reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 51 - Credit Life, Accident, and Health Insurance › § 31–5104. Limitations on amount

§ 31–5104. Limitations on amount.
(a) The amount of credit life insurance shall not exceed the initial indebtedness however the indebtedness may be repayable; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to supersede or repeal the limitation on the amount of group insurance specified in § 31-4710(2)(D) [repealed]. In cases where an indebtedness is repayable in substantially equal installments, the amount of insurance shall at no time exceed the scheduled amount of unpaid indebtedness in the case of any individual policy or the actual amount of the unpaid indebtedness in the case of any group policy.
(b) The amount of indemnity payable by credit accident and health insurance in the event of disability, as defined in the policy, shall not exceed the aggregate of the periodic scheduled unpaid installments of indebtedness; and the amount of each periodic indemnity payment shall not exceed the original indebtedness divided by the number of periodic installments.
(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the amount of any credit life insurance or credit accident and health insurance with respect to indebtedness incurred to defray educational costs of a student may include the part of a commitment that has not been advanced by the creditor.
(Sept. 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 581, Pub. L. 87-686, § 4; Sept. 20, 1966, 80 Stat. 821, Pub. L. 89-594, § 2.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1004.
1973 Ed., § 35-1604.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 51 - Credit Life, Accident, and Health Insurance › § 31–5105. Term of coverage

§ 31–5105. Term of coverage.
The term of any credit life insurance or credit accident and health insurance shall, subject to acceptance by the insurance company, commence on the date when the debtor becomes obligated to the creditor, except that where a group policy provides coverage with respect to existing obligations the insurance on a debtor with respect to such indebtedness shall commence on the effective date of the policy. Where evidence of insurability is required and such evidence is furnished more than 30 days from the date when the debtor becomes obligated to the creditor, the term of the insurance may commence on the date on which the insurance company determines the evidence to be satisfactory, and in such event there shall be an appropriate refund or adjustment of any charge to the debtor for insurance. The term of such insurance shall not extend more than 15 days beyond the scheduled maturity date of the indebtedness except when extended without additional cost to the debtor. If the indebtedness is discharged due to renewal or refinancing prior to the scheduled maturity date, the insurance in force shall be terminated before any new insurance may be issued in connection with the renewal or refinanced indebtedness. In all cases of termination prior to scheduled maturity, a refund shall be paid or credited as provided in § 31-5108.
(Sept. 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 581, Pub. L. 87-686, § 5.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1005.
1973 Ed., § 35-1605.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-5106.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 51 - Credit Life, Accident, and Health Insurance › § 31–5108. Refunds, credits and charges

§ 31–5108. Refunds, credits and charges.
(a) Each individual policy or certificate of credit life insurance or credit accident and health insurance shall provide that in the event of termination of the insurance prior to the scheduled maturity date of the indebtedness, any refund of an amount paid by the debtor for insurance shall be paid or credited promptly to the person entitled thereto; provided, that the Commissioner shall prescribe a minimum refund and no refund which would be less than such minimum need be made. The formula to be used in computing refunds shall be filed with the Commissioner who may disapprove such formula if he finds that it is unjust or unreasonable.
(b) If a creditor requires a debtor to make a payment in connection with credit life insurance or credit accident and health insurance and an individual policy or certificate of insurance is not issued, the creditor shall promptly give written notice to such debtor and shall promptly make an appropriate credit to the account.
(c) The amount charged to a debtor for credit life or credit accident and health insurance shall not exceed the premium rate charged by the insurance company at the time the charge to the debtor is determined.
(Sept. 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 583, Pub. L. 87-686, § 8; May 21, 1997, D.C. Law 11-268, § 10(m), 44 DCR 1730.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1008.
1973 Ed., § 35-1608.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-5105.
Editor's Notes
Department of Insurance abolished: See Historical and Statutory Notes following § 31-5102.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 51 - Credit Life, Accident, and Health Insurance › § 31–5109. Claims

