(a) General rule.--A business trust shall not be valid unless created by deed of trust or other written instrument subscribed by one or more individuals, associations or other entities. The trustees of a business trust shall promptly cause the instrument or any amendment thereof, except an amendment solely effecting or reflecting the substitution of or other change in the trustees, to be filed in the Department of State.

(b) Definition of "instrument".--The term "instrument," as used in this chapter, shall mean the original deed of trust or other written instrument, all amendments thereof and any other statements or certificates permitted or required to be filed in the department by sections 108 (relating to change in location or status of registered office provided by agent) and 138 (relating to statement of correction), Chapter 3 (relating to entity transactions) or this chapter. If an amendment of the instrument or a statement filed under Chapter 3 restates an instrument in its entirety, thenceforth the "instrument" shall not include any prior documents, and any certificate issued by the department with respect thereto shall so state.

(c) Amendment.--The instrument may be amended in the manner and to the extent provided therein or by the trustee or a majority of the trustees, if not otherwise provided therein. The amendment shall be evidenced by a written instrument subscribed by one or more authorized persons on behalf of the business trust. The instrument of amendment, if required by subsection (a), shall be filed in the department and:

(1) if the original deed of trust or other instrument was filed in the department under subsection (a), shall become effective upon filing or such later date and time, if any, as may be set forth in the instrument of amendment; or

(2) in any other case, shall become effective as set forth in the instrument of amendment.

(d) Duration.--The instrument creating a business trust shall specify the period of its duration, which may be perpetual. The rule against perpetuities or analogous principles shall not be applicable to a business trust.

(d.1) Bearer certificates prohibited.--A business trust may not issue a certificate of beneficial interest in bearer form. This subsection may not be varied by the instrument or other documentation of the business trust.

(e) Cross references.--See sections 134 (relating to docketing statement) and 135 (relating to requirements to be met by filed documents).

(Dec. 19, 1990, P.L.834, No.198, eff. imd.; June 22, 2001, P.L.418, No.34, eff. 60 days; July 9, 2013, P.L.476, No.67, eff. 60 days; Oct. 22, 2014, P.L.2640, No.172, eff. July 1, 2015)

2014 Amendment. Act 172 amended subsec. (b).

2013 Amendment. Act 67 amended subsec. (e) and added subsec. (d.1).

2001 Amendment. Act 34 amended subsec. (a).

1990 Amendment. Act 198 amended subsecs. (a), (c) and (d).

Cross References. Section 9503 is referred to in section 501 of Title 54 (Names).