Massachusetts § 3 - Corporations not within application of chapter; adoption of chapter

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 3 — Corporations not within application of chapter; adoption of chapter, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3. Corporations not within application of chapter; adoption of chapter

Section 3. Corporations which would otherwise be within the application of this chapter, as defined in section two, but which were created before March eleventh, eighteen hundred and thirty-one, by any special act not subject to amendment, alteration or repeal by the general court, may, at a legal meeting of the stockholders duly called therefor, by vote of two thirds of each class of stock outstanding and entitled to vote, adopt the provisions of this chapter and all provisions of chapter one hundred and fifty-five applicable to corporations subject to this chapter. A copy of such vote, signed and sworn to by the president, treasurer and a majority of the directors, shall be submitted to and examined by the secretary. If the secretary finds that it conforms to the requirements of law, he shall endorse his approval thereon, and, upon payment of the fee provided in section fifty-five, it shall be filed in the office of the state secretary; and thereupon such corporation with its members and officers shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges and immunities and be subject to all the liabilities set forth in this chapter and in the provisions of chapter one hundred and fifty-five applicable to corporations subject to this chapter, and no stockholder in such corporation shall be liable for debts of the corporation contracted after the filing of the copy of such vote except for the causes and in the manner provided in this chapter.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 3

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 3 cover?

Section 3 ("Corporations not within application of chapter; adoption of chapter") 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 § 3?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 3" (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 § 3 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.