Sec. 8174.
(1) A domestic society may amend its laws, as its laws provide, by action of its supreme governing body at any regular or special meeting or, if its laws so provide, by referendum. A referendum may be held in accordance with the provisions of the society's laws by the vote of the voting members of the society, by the vote of delegates or representatives of voting members, or by the vote of local lodges. A society may provide for voting by mail. An amendment submitted for adoption by referendum shall not be adopted unless, within 6 months from the date of submission of the amendment, a majority of the members voting shall have signified their consent to the amendment by 1 of the methods specified in this subsection.
(2) An amendment to the laws of any domestic society shall not take effect unless approved by the commissioner. The commissioner shall approve an amendment if the commissioner finds that the amendment has been duly adopted and is not inconsistent with any requirement of the laws of this state or with the character, objects, and purposes of the society. Unless the commissioner disapproves an amendment within 60 days after the filing of the amendment, the amendment shall be considered approved. The approval or disapproval of the commissioner shall be in writing and mailed to the secretary or corresponding officer of the society at its principal office. If the commissioner disapproves an amendment, the reasons for the disapproval shall be stated in the written notice.
(3) Within 90 days from an amendment's approval by the commissioner, each amendment, or a synopsis of each amendment, shall be furnished to each society member either by mail or by publication in full in the society's official publication. The affidavit of a society officer or of anyone authorized by the society to mail an amendment or synopsis of an amendment stating facts that show the amendment or synopsis has been duly addressed and mailed, shall be prima facie evidence that the amendment or synopsis has been furnished the addressee.
(4) Each foreign or alien society authorized to do business in this state shall file with the commissioner a duly certified copy of all amendments of, or additions to, its laws within 90 days after its enactment.
(5) Printed copies of the amended laws, certified by the society's secretary or its corresponding officer, shall be prima facie evidence of their legal adoption.
History: Add. 1990, Act 1, Eff. Apr. 1, 1990
Popular Name: Act 218
Last modified: October 10, 2016