(A) A mutual insurance holding company, intermediate holding company, and the reorganized stock insurer shall be considered to be insurers according to the laws of this State. However, the director may exempt by order a mutual insurance holding company or intermediate holding company that elects not to write insurance from any provisions of this title or regulations adopted thereunder with respect to the writing of insurance or requirements related to capital, surplus, dividends, reserves, borrowing or investments, or other provisions which the Director of the Department of Insurance determines are not applicable or should be modified. This exemption shall not change the mutual insurance holding company's status as a domestic insurer subject to the provisions of Title 38. A mutual insurance holding company, intermediate holding company, or reorganized mutual insurer may merge with, consolidate with, or acquire the assets of another person or entity, or take another action as consistent with the South Carolina Business Corporation Act or other applicable law.

(B) The director shall have jurisdiction over a mutual insurance holding company and an intermediate holding company to ensure that policyholder interests are preserved and protected.

(C) The director may promulgate regulations and issue orders to implement this article as provided by the insurance laws of this State consistent with the South Carolina Business Corporation Act.

(D) A mutual insurance holding company and subsidiaries or affiliates shall be subject to all applicable provisions of South Carolina's Insurance Holding Company Regulatory Act.

HISTORY: 1998 Act No. 413, Section 1.