(a) No fraternal benefit society shall transact business in this state unless authorized therefor under a subsisting license issued to the society by the commissioner.
(b) Societies authorized to transact business in this state as of immediately prior to January 1, 1972, may continue such business until the April 1 next succeeding January 1, 1972. The authority of such societies, and of all societies hereafter licensed, may thereafter be renewed annually, but in all cases to terminate on the succeeding April 1; however, a license so issued shall continue in full force and effect until the new license is issued or specifically refused.
(c) For each such license or renewal, the society shall pay the commissioner $50.00.
(d) 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.
(e) Any person who in this state solicits membership for, or in any manner assists in procuring membership in, any fraternal benefit society not currently licensed to do business in this state shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by Section 27-1-12.
Last modified: May 3, 2021