Massachusetts § 31 - Foreign organizations or persons; service of process
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 31 — Foreign organizations or persons; service of process, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31. Foreign organizations or persons; service of process
Section 31. Any charitable organization or professional fund-raising counsel, commercial co-venturer or professional solicitor having its principal place of business without the commonwealth or organized under and by virtue of the laws of a foreign state which solicits contributions from people in the commonwealth, subject to sections nineteen to thirty-five, inclusive, shall be subject to the provisions of said sections, and shall be deemed to have irrevocably appointed the state secretary as its agent upon whom may be served any summons, subpoena duces tecum or other process directed to such charitable organization or any partner, principal officer or director thereof, professional fund-raising counsel, commercial co-venturer or professional solicitor in any action or proceeding brought under the provisions of said sections. Service of such process upon the state secretary shall be made by personally delivering to and leaving with him a copy thereof at the office of said secretary in Boston and such service shall be sufficient service; provided notice of such service and a copy of such process shall be forthwith sent by said secretary to such charitable organization or professional fund-raising counsel, commercial co-venturer or professional solicitor by registered mail, with return receipt requested at its or his office as set forth in the registration form required to be filed in the division pursuant to sections nineteen and twenty-four, or in default of the filing of such form, at the last address known to said secretary.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 31
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 31 cover?
Section 31 ("Foreign organizations or persons; service of process") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 31?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 31" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.