1142                           LAWS OF MARYLAND                      [CH. 553

314.    Certificate of Compliance; Certified Copy as Evidence.

The Commissioner may make such examination and require such
further information as he deems advisable. Upon presentation of sat-
isfactory evidence that the society has complied with all the provi-
sions of law, he shall issue to the society a certificate to that effect
and that the society is authorized to transact business pursuant to
the provisions of this subtitle. The certificate shall be prima facie
evidence of the existence of the society at the date of such certifi-
cate. The Commissioner shall cause a record of such certificate to be
made. A certified copy of such record may be given in evidence with
like effect as the original certificate.

315.    Constitution and Laws; General Powers.

(a)   Every society shall have the power to adopt a constitution
and laws for the government of the society, the admission of its
members, the management of its affairs and the fixing and readjust-
ing of the rates of its members from time to time. It shall have the
power to change, alter, add to or amend such constitution and laws.

(b)   A society shall have such other powers as are necessary and
incidental to carrying into effect the objects and purposes of the
society.

316.    Corporate Powers Retained.

Any incorporated society authorized to transact business in this
State at the time this subtitle becomes effective may thereafter
exercise all the rights, powers and privileges prescribed in this sub-
title and in its charter or articles of incorporation as far as con-
sistent with this subtitle. A domestic society shall not be required to
reincorporate.

317.    Existing Voluntary Associations—May Incorporate.

(a)   After one year from the effective date of this subtitle, no
unincorporated or voluntary association shall be permitted to trans-
act business in this State as a fraternal benefit society.

(b)   Any domestic voluntary association now authorized to trans-
act business in this State may incorporate and shall receive from the
Commissioner a permanent certificate of incorporation as a fraternal
benefit society when:

(1)   It has completed its conversion to an incorporated society not
later than one year from the effective date of this subtitle;

(2)   It has filed its articles of incorporation and has satisfied the
other requirements described in sections 310 through 314; and

(3)   The Commissioner has made such examination and procured
whatever additional information he deems advisable.

(c)   Every voluntary association so incorporated shall incur the
obligations and enjoy the benefits thereof the same as though origi-
nally incorporated, and such corporation shall be deemed a continua-
tion of the original voluntary association. The officers thereof shall
serve through their respective terms as provided in its original
articles of association, but their successors shall be elected and serve