§ 31–5109. Claims.
(a) All claims shall be paid either by draft drawn upon the insurance company or by check of the insurance company to the order of the claimant to whom payment of the claim is due pursuant to the policy provisions, or upon direction of such claimant to one specified, and every insurance company shall be held to strict settlement of all such claims.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any creditor, having received any such check or draft from such insurance company, to fail to correctly credit the account, pay to or upon the direction of, or otherwise correctly account to the claimant to whom payment is due for the full amount of such check or draft, less any lawful deductions therefrom.
(c) No plan or arrangement shall be used whereby any person, firm, or corporation other than the insurance company or its designated claim representative shall be authorized to settle or adjust claims. The creditor shall not be designated as claim representative for the insurance company in adjusting claims, nor, in the case of an individual creditor, shall the spouse of such creditor or any relative of the creditor or spouse within the 3rd degree of consanguinity be so designated, nor shall any officer or employee of a corporate creditor or any spouse or relative of such officer, employee, or spouse within the 3rd degree of consanguinity be so designated; provided, that a group policyholder may, by arrangement with the group insurance company, draw drafts or checks in payment of claims due to the group policyholder subject to audit and review by the insurance company.
(Sept. 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 584, Pub. L. 87-686, § 9.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1009.
1973 Ed., § 35-1609.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 51 - Credit Life, Accident, and Health Insurance › § 31–5110. Choice of companies to provide required coverage. [Repealed]

§ 31–5110. Choice of companies to provide required coverage. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 584, Pub. L. 87-686, § 10; Apr. 3, 2001, D.C. Law 13-265, § 126(b), 48 DCR 1225; redesignated § 302, Oct. 19, 2002, D.C. Law 14-213, § 20(b), 49 DCR 8140.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1010.
1973 Ed., § 35-1610.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 51 - Credit Life, Accident, and Health Insurance › § 31–5110.01. Insurance plans and programs submitted pursuant to § 42-836.01(2)(B). [Repealed]

§ 31–5110.01. Insurance plans and programs submitted pursuant to § 42-836.01(2)(B). [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 580, Pub. L. 87-686, § 10a; as added Apr. 3, 2001, D.C. Law 13-263, § 1411(b)(2), 48 DCR 991; May 7, 2002, D.C. Law 14-132, § 602(a).)
Emergency Legislation
Section 2 of Act 14-188, the “Protections from Predatory Lending and Mortgage Foreclosure Improvements Emergency Amendment Act”, deemed approved Nov. 27, 2001, without the signature of the Mayor, provided that D.C. Law 13-263 shall not apply beginning November 6, 2001, through March 6, 2002.
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 day) amendment of section, see § 2 of Protections from Predatory Lending and Mortgage Foreclosure Improvements Temporary Amendment Act of 2001 (D.C. Law 14-86, March 19, 2002, law notification 49 DCR 2991).
Effective Dates
Section 602(a) of Law 14-132 provided: “The Protections from Predatory Lending and Mortgage Foreclosure Improvements Act of 2000, effective April 3, 2001 (D.C. Law 13-263; 48 DCR 991), is repealed as of November 6, 2001.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 51 - Credit Life, Accident, and Health Insurance › § 31–5111. Violations

§ 31–5111. Violations.
(a) In the case of any violation of this chapter by an insurance company, agent, solicitor, or broker, the Commissioner shall have authority to proceed in accordance with the provisions of §§ 31-4305 and 31-4326 [repealed] and §§ 31-2502.03 and 31-2502.36 [repealed].
(b) In the case of any violation of this chapter by a creditor or by any other person not licensed in the District as an insurance agent, solicitor, or broker, regardless of the fact that such creditor or other person is not required by law to be so licensed, the penalties and the procedure for their imposition shall be as set forth in § 31-2502.42.
(Sept. 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 584, Pub. L. 87-686, § 11; May 21, 1997, D.C. Law 11-268, § 10(m), 44 DCR 1730.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1011.
1973 Ed., § 35-1611.
Editor's Notes
Department of Insurance abolished: See Historical and Statutory Notes following § 31-5102.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 51 - Credit Life, Accident, and Health Insurance › § 31–5112. Administrative or judicial review of orders or actions

§ 31–5112. Administrative or judicial review of orders or actions.
Any insurance company, agent, solicitor, or broker aggrieved by any order or action of the Commissioner under this chapter may contest the validity of such order or action by appeal or through any other appropriate proceeding, in accordance with the procedures prescribed by §§ 31-2502.43 [repealed] and 31-2502.44 [repealed]; provided, that any such insurance company, agent, solicitor, or broker, which is licensed in the District under Subdivision A of Subtitle VI of this title, may contest the validity of such order or action by appeal or through any other appropriate proceeding in accordance with the procedures prescribed by Subdivision A of Subtitle VI of this title.
(Sept. 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 585, Pub. L. 87-686, § 12; May 21, 1997, D.C. Law 11-268, § 10(m), 44 DCR 1730.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1012.
1973 Ed., § 35-1612.
Editor's Notes
Department of Insurance abolished: See Historical and Statutory Notes following § 31-5102.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 52 - General Provisions › § 31–5203. Copy of application by insured to be delivered with policy

