{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/56-495.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/56-495.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/56-495.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/56-495.html"}],"law_id":87301,"edition_id":1,"section_id":87301,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-495","catch_line":"Powers granted corporation","history":"1950, p. 592; 1956, c. 434; 1989, c. 185; 2001, c. 386.","full_text":"Each corporation formed under this chapter shall have power to do any and all acts or things necessary or incidental for carrying out the purpose for which it was formed, including, but not limited to:\n\n1\n\nTo furnish or provide telephone service or any of the facilities necessary therefor in connection with the furnishing or providing of such service with others both within and without this Commonwealth and to provide such services or facilities as may be incidental or related to providing telephone service.2\n\nTo sue and be sued.3\n\nTo have a seal and alter the same at pleasure.4\n\nTo acquire, hold and dispose of property, real and personal, tangible and intangible, or interests therein and to pay therefor in cash or property or on credit, and to secure and procure payment of all or any part of the purchase price thereof on such terms and conditions as the board shall determine.5\n\nTo acquire, own and dispose of shares or interests in other entities engaged in communications businesses.6\n\nTo render service and to acquire, own, operate, maintain and improve a system or systems.7\n\nTo accept gifts or grants of money, or property, real or personal, from any person, municipality or federal agency and to accept voluntary and uncompensated services.8\n\nTo sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise encumber or dispose of all or any part of its property, as hereinafter provided.9\n\nTo contract debts, borrow money and to issue or assume the payment of bonds, and other obligations.10\n\nTo fix, maintain and collect reasonable fees, rents, tolls and other charges for services rendered.11\n\nTo exercise all the powers set forth in § 56-49, including the power of eminent domain as prescribed for other public service corporations by general law.12\n\nTo issue nonassessable nonvoting common and preferred capital stock and pay annually noncumulative dividends thereon not exceeding four percent and no cooperative operating hereunder shall pay annually more than four percent interest on membership capital.13\n\nTo perform any and all of the foregoing acts and to do any and all of the foregoing things under, through or by means of its own officers, agents and employees, or by contracts with any person, federal agency or municipality.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":312618,"text":"Each corporation formed under this chapter shall have power to do any and all acts or things necessary or incidental for carrying out the purpose for which it was formed, including, but not limited to:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":312619,"text":"To furnish or provide telephone service or any of the facilities necessary therefor in connection with the furnishing or providing of such service with others both within and without this Commonwealth and to provide such services or facilities as may be incidental or related to providing telephone service.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":312620,"text":"To sue and be sued.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":312621,"text":"To have a seal and alter the same at pleasure.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":312622,"text":"To acquire, hold and dispose of property, real and personal, tangible and intangible, or interests therein and to pay therefor in cash or property or on credit, and to secure and procure payment of all or any part of the purchase price thereof on such terms and conditions as the board shall determine.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":312623,"text":"To acquire, own and dispose of shares or interests in other entities engaged in communications businesses.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":312624,"text":"To render service and to acquire, own, operate, maintain and improve a system or systems.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":312625,"text":"To accept gifts or grants of money, or property, real or personal, from any person, municipality or federal agency and to accept voluntary and uncompensated services.","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":312626,"text":"To sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise encumber or dispose of all or any part of its property, as hereinafter provided.","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"9":{"id":312627,"text":"To contract debts, borrow money and to issue or assume the payment of bonds, and other obligations.","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"10"},"10":{"id":312628,"text":"To fix, maintain and collect reasonable fees, rents, tolls and other charges for services rendered.","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"11"},"11":{"id":312629,"text":"To exercise all the powers set forth in § 56-49, including the power of eminent domain as prescribed for other public service corporations by general law.","type":"section","prefixes":["11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10","next_prefix":"12"},"12":{"id":312630,"text":"To issue nonassessable nonvoting common and preferred capital stock and pay annually noncumulative dividends thereon not exceeding four percent and no cooperative operating hereunder shall pay annually more than four percent interest on membership capital.","type":"section","prefixes":["12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"12","prefix_anchor":"12","level":1,"prior_prefix":"11","next_prefix":"13"},"13":{"id":312631,"text":"To perform any and all of the foregoing acts and to do any and all of the foregoing things under, through or by means of its own officers, agents and employees, or by contracts with any person, federal agency or municipality.","type":"section","prefixes":["13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"13","prefix_anchor":"13","level":1,"prior_prefix":"12"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"id":84850,"structure_id":14091,"section_number":"56-496","catch_line":"Disposition of