Chapter 113. Authorizing insurance companies and fraternal beneficiary societies to file bills of interpleader
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CHAP. 113.— An Act Authorizing insurance companies and fraternal beneficiary societies to file bills of interpleader. February 22, 1917.[[H. R. 12541](/us/bill/64/hr/12541).][[Public, No. 346](/us/pl/64/346).] *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, * That the district courts ofUnited States courts.Insurance companies may file interpleader in district court to determine beneficiary, if claimants of different States. the United States shall have original cognizance to entertain suits in equity begun by bills of interpleader where the same are filed by any insurance company or fraternal beneficiary society, duly verified, and where it is made to appear by such bill that one or more persons, being bona fide claimants against such company or society, reside within the jurisdiction of said court; that such company or society has made or issued some policy of insurance or certificate of membership providing for the payment of a sum of money of at least $500 as insurance or benefits to a beneficiary or beneficiaries or to the heirs, next of kin, or legal representative of the person insured or member; that two or more adverse claimants, citizens of different States, are claiming or may claim to be entitled to such insurance or benefits and that such company or society deposits the amount of such insurance or benefits with the clerk of said court and abide theProcedure. judgment of said court.
In all such cases the court shall have the power to issue its process for said claimants, returnable at such time as the said court or a judge thereof shall determine, which shall be addressed to and served by the United States marshals for the respective districts wherein said claimants reside or may be found; to hear said bill of interpleader and decide thereon according to the practice in equity; to discharge said complainant from further liability upon the payment of said insurance or benefit as directed by the court, less complainant’s actual court costs; and shall have the power to make such orders and decrees as may be suitable and proper and to issue the necessary writs usual and customary in such cases for the purpose of carrying out such orders and decrees: *Provided,* That in*Proviso*.To be filed in district of named beneficiary. all cases where a beneficiary or beneficiaries are named in the policy of insurance or certificate of membership or where the same has been assigned and written notice thereof shall have been given to the insurance company or fraternal benefit society, the bill of interpleader shall be filed in the district where the beneficiary or beneficiaries may reside.
Approved, February 22, 1917.