Societies which are now authorized to transact business in this State may continue such business until May 1, 1960. The authority of the societies, and all societies hereafter licensed, may thereafter be renewed annually, but shall terminate on the first day of the succeeding May. However, a license so issued shall continue in full force until the new license is issued or specifically refused. The society shall pay to the Commissioner of Financial Regulation $300.00 for a license fee for the year of registration and $300.00 as a renewal fee for each year thereafter. A duly certified copy or duplicate of the license shall be prima facie evidence that the licensee is a fraternal benefit society within the meaning of this chapter. (Added 1959, No. 197, § 24, eff. Nov. 22, 1959; amended 1965, No. 56, eff. May 14, 1965; 1989, No. 225 (Adj. Sess.), § 25(b); 1991, No. 166 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; 1995, No. 180 (Adj. Sess.), § 38(a); 2011, No. 78 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 2, 2012.)