Societies which are now authorized to transact business in this state may continue such business until March 1 next succeeding the effective date of this act. The authority of such societies and all societies thereafter licensed shall continue in force as long as the society is entitled thereto under that article and until suspended or revoked by the superintendent or terminated at the society’s request; subject, however, to the payment of the annual continuation fee specified in Section 59A-44-36 N.M. Stat. Ann.. A duly certified copy or duplicate of such certificate of authority shall be prima facie evidence that such society is a fraternal benefit society within the meaning of N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 59A, Article 44.