Opinion ID: 1348878
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Challenged Statutory Provisions.

Text: Iowa Code chapter 512A became effective July 1, 1967. See 1967 Iowa Acts ch. 368. Three sections of this chapter are relevant here. The first describes the incorporation requirement: 512A.3 Incorporation mandatory. Before a benevolent association shall operate in this state it shall first incorporate in accordance with the laws of this state.... Iowa Code § 512A.3. The second prescribes the consequences for failing to incorporate: 512A.8 Penalties. Except as otherwise provided by law, it shall be unlawful for any person or corporation to operate a benevolent association in this state except as provided for in this chapter. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a serious misdemeanor. Iowa Code § 512A.8. The last sectionenacted in 1988sets a time limit on when a benevolent association may incorporate: 512A.9 Incorporation of benevolent associations prohibited. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a benevolent association shall not be incorporated or reincorporated in this state on or after July 1, 1988. A benevolent association incorporated before July 1, 1988, continues to be subject to the provisions of this chapter. Iowa Code § 512A.9. We now turn to the Society's constitutional claims.