Massachusetts § 32 - Commencement of domestic company business; certificate; conditions precedent

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 32 — Commencement of domestic company business; certificate; conditions precedent, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 32. Commencement of domestic company business; certificate; conditions precedent

Section 32. No domestic company shall make or issue any contracts or policies of insurance or annuity or pure endowment contracts until it has obtained from the commissioner a certificate, in such form as he may prescribe, stating that the company has complied with the conditions set forth in this section and all other provisions of law, and authorizing it to make or issue such policies or contracts. No such certificate shall be issued until the commissioner is satisfied, by such examination as he may make and such evidence as he may require, that the company has complied with the laws of the commonwealth, adopted a proper system of accounting, and employed a competent accountant, a competent claim manager and a competent and experienced underwriter, nor until the commissioner is satisfied, by such examination as he may make and by an affidavit filed with him as required under section four and by such other evidence as he may require, that the company is without liabilities, except such organization expenses as the commissioner shall approve as reasonable, and except, in the case of a stock company or a mutual company with a guaranty capital, its liabilities to stockholders for the amount paid in for shares of stock, nor, in the case of a life company, until he is satisfied, by such examination as he may make and such evidence as he may require, that the company has employed a competent and experienced actuary, and that its officers and directors are of good repute and competent to manage a life company; provided, that if the commissioner is of the opinion that the granting of such a certificate to any company would, in any case, be prejudicial to the public interest, he may in his discretion refuse to issue it.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 32

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 32 cover?

Section 32 ("Commencement of domestic company business; certificate; conditions precedent") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 32?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 32" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 32 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.