Any security, patronage refund, per unit retain certificate, capital credit, evidence of membership, preferred equity certificate, or other equity instrument issued, sold, or reported by a cooperative as an investment in its stock or capital to the patrons of a cooperative formed under or subject to this article or a similar law of any other jurisdiction and authorized to transact business or conduct activities in this state is exempt from the securities laws contained in the 'Colorado Securities Act', article 51 of title 11, C.R.S. Such securities, patronage refunds, per unit retain certificates, capital credits, or evidences of membership, preferred equity certificates or other equity instruments may be issued, sold, or reported lawfully by the issuer or its directors, officers, members, or salaried employees without the necessity of the issuer or its directors, officers, members, or employees being registered as brokers or dealers under the 'Colorado Securities Act', article 51 of title 11, C.R.S.L. 96: Entire article R&RE, p. 512, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2003: Entire section amended, p.

eing registered as brokers or dealers under the 'Colorado Securities Act', article 51 of title 11, C.R.S.L. 96: Entire article R&RE, p. 512, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2003: Entire section amended, p. 2229, § 93, effective 7/1/2004.This section is similar to former § 7-55-115 as it existed in 1996.