§ 31–5203. Copy of application by insured to be delivered with policy.
Each life insurance company, benefit order, and association doing a life insurance business in the District of Columbia shall deliver with each policy issued by it a copy of the application made by the insured so that the whole contract may appear in said application and policy, in default of which no defense shall be allowed to such policy on account of anything contained in, or omitted from, such application.
(Mar. 3, 1901, 31 Stat. 1294, ch. 854, § 657; June 30, 1902, 32 Stat. 534, ch. 1329.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-203.
1973 Ed., § 35-203.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-3503 and § 31-4802.
Cross References
Hospital and medical services corporations, applicability of this section, see § 31-3503.
Industrial life insurance policies, proof of fraud etc., with reference to requirements of this section, see § 31-4802.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 52 - General Provisions › § 31–5205. Employees’ compensation corporations or associations to file certain information with Commissioner; disapproval of premium rate or schedule; judicial review

§ 31–5205. Employees’ compensation corporations or associations to file certain information with Commissioner; disapproval of premium rate or schedule; judicial review.
Every insurance corporation or association authorized to transact business in the District of Columbia, which insures employers against liability for compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Act, shall file with the Commissioner of Insurance and Securities [Commissioner of the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking] its manual of classifications and underwriting rules, together with basic rates for each class, and also merit rating plans designed to modify the class rates, none of which shall take effect until the Commissioner of Insurance and Securities [Commissioner of the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking] shall have approved the same as adequate and reasonable for the group of risks to which they respectively apply. The Commissioner of Insurance and Securities [Commissioner of the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking] may withdraw his approval of any premium rate or schedule made by any insurance corporation or association, if, in his judgment, such premium rate or schedule is inadequate or unreasonable; provided, that upon petition of the company or association or any other party aggrieved the opinion of the Commissioner of Insurance and Securities [Commissioner of the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking] shall be subject to review by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia: Provided further, that any petition for review shall be filed with said Court within 30 days after the rendition of opinion by the Commissioner of Insurance and Securities [Commissioner of the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking].
(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 854, § 657b; April 16, 1934, 48 Stat. 592, ch. 144; June 25, 1936, 49 Stat. 1921, ch. 804; June 25, 1948, 62 Stat. 991, ch. 646, § 32(b); May 24, 1949, 63 Stat. 107, ch. 139, § 127; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 572, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 155(c)(36); May 21, 1997, D.C. Law 11-268, § 10(d), 44 DCR 1730.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-205.
1973 Ed., § 35-205.
References in Text
“The Employees’ Compensation Act,” referred to near the beginning of the first sentence, refers to Chapter 15 of Title 36.
Editor's Notes
Department of Insurance abolished: See Historical and Statutory Notes following § 31-5201.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 52A - Certified Capital Companies › § 31–5233. Premium Tax Credit

§ 31–5233. Premium Tax Credit.
(a) Any Certified Investor who makes an investment of Certified Capital pursuant to an allocation of Premium Tax Credits under § 31-5234 shall, in the year of investment, earn a Premium Tax Credit in the amount of the Certified Investor’s investment of Certified Capital.
(b) A Certified Investor may claim an amount not to exceed 25% of the Premium Tax Credits per year (“Annual Amount”) against its District Premium Tax Liability, beginning with the premium tax filing for calendar year 2009. The Annual Amount shall not exceed the District Premium Tax Liability of the Certified Investor for the taxable year. All unused Premium Tax Credits may be carried forward indefinitely until they are utilized.
(c)(1) A Certified Investor may use up to 1/2 of its Annual Amount to offset its required June 1st payment of 1/2 of an insurance company’s District Premium Tax Liability, as set forth under § 31-205(b)(4), beginning with the June 1, 2008 payment.
(2) A Certified Investor claiming a Premium Tax Credit shall not be required to pay any additional or retaliatory tax levied pursuant to § 31-205(f)(1) as a result of claiming the Premium Tax Credit.
(d) A Certified Investor shall not be required to reduce the amount of premium tax included by the Certified Investor in connection with ratemaking in the District, for any insurance written by the Certified Investor or affiliate thereof, because of a reduction in the Certified Investor’s District Premium Tax Liability from the utilization of the Premium Tax Credits.
(Mar. 10, 2004, D.C. Law 15-87, § 4, 50 DCR 10982; Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-354, § 49(b), 52 DCR 2638.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-5231.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 15-354, in pars. (1) and (2) of subsec. (c), validated previously made technical corrections.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 52A - Certified Capital Companies › § 31–5236. One hundred percent investment requirement

