{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/56-487.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/56-487.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/56-487.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/56-487.html"}],"law_id":70906,"edition_id":1,"section_id":70906,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-487","catch_line":"Definitions","history":"1950, p. 588; 1956, c. 434; 1996, c. 708.","full_text":"The following terms, whenever used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning appears from the context:\n\n1\n\n“Cooperative” shall mean a telephone corporation formed under this chapter.2\n\n“Municipality” shall mean any city or incorporated town of the Commonwealth.3\n\n“Person” shall mean and include natural persons, firms, associations, cooperatives, corporations, business trusts, partnerships and bodies politic.4\n\n“Telephone service” shall mean and include service over wire or cable lines, including voice carrier, service by voice carrier system over electric distribution and transmission lines, service over radio circuits, and any other service involving the transmission of voice, video or data between fixed points.5\n\n“Acquire” shall mean and include construct, acquire by purchase, lease, devise, gift or the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or other mode of acquisition.6\n\n“System” shall mean and include any plant, works, system, facilities, or properties, or any part or parts thereof, together with all appurtenances thereto, used or useful in connection with the transmission of voice, video or data.7\n\n“Obligations” shall mean and include bonds, interim certificates or receipts, notes, debentures, and all other evidences of indebtedness either issued or the payment thereof assumed by a cooperative.8\n\n“Federal agency” shall mean and include the United States of America, the President of the United States of America, and any and all other authorities, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States of America, heretofore or hereafter created.9\n\n“Improve” shall mean and include construct, reconstruct, improve, replace, extend, enlarge, alter, better or repair.10\n\n“Board” shall mean the board of directors of a cooperative formed under this chapter.11\n\n“Member” shall mean and include each person admitted to membership in the cooperative pursuant to law or its bylaws.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":255702,"text":"The following terms, whenever used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning appears from the context:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":255703,"text":"“Cooperative” shall mean a telephone corporation formed under this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":255704,"text":"“Municipality” shall mean any city or incorporated town of the Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":255705,"text":"“Person” shall mean and include natural persons, firms, associations, cooperatives, corporations, business trusts, partnerships and bodies politic.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":255706,"text":"“Telephone service” shall mean and include service over wire or cable lines, including voice carrier, service by voice carrier system over electric distribution and transmission lines, service over radio circuits, and any other service involving the transmission of voice, video or data between fixed points.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":255707,"text":"“Acquire” shall mean and include construct, acquire by purchase, lease, devise, gift or the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or other mode of acquisition.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":255708,"text":"“System” shall mean and include any plant, works, system, facilities, or properties, or any part or parts thereof, together with all appurtenances thereto, used or useful in connection with the transmission of voice, video or data.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":255709,"text":"“Obligations” shall mean and include bonds, interim certificates or receipts, notes, debentures, and all other evidences of indebtedness either issued or the payment thereof assumed by a cooperative.","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":255710,"text":"“Federal agency” shall mean and include the United States of America, the President of the United States of America, and any and all other authorities, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States of America, heretofore or hereafter created.","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"9":{"id":255711,"text":"“Improve” shall mean and include construct, reconstruct, improve, replace, extend, enlarge, alter, better or repair.","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"10"},"10":{"id":255712,"text":"“Board” shall mean the board of directors of a cooperative formed under this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"11"},"11":{"id":255713,"text":"“Member” shall mean and include each person admitted to membership in the cooperative pursuant to law or its bylaws.","type":"section","prefixes":["11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14091,"edition_id":1,"name":"Telephone Cooperatives Act","identifier":"16","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12881,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:51","permalink":{"id":250125,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14091,"identifier":"16","token":"56\/16","url":"\/56\/16\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12881,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Service Companies","identifier":"56","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":248473,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12881,"identifier":"56","token":"56","url":"\/56\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":63853,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-485","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/56-485\/","token":"56\/16\/56-485","metadata":false},{"id":85481,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-486","catch_line":"Who may form cooperative; purpose","url":"\/56-486\/","token":"56\/16\/56-486","metadata":false},{"id":70906,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-487","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/56-487\/","token":"56\/16\/56-487","metadata":false},{"id":76789,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-488","catch_line":"Certificate of incorporation","url":"\/56-488\/","token":"56\/16\/56-488","metadata":false},{"id":74509,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-489","catch_line":"Limitation of use of words \"telephone cooperative.\"","url":"\/56-489\/","token":"56\/16\/56-489","metadata":false},{"id":85742,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-490","catch_line":"Filing certificate of incorporation","url":"\/56-490\/","token":"56\/16\/56-490","metadata":false},{"id":84965,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-491","catch_line":"Board of directors; officers","url":"\/56-491\/","token":"56\/16\/56-491","metadata":false},{"id":77358,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-492","catch_line":"Powers of board of directors","url":"\/56-492\/","token":"56\/16\/56-492","metadata":false},{"id":65385,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-493","catch_line":"Membership; voting; nonprofit operation","url":"\/56-493\/","token":"56\/16\/56-493","metadata":false},{"id":64616,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-494","catch_line":"Service to members; to nonmembers","url":"\/56-494\/","token":"56\/16\/56-494","metadata":false},{"id":87301,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-495","catch_line":"Powers granted corporation","url":"\/56-495\/","token":"56\/16\/56-495","metadata":false},{"id":84850,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-496","catch_line":"Disposition of property","url":"\/56-496\/","token":"56\/16\/56-496","metadata":false},{"id":68695,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-497","catch_line":"Issue