After July 1, 1973, any company may file with the director a written notice of its election to comply with the provisions of §§ 58-26-64 to 58-26-69, inclusive, after a specified date before January 1, 1979, which is the operative date of §§ 58-26-64 to 58-26-69, inclusive, for the company. However, if a company does not elect to comply, the operative date of §§ 58-26-64 to 58-26-69, inclusive, for the company is January 1, 1979.
SDCL 58-26-70