property","url":"\/56-496\/","token":"56\/16\/56-496","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/56-495\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 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 1989, chapter 185; in 2001, chapter 386<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":54611,"section_number":"56-49","catch_line":"Powers","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-49\/"}],"permalink":{"id":250167,"object_type":"law","relational_id":87301,"identifier":"56-495","token":"56\/16\/56-495","url":"\/56-495\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/56-495\/","token":"56\/16\/56-495","dublin_core":{"Title":"Powers granted corporation","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 56-495","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Each corporation<\/span> formed under this chapter shall have power to do any and all acts or things necessary or incidental for carrying out the purpose for which it was formed, including, but not limited to:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> To furnish or provide telephone service<\/span> or any of the facilities necessary therefor in connection with the furnishing or providing of such service with others both within and without this Commonwealth and to provide such services or facilities as may be incidental or related to providing telephone service<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> To sue and be sued. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> To have a seal and alter the same at pleasure. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> To acquire<\/span>, hold and dispose of property, real and personal, tangible and intangible, or interests therein and to pay therefor in cash or property or on credit, and to secure and procure payment of all or any part of the purchase price thereof on such terms and conditions as the board<\/span> shall determine. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> To acquire<\/span>, own and dispose of shares or interests in other entities engaged in communications businesses. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> To render service and to acquire<\/span>, own, operate, maintain and improve<\/span> a system<\/span> or systems<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> To accept gifts or grants of money, or property, real or personal, from any person<\/span>, municipality<\/span> or federal agency<\/span> and to accept voluntary and uncompensated services. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> To sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise encumber or dispose of all or any part of its property, as hereinafter provided. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> To contract<\/span> debts, borrow money and to issue<\/span> or assume the payment of bonds<\/span>, and other obligations<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> To fix, maintain and collect reasonable fees, rents, tolls and other charges for services rendered. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> To exercise all the powers set forth in § 56-49<\/a>, including the power of eminent domain as prescribed for other public service corporations<\/span> by general law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> To issue<\/span> nonassessable nonvoting common and preferred capital stock and pay annually noncumulative dividends thereon not exceeding four percent and no cooperative<\/span> operating hereunder shall pay annually more than four percent interest on membership capital. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

13.<\/span> To perform any and all of the foregoing acts and to do any and all of the foregoing things under, through or by means of its own officers, agents and employees, or by contracts<\/span> with any person<\/span>, federal agency<\/span> or municipality<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPOWERS GRANTED CORPORATION (\u00a7 56-495)\n\nEach corporation formed under this chapter shall have power to do any and all\nacts or things necessary or incidental for carrying out the purpose for which it\nwas formed, including, but not limited to:\n\n1. To furnish or provide telephone service or any of the facilities necessary\ntherefor in connection with the furnishing or providing of such service with\nothers both within and without this Commonwealth and to provide such services or\nfacilities as may be incidental or related to providing telephone service.\n\n2. To sue and be sued.\n\n3. To have a seal and alter the same at pleasure.\n\n4. To acquire, hold and dispose of property, real and personal, tangible and\nintangible, or interests therein and to pay therefor in cash or property or on\ncredit, and to secure and procure payment of all or any part of the purchase\nprice thereof on such terms and conditions as the board shall determine.\n\n5. To acquire, own and dispose of shares or interests in other entities engaged\nin communications businesses.\n\n6. To render service and to acquire, own, operate, maintain and improve a system\nor systems.\n\n7. To accept gifts or grants of money, or property, real or personal, from any\nperson, municipality or federal agency and to accept voluntary and uncompensated\nservices.\n\n8. To sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise encumber or dispose of all or any part\nof its property, as hereinafter provided.\n\n9. To contract debts, borrow money and to issue or assume the payment of bonds,\nand other obligations.\n\n10. To fix, maintain and collect reasonable fees, rents, tolls and other charges\nfor services rendered.\n\n11. To exercise all the powers set forth in § 56-49, including the power of\neminent domain as prescribed for other public service corporations by general\nlaw.\n\n12. To issue nonassessable nonvoting common and preferred capital stock and pay\nannually noncumulative dividends thereon not exceeding four percent and no\ncooperative operating hereunder shall pay annually more than four percent\ninterest on membership capital.\n\n13. To perform any and all of the foregoing acts and to do any and all of the\nforegoing things under, through or by means of its own officers, agents and\nemployees, or by contracts with any person, federal agency or municipality.\n\nHISTORY: 1950, p. 592; 1956, c. 434; 1989, c. 185; 2001, c. 386.","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}}