§ 31–5236. One hundred percent investment requirement.
(a) A Certified Capital Company may make Qualified Distributions at any time. To make a distribution, other than a Qualified Distribution, a Certified Capital Company shall have made Qualified Investments in an amount cumulatively equal to 100% of its Certified Capital. A Certified Capital Company may repay principal and interest on its indebtedness without any restriction, including repayments of indebtedness of the Certified Capital Company on which Certified Investors earned Premium Tax Credits.
(a-1) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, if, pursuant to § 31-5235(a)(4), a Certified Capital Company has not made Qualified Investments cumulatively equal to 100% of its Certified Capital within 10 years after its Allocation Date, the Certified Capital Company shall be prohibited from using its Certified Capital to pay its management fees.
(b)(1) When distributions to holders of equity interests of a Certified Capital Company cumulatively exceed the Certified Capital Company’s original Certified Capital plus any additional capital contributions to the Certified Capital Company (the “Certified Capital Company Capital”), the Certified Capital Company shall report to the Commissioner at the time of the distribution whether the aggregate total of such distributions, when combined with the annual Premium Tax Credits allocated to the Certified Capital Company’s Certified Investors under this chapter to that time, have resulted in an annual internal rate of return exceeding 15% on the Certified Capital Company Capital.
(2) If the Certified Capital Company’s annual internal rate of return, determined in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection, exceeds 15%, the Certified Capital Company shall at the time of the distribution pay to the Commissioner an amount equal to 15% of the amount above that required to produce the 15% return.
(Mar. 10, 2004, D.C. Law 15-87, § 7, 50 DCR 10982; May 27, 2010, D.C. Law 18-181, § 2(c), 57 DCR 3388.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-5235.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 18-181 added subsec. (a-1).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 52A - Certified Capital Companies › § 31–5238. Transferability

§ 31–5238. Transferability.
The Premium Tax Credits may be transferred or sold. The Commissioner shall promulgate regulations to facilitate the transfer or sale of Premium Tax Credits. Any the transfer or sale shall not affect the time schedule for claiming the Premium Tax Credits. Any Premium Tax Credits recaptured under § 31-5237 shall be the liability of the Certified Investor that actually claimed the Premium Tax Credits.
(Mar. 10, 2004, D.C. Law 15-87, § 9, 50 DCR 10982.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 52A - Certified Capital Companies › § 31–5238.01. Fees deposited in Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund

§ 31–5238.01. Fees deposited in Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund.
All fees collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited in the Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund established by § 31-1202 and expended for the purposes authorized by the Fund.
(Mar. 10, 2004, D.C. Law 15-87, § 9a; as added Oct. 20, 2005, D.C. Law 16-33, § 2203, 52 DCR 7503.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2 of the Captive Insurance Company Enhancement Emergency Amendment Act of 2004 (D.C. Act 15-481, July 19, 2004, 51 DCR 7811).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2 of Captive Insurance Company Enhancement Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2004 (D.C. Act 15-549, October 26, 2004, 51 DCR 10336).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2203 of Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2005 (D.C. Act 16-168, July 26, 2005, 52 DCR 7667).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 day) addition, see § 2 of Captive Insurance Company Enhancement Temporary Amendment Act of 2004 (D.C. Law 15-215, December 7, 2004, law notification 52 DCR 459).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 52A - Certified Capital Companies › § 31–5238.03. Waivers and disqualifications

