S.C. Code Ann. § 38-55-100: Tontine plans prior to May 12, 1947.

A life insurer, mutual aid association, or fraternal benefit association operating prior to May 12, 1947, on a plan prohibited by SECTION 38-55-90 in this State may continue so to do upon condition that the life insurer, fraternal benefit association, or mutual aid association does not establish its policyholders or members into divisions or classes other than the divisions or classes in this State actually existing on May 12, 1947. However, a life insurer, fraternal benefit association, or mutual aid association is not permitted to operate on an endowment plan unless it has a paid-in capital stock, if a stock company, or a surplus, if a mutual company or fraternal benefit association, of at least fifty thousand dollars.