Fraternal benefit societies that are authorized to transact business in this state on December 31, 1996, may continue such business until April 1, 1997. The authority of those societies and all societies licensed on or after January 1, 1997, may be renewed annually, but in all cases shall terminate on the first day of the succeeding April. However, a license so issued shall continue in full force and effect until a renewal of the license has been specifically refused. For each license or renewal the society shall pay the superintendent of insurance a fee of twenty-five dollars. A duly certified copy or duplicate of such license is prima facie evidence that the licensee is a fraternal benefit society within the meaning of this chapter.
Effective Date: 01-01-1997 .