(A) A society shall operate for the benefit of members and their beneficiaries by:

(1) providing benefits as specified in § 38-38-310; and

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 38-38-50

  • Bylaws: means the society's articles of incorporation, constitution, and bylaws, however designated. See South Carolina Code 38-38-40
  • 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. See South Carolina Code 38-38-40
  • Society: means fraternal benefit society, unless otherwise indicated. See South Carolina Code 38-38-40

(2) operating for one or more social, intellectual, educational, charitable, benevolent, moral, fraternal, patriotic, or religious purposes for the benefit of its members, which also may be extended to others.

These purposes may be carried out directly by the society or indirectly through subsidiary corporations or affiliated organizations.

(B) Every society has the power to adopt bylaws and rules for the government of the society, the admission of its members, and the management of its affairs. It has the power to change, alter, add to, or amend the bylaws and rules and has other powers as are necessary and incidental to carrying into effect the objects and purposes of the society.