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General Laws

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Section 1Definitions
Section 2Lodge system
Section 3Representative government; elections; meetings; record
Section 4Limitation of membership
Section 5Exemption from certain laws
Section 6Formation of corporation; purposes; association agreement
Section 7First meeting; notice; adoption of by-laws; filing of certificate
Section 8Lodge plan; preliminary license; solicitation of members; collection of payments; minimum membership; issuance of certificate
Section 9Certificate of organization; certificate endorsed by commissioner; filing; certification by state secretary; evidence of corporate existence
Section 10Certificate of commissioner; time limitation; certificate of incorporation; cessation of business operations
Section 11Limited societies; change of location of business; change of purpose of corporation
Section 12Mergers; transfers; notice; contracts, financial statements and certificates; commissioner’s approval
Section 13Death funds; emergency funds; disability funds
Section 13ABy-laws; creation of independent hospitalization and medical services fund
Section 14By-laws; payments by members; provisions; purpose of payments; proportion of payments which may be used for expenses
Section 15Deferred payments; installments of claims; fixed liabilities on happening of contingency
Section 16Loans to members; accumulating and maintaining tabular reserve required by table of mortality
Section 17Societies maintaining surplus of assets at required level may waive collection of regular mortuary contributions from members
Section 18Investment of funds
Section 19Payment of benefits for disability on account of old age; periodical member contribution for mortuary purposes; restrictions
Section 19ADeath benefits payable as annuities
Section 20Death benefit certificates
Section 21Death or annuity benefits; beneficiaries designated by members
Section 22Funeral expenses of insureds
Section 22APersonal representative or family of deceased; freedom of choice in procuring burial supplies and services
Section 23Payment of death, endowment or annuity benefits upon lives of children less than 18 years of age
Section 24Death benefit certificates as to children
Section 25Funds representing benefit contributions for lives of children less than 18 years of age
Section 26Separation of assets, funds and liabilities
Section 27Mingling of certain funds
Section 28Actions by beneficiaries
Section 29Attachment or taking of benefits to pay debt of member or beneficiary
Section 30Exemption from attachment or execution
Section 31Admission of persons to beneficial membership
Section 32Constitution and by-laws of society; amendments
Section 32AFraudulent alteration or concealment of records
Section 33Location of meetings; location of principal office
Section 34Waiver of constitutional provisions
Section 35Filing certified copies of amendments to constitution or by-laws with commissioner
Section 36Examinations of domestic societies by commissioner; proceedings brought by attorney general against domestic societies
Section 37Copy of commissioner’s examination reports served on societies
Section 37ADisbursements made by societies; requirements
Section 38Annual statement of society’s condition and standing
Section 39Annual valuation report in addition to annual statement; societies on lodge system
Section 39AValuation of bonds or other evidence of debt
Section 40Deficiencies; additional contributions or increased rates of contribution; higher rate class of members
Section 41Licenses for foreign societies to transact business in commonwealth
Section 42Foreign societies; service of process
Section 42AForeign societies; deposit
Section 43Foreign societies; refusal to issue license; revocation of license
Section 44Foreign societies; examination by commissioner
Section 45Domestic societies governed by direct vote of members; membership limited to permanent employees of cities or towns, commonwealth or federal government; no death benefits; annuities or gratuities contingent on disabilities or long service; governing provisions
Section 46Domestic societies; limited membership; members and ex-members of any social organization; governing provisions
Section 46ASubordinate lodge of society; ritualistic form of work; disability benefits
Section 46BIncorporated domestic society transacting business under Sec. 45 or 46; real estate
Section 46CSociety subject to Sec. 45 or 46; payment of benefits
Section 46DGrand or district lodge of secret order or fraternity transacting business under Sec. 45 or 46; benefits
Section 47Jurisdiction of superior court in equity
Section 47AContract of insurance or benefit certificate issued in violation of any provision of this chapter
Section 48False or fraudulent statement or representation by society with reference to application for membership; penalties
Section 49Unauthorized solicitation; penalties
Section 49APensions for society employees; expense fund
Section 50Violation of chapter provisions; penalty