contracts in good faith;

4. Have a membership of less than 400 after an existence of 1 year or more; or

5. Conduct business fraudulently or in a manner hazardous to its members, creditors, the public or the business.

If the Commission, upon investigation, finds such deficiencies, it shall issue a written notice to the society citing the deficiencies, stating the reasons for dissatisfaction, and requiring that the deficiencies be corrected within the period it designates. The period shall be at least thirty days but not more than six months from the service of the notice. If the Commission believes the interest of the certificate holders of the society will be best served by extending the period of time beyond six months, it may do so for the period of time it considers best. If the society does not correct the deficiency to the satisfaction of the Commission, the Commission may institute delinquency proceedings against the society in the manner set out in Chapter 15 (§ 38.2-1500 et seq.) of this title. If the Commission institutes a delinquency proceeding, all the provisions of Chapter 15 of this title with respect to the rehabilitation, liquidation, conservation and reorganization of insurers generally shall be applicable to the society.

Code 1950, §§ 38-261, 38-275, 38-319, 38.1-592, 38.1-628; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-638.24, 38.1-638.49; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4131. Suspension, revocation or refusal of license of foreign or alien society.
No foreign or alien society doing business or applying to do business in this Commonwealth shall:

1. Exceed its powers;

2. Fail to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter;

3. Fail to fulfill its contracts in good faith; or

4. Conduct its business fraudulently or in a manner hazardous to its members or creditors or the public.

If the Commission, upon investigation, finds such deficiencies, it shall notify the society in writing of its findings, and after reasonable notice require the society to show cause on a date designated in the notice why its license should not be suspended, revoked or refused. If, on the date named in the notice, the grounds for the proposed suspension, revocation or refusal of the society's license have not been removed to the satisfaction of the Commission, or the society does not present good and sufficient reasons why its authority to do business in this Commonwealth should not at that time be suspended, revoked, or refused the Commission may suspend, revoke or refuse the license of the society to do business in this Commonwealth.

Code 1950, §§ 38-322, 38.1-631; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.52; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4132. Licensing of agents.
A. Agents of societies shall be licensed as life and health agents in accordance with Chapter 18 (§ 38.2-1800 et seq.) of this title regulating the licensing, revocation, suspension or termination of licenses of resident and nonresident agents.

B. No examination or license shall be required of any regular salaried officer, employee or member of a licensed society who devotes substantially all of his or her services to activities other than the solicitation of fraternal insurance contracts from the public, and who receives for the solicitation of such contracts no commission or other compensation directly dependent upon the amount of business obtained.

1968, c. 654, § 38.1-638.37; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4133. Unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive acts and practices.
Every society authorized to do business in this Commonwealth shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 5 (§ 38.2-500 et seq.) of this title. However, nothing in such provisions shall be construed as applying to or affecting the right of any society to determine its eligibility requirements for membership, or be construed as applying to or affecting the offering of benefits exclusively to members or persons eligible for membership in the society by a subsidiary corporation or affiliated organization of the society.

1968, c. 654, § 38.1-638.60; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4134. Penalties.
A. Any person who willfully makes a false or fraudulent statement in or relating to an application for membership or for the purpose of obtaining money from or a benefit in any society shall upon conviction be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 or be imprisoned not less than 30 days nor more than 1 year, or both.

B. Any person who willfully makes a false or fraudulent statement in any report or declaration required or authorized by this chapter, or of any material fact or thing contained in a statement concerning the death or disability of an insured for the purpose of procuring payment of a benefit named in the certificate, shall be guilty of perjury and shall be subject to the penalties therefor prescribed by law.

C. Any person who solicits membership for, or in any manner assists in procuring membership in, any society not licensed to do business in this Commonwealth shall upon conviction be fined not less than $50 nor more than $200.

D. Any other violation of this chapter shall be subject to § 38.2-218.

Code 1950, §§ 38-263, 38.1-578; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.10; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.
Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4136. Societies previously existing; reincorporation; amendments.
Any incorporated society doing business in this Commonwealth on June 19, 1914, may exercise all of the rights conferred by this chapter, and all of the rights, powers and privileges exercised or possessed by it under its charter or articles of incorporation not inconsistent with law; or, if a voluntary association, it may incorporate as provided herein. No society organized prior to June 19, 1914, shall be required to reincorporate under this section. Any society may amend its certificate of incorporation in the manner provided by law.

Code 1950, §§ 38-269, 38.1-580; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-638.12; 1968, c. 654; 1986, c. 562.

Code of Virginia — Title 38.2 (Insurance), Chapter 41 (FRATERNAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES)
§ 38.2-4137. Exemption of member representatives of certain societies.
The provisions of § 38.2-4132 shall not apply to the member representatives of any society organized or licensed under this chapter which insures its members against death, dismemberment and disability resulting from accident only, and which pays no commission or other compensation for the solicitation and procurement of such contracts.

1968, c. 654, § 38.1-638.38; 1986, c. 562.