Section 53-20-16 - Consequences of transacting business without authorityA. A foreign business trust transacting business in this state without a certificate of authority may not maintain a proceeding in any court in this state until it obtains a certificate of authority. B. The successor to a foreign business trust that transacted business in this state without a certificate of authority and the assignee of a cause of action arising out of that business may not maintain a proceeding based on that cause of action in any court in this state until the foreign business trust or its successor obtains a certificate of authority. C. A court may stay a proceeding commenced by a foreign business trust, its successor or assignee until it determines whether the foreign business trust or its successor requires a certificate of authority. If it so determines, the court may further stay a proceeding until the foreign business trust or its successor obtains a certificate. D. A foreign business trust is liable for a civil penalty of ten dollars ($10.00) for each day, but not to exceed a total of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each year it transacts business in this state without a certificate of authority. The attorney general may enforce the civil liability imposed pursuant to this subsection. E. The failure of a foreign business trust to obtain a certificate of authority does not impair the validity of any contract or act of the foreign business trust or prevent it from defending any action, suit or proceeding in any court of this state. Laws 2001, ch. 200, § 98.