§ 31–5238.03. Waivers and disqualifications.
The Commissioner may grant a business a 6-month waiver from any of the eligibility criteria to receive an Initial Investment if the Commissioner finds that the business will meet the eligibility criteria to receive an Initial Investment within 6 months of the date of issuance of the waiver. The waiver shall expire 6 months after it is issued and a business shall not receive an additional waiver pursuant to this section. Upon satisfaction of all eligibility criteria within the 6-month period, the business shall promptly provide the Commissioner with an affidavit stating that the business has satisfied the eligibility criteria to receive an Initial Investment and shall provide any supporting documents requested by the Commissioner.
(Mar. 10, 2004, D.C. Law 15-87, § 9b; as added May 27, 2010, D.C. Law 18-181, § 2(e), 57 DCR 3388.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-5235.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 52A - Certified Capital Companies › § 31–5239. Rulemaking

§ 31–5239. Rulemaking.
The Commissioner shall issue rules and regulations to implement this chapter within 120 days of March 10, 2004.
(Mar. 10, 2004, D.C. Law 15-87, § 10, 50 DCR 10982.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5302. Operation for benefit of members and their beneficiaries; bylaws

§ 31–5302. Operation for benefit of members and their beneficiaries; bylaws.
(a)(1) A society shall operate for the benefit of its members and their beneficiaries by:
(A) Providing benefits as specified in § 31-5313; and
(B) 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.
(2) The purposes of paragraph (2) of this subsection 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 other powers as are necessary and incidental to carrying into effect the objects and purposes of the society.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1203, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1232.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-5309.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5303. Qualifications for membership

§ 31–5303. Qualifications for membership.
(a) A society shall specify in its laws or rules:
(1) Eligibility standards for each 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 15 and not greater than age 21;
(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.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1204, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1233.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5304. Location of office

§ 31–5304. Location of office.
(a) The principal office of any domestic society shall be located in the District. 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 as determined by the supreme governing body, and all business transacted at the meetings shall be as valid in all respects as if the meetings were held in the District. 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. The required reports, notices, and statements shall be printed conspicuously in the publication. If the records of a society show that 2 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 1st 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 be printed and mailed to each benefit member of the society or, in lieu thereof, the synopsis may be published in the society’s official publication.
(c) A society may provide in its laws or rules for grievance or complaint procedures for members.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1205, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1234.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5306. Waiver of laws

§ 31–5306. Waiver of laws.
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.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1207, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1236.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5308. Laws; amendments

§ 31–5308. Laws; amendments.
(a) A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with the provisions of its laws by action of its supreme governing body at any regular or special meeting or, if its laws so provide, by referendum. The 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 6 months from the date of submission, a majority of the members voting shall have signified their consent to such amendment by one of the methods herein specified. Any such amendment shall be filed with the Commissioner.
(b) Within 90 days from the filing of any such amendment, a copy or synopsis thereof 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 thereof, stating facts which show that same have been duly addressed and mailed, shall be prima facie evidence that the amendments or synopsis, have been furnished to the addressee.
(c) Every foreign or alien society authorized to do business in the District shall file with the Commissioner a duly certified copy of all amendments of, or additions to, its laws within 90 days after enactment.
(d) Printed copies of the laws as amended, certified by the secretary or corresponding officer of the society shall be prima facie evidence of the legal adoption thereof.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1209, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1238.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5309. Operations of nonprofit institutions

§ 31–5309. Operations of nonprofit institutions.
A society may create, maintain, and operate, or may establish organizations to operate, not-for-profit institutions to further the purposes permitted by § 31-5302(a)(2). Such institutions may furnish services free of charge 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.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1210, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1239.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5310. Reinsurance

§ 31–5310. Reinsurance.
A domestic society may enter into reinsurance transactions only in accordance with Chapter 5 of this title. Notwithstanding that law, a society may reinsure the risks of another society in a consolidation or merger approved by the Commissioner under § 31-5311.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1211, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1240.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5311. Consolidations and mergers

§ 31–5311. Consolidations and mergers.
A domestic society may enter into agreements of consolidation or merger in accordance with § 31-4443.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1212, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1241.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-5310.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5312. Conversion of fraternal benefit society into a mutual life insurance company

§ 31–5312. Conversion of fraternal benefit society into a mutual life insurance company.
Any domestic fraternal benefit society may be converted and licensed as a mutual life insurance company by compliance with all the applicable requirements of the laws of the District with respect to similar mutual legal reserve life insurance corporations if the plan of conversion has been approved by the Commissioner. A plan of conversion shall be prepared in writing by the board of directors setting forth in full the terms and conditions of conversion. The affirmative vote of 2/3 of all members of the supreme governing body at a regular or special meeting shall be necessary for the approval of the plan. No such conversion shall take effect unless approved by the Commissioner who may grant approval if the Commissioner finds that the proposed change is in conformity with the requirements of law and not prejudicial.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1213, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1242.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5313. Benefits