of obligations","url":"\/56-497\/","token":"56\/16\/56-497","metadata":false},{"id":67120,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-498","catch_line":"Covenants","url":"\/56-498\/","token":"56\/16\/56-498","metadata":false},{"id":73742,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-499","catch_line":"Purchase of own obligations","url":"\/56-499\/","token":"56\/16\/56-499","metadata":false},{"id":87088,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-500","catch_line":"Consolidation or merger","url":"\/56-500\/","token":"56\/16\/56-500","metadata":false},{"id":77715,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-501","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-501\/","token":"56\/16\/56-501","metadata":false},{"id":61079,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-501.1","catch_line":"Payment of certain patronage capital to spouse or next of kin of deceased person","url":"\/56-501.1\/","token":"56\/16\/56-501.1","metadata":false},{"id":71418,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-502","catch_line":"Regulation by State Corporation Commission","url":"\/56-502\/","token":"56\/16\/56-502","metadata":false},{"id":65253,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-503","catch_line":"Dissolution","url":"\/56-503\/","token":"56\/16\/56-503","metadata":false},{"id":80777,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-504","catch_line":"Charter amendments","url":"\/56-504\/","token":"56\/16\/56-504","metadata":false},{"id":86446,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-505","catch_line":"Charter fees","url":"\/56-505\/","token":"56\/16\/56-505","metadata":false},{"id":72543,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-506","catch_line":"Construction of chapter; conflicting laws","url":"\/56-506\/","token":"56\/16\/56-506","metadata":false},{"id":55217,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-507","catch_line":"Adoption of provisions by existing corporation","url":"\/56-507\/","token":"56\/16\/56-507","metadata":false},{"id":81225,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-508","catch_line":"Extension of service to territory not being served","url":"\/56-508\/","token":"56\/16\/56-508","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":85481,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-486","catch_line":"Who may form cooperative; purpose","url":"\/56-486\/","token":"56\/16\/56-486","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":76789,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-488","catch_line":"Certificate of incorporation","url":"\/56-488\/","token":"56\/16\/56-488","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/56-487\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1956, chapter 434; in 1996, chapter 708<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":250135,"object_type":"law","relational_id":70906,"identifier":"56-487","token":"56\/16\/56-487","url":"\/56-487\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/56-487\/","token":"56\/16\/56-487","dublin_core":{"Title":"Definitions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 56-487","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The following terms, whenever used or referred to in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning appears from the context:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> “Cooperative<\/span>” shall mean a telephone corporation<\/span> formed under this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> “Municipality<\/span>” shall mean any city or incorporated town of the Commonwealth. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> “Person<\/span>” shall mean and include natural persons<\/span>, firms, associations, cooperatives<\/span>, corporations<\/span>, business trusts, partnerships and bodies politic. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> “Telephone service<\/span>” shall mean and include service over wire or cable lines, including voice carrier, service by voice carrier system<\/span> over electric distribution and transmission lines, service over radio circuits<\/span>, and any other service involving the transmission of voice, video or data between fixed points. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> “Acquire<\/span>” shall mean and include construct, acquire<\/span> by purchase, lease, devise, gift or the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or other mode of acquisition. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> “System<\/span>” shall mean and include any plant, works, system<\/span>, facilities, or properties, or any part or parts thereof, together with all appurtenances thereto, used or useful in connection with the transmission of voice, video or data. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> “Obligations<\/span>” shall mean and include bonds<\/span>, interim certificates or receipts, notes, debentures, and all other evidences<\/span> of indebtedness either issued or the payment thereof assumed by a cooperative<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> “Federal agency<\/span>” shall mean and include the United States of America, the President of the United States of America, and any and all other authorities, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States of America, heretofore or hereafter created. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> “Improve<\/span>” shall mean and include construct, reconstruct, improve<\/span>, replace, extend, enlarge, alter, better or repair. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> “Board<\/span>” shall mean the board<\/span> of directors of a cooperative<\/span> formed under this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> “Member<\/span>” shall mean and include each person<\/span> admitted to membership in the cooperative<\/span> pursuant to law<\/span> or its bylaws. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDEFINITIONS (\u00a7 56-487)\n\nThe following terms, whenever used or referred to in this chapter, shall have\nthe following meanings, unless a different meaning appears from the context:\n\n1. “Cooperative” shall mean a telephone corporation formed under\nthis chapter.\n\n2. “Municipality” shall mean any city or incorporated town of the\nCommonwealth.\n\n3. “Person” shall mean and include natural persons, firms,\nassociations, cooperatives, corporations, business trusts, partnerships and\nbodies politic.\n\n4. “Telephone service” shall mean and include service over wire or\ncable lines, including voice carrier, service by voice carrier system over\nelectric distribution and transmission lines, service over radio circuits, and\nany other service involving the transmission of voice, video or data between\nfixed points.\n\n5. “Acquire” shall mean and include construct, acquire by purchase,\nlease, devise, gift or the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or other\nmode of acquisition.\n\n6. “System” shall mean and include any plant, works, system,\nfacilities, or properties, or any part or parts thereof, together with all\nappurtenances thereto, used or useful in connection with the transmission of\nvoice, video or data.\n\n7. “Obligations” shall mean and include bonds, interim certificates\nor receipts, notes, debentures, and all other evidences of indebtedness either\nissued or the payment thereof assumed by a cooperative.\n\n8. “Federal agency” shall mean and include the United States of\nAmerica, the President of the United States of America, and any and all other\nauthorities, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States of America,\nheretofore or hereafter created.\n\n9. “Improve” shall mean and include construct, reconstruct, improve,\nreplace, extend, enlarge, alter, better or repair.\n\n10. “Board” shall mean the board of directors of a cooperative\nformed under this chapter.\n\n11. “Member” shall mean and include each person admitted to\nmembership in the cooperative pursuant to law or its bylaws.\n\nHISTORY: 1950, p. 588; 1956, c. 434; 1996, c. 708.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}