§ 31–5313. Benefits.
(a) A society may 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) of this section, 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.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1214, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1243.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-5301 and § 31-5302.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5314. Beneficiaries

§ 31–5314. 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 make provision for the payment of funeral benefits to the extent the portion of any payment under a certificate as might reasonably appear to be due to any person equitably entitled thereto by reason of having incurred expense occasioned by the burial of the member. The portion so paid shall not exceed $2,000.
(c) If, at the death of any person insured under a benefit contract, there is no lawful beneficiary to whom the proceeds shall be payable, the amount of the benefit, except to the extent that funeral benefits may be paid as provided in subsection (b) of this section, shall be payable to the estate of the deceased insured in the same manner as other property not exempt. If the owner of the certificate is other than the insured, the proceeds shall be payable to the owner.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1215, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1244.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5315. Benefits not attachable

§ 31–5315. 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.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1216, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1245.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5317. Nonforfeiture benefits, cash surrender values, certificate loans, and other options

§ 31–5317. Nonforfeiture benefits, cash surrender values, certificate loans, and other options.
(a) For certificates issued prior to one year after April 29, 1998, the value of every paid-up nonforfeiture benefit and the amount of any cash surrender value, loan, or other option granted shall comply with the provisions of law applicable immediately prior to April 29, 1998.
(b) For certificates issued on or after one year from April 29, 1998 for which reserves are computed on the Commissioner’s 1941 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, the Commissioner’s 1941 Standard Industrial Table, the Commissioner’s 1958 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, the Commissioner’s 1980 Standard Mortality Table, or any more recent table made applicable to life insurers, 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 laws of the District applicable to life insurers issuing policies containing like benefits based upon such tables.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1218, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1247.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5318. Investments

§ 31–5318. Investments.
A domestic society shall invest its funds only in investments authorized by the laws of the District for the investment of assets of life insurers and subject to the limitations therein. Any foreign or alien society permitted or seeking to do business in the District 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.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1219, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1248.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5319. Funds

§ 31–5319. 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, pursuant to resolution of its supreme governing body, establish and operate one or more separate accounts and issue contracts on a variable basis, subject to the provisions of law regulating life insurers establishing such accounts and issuing such contracts. To the extent the society deems it necessary in order to comply with any applicable federal or state laws, or any rules issued thereunder, the society may adopt special procedures for the conduct of the business and affairs of a separate account, may, for persons having beneficial interests 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 may issue contracts on a variable basis which § 31-5316(b) and (d) shall not apply.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1220, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1249.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5320. Taxation

§ 31–5320. 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 all and every state, county, district, municipal and school tax other than taxes on real estate and office equipment.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1221, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1250.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5321. Applicability of provisions

§ 31–5321. Applicability of provisions.
Except as herein provided, societies shall be governed by this chapter and shall be exempt from all other provisions of the insurance laws of the District unless they are expressly designated therein, or unless they are specifically made applicable by this chapter.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1222, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1251.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5322. Valuation standards for certificates

§ 31–5322. Valuation standards for certificates.
(a) Standards of valuation for certificates issued prior to one year after April 29, 1998 shall be those provided by the laws applicable immediately prior to April 29, 1998.
(b)(1) The minimum standards of valuation for certificates issued on or after one year from April 29, 1998 shall be based on the following tables:
(A) For certificates of life insurance, the Commissioner’s 1941 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, the Commissioner’s 1941 Standard Industrial Table, the Commissioner’s 1958 Standard Ordinary Mortality Table, the Commissioner’s 1980 Standard Mortality Table, or any more recent table made applicable to life insurers in the District; and
(B) For annuity and pure endowment certificates, for total and permanent disability benefits, for accidental death benefits, and for noncancelable accident and health benefits, such tables as are authorized for use by life insurers in the District.
(2) The valuation methods and standards (including interest assumptions) set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be in accordance with the laws of the District applicable to life insurers issuing policies containing like benefits.
(c) The Commissioner may, in his or her discretion, accept other standards for valuation if the Commissioner finds that the reserves produced thereby will not be less in the aggregate than reserves computed in accordance with the minimum valuation standard herein prescribed. The Commissioner may, in his or her discretion, vary the standards of mortality applicable to all benefit contracts on substandard lives or other extra hazardous lives by any society authorized to do business in the District.
(d) Any society, with the consent of the Commissioner of the state of domicile of the society and under such conditions, if any, which the Commissioner may impose, may establish and maintain reserves on its certificates in excess of the reserves required thereunder, but the contractual rights of any benefit member shall not be affected thereby.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1223, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1252.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 31-5323.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5323. Reports

§ 31–5323. Reports.
(a) Every society transacting business in the District shall annually, on or before March 1, unless for cause shown the time has been extended by the Commissioner, file with the Commissioner a true statement of its financial condition, transactions, and affairs for the preceding calendar year and pay a filing fee of $50. The statement shall be in general form and context as approved by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for fraternal benefit societies and as supplemented by additional information required by the Commissioner.
(b) As part of the annual statement, each society shall, on or before March 1, file with the Commissioner a valuation of its certificates in force on the preceding December 31. The Commissioner may, in his or her discretion for cause shown, extend the time for filing the valuation for not more than 2 calendar months. The valuation shall be done in accordance with the standards specified in § 31-5322. The 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.
(c) A society neglecting to file the annual statement in the form and within the time provided by this section shall forfeit $100 for each day during which the neglect continues, and, upon notice by the Commissioner to that effect, its authority to do business in the District shall cease while the default continues.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1224, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1253.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5324. Annual license

§ 31–5324. Annual license.
Societies which are now authorized to transact business in the District, and all societies hereafter licensed, may continue such business until March 1 next succeeding April 29, 1998. The authority of the societies and all societies hereafter licensed, may thereafter be renewed annually, but in all cases to terminate on the succeeding March 1. However, a license so issued shall continue in full force and effect until a renewal of the license has been specifically refused. For each such license or renewal the society shall pay the Commissioner a fee of $50. A duly certified copy or duplicate of the license shall be prima facie evidence that the licensee is a fraternal benefit society within the meaning of this chapter.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1225, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1254.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5325. Examination of societies; no adverse publications

§ 31–5325. Examination of societies; no adverse publications.
(a) The Commissioner, or any person he or she may appoint, may examine any domestic, foreign, or alien society transacting or applying for admission to transact business in the District 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 Commissioner.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1226, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1255.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5326. Foreign or alien society; admission

§ 31–5326. Foreign or alien society; admission.
No foreign or alien society shall transact business in the District without a certificate of authority issued by the Commissioner in accordance with §§ 31-4501 and 31-4502 and § 31-2502.21.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1227, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1256.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 31 - Insurance and Securities › Chapter 53 - Fraternal Benefit Societies › § 31–5328. Suspension; revocation or refusal of license of foreign or alien society

§ 31–5328. Suspension; revocation or refusal of license of foreign or alien society.
(a) When the Commissioner, upon investigation, finds that a foreign or alien society transacting or applying to transact business in the District has exceeded its powers; has failed to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter; is not fulfilling its contracts in good faith; or is conducting its business fraudulently or in a manner hazardous to its members, creditors, or the public, the Commissioner shall notify the society of the deficiency or deficiencies and state in writing the reasons for his or her dissatisfaction. The Commissioner shall immediately issue a written notice to the society requiring that the deficiency or deficiencies which exist are corrected. After the notice, the society shall have a 30-day period in which to comply with the Commissioner’s request for correction. If the society fails to comply, the Commissioner shall notify the society of the findings of noncompliance and require the society to show cause on a date named why its license should not be suspended, revoked, or refused.
(b) If on such date the society does not present good and sufficient reason why its authority to do business in the District should not be suspended, revoked, or refused, the Commissioner may suspend or refuse the license of the society to do business in the District until satisfactory evidence is furnished to the Commissioner that such suspension or refusal should be withdrawn or the Commissioner may revoke the authority of the society to do business in the District.
(c) Nothing contained in this section shall be taken or construed as preventing any such society from continuing in good faith all contracts made in the District during the time such society was legally authorized to transact business herein.
(Apr. 29, 1998, D.C. Law 12-86, § 1229, 45 DCR 1172.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 35-1258.