Amendment of laws of society.
1. A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with the provisions thereof by action of its supreme governing body at any regular or special meeting thereof or, if its laws so provide, by referendum. Such a referendum may be held in accordance with the provisions of its 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. No amendment submitted for adoption by referendum may be adopted unless, within 6 months after the date of submission thereof, a majority of all of the voting members of the society have signified their consent to the amendment by one of the methods specified in this section.
2. No amendment to the laws of any domestic society becomes effective unless approved by the Commissioner, who shall approve the amendment if he finds that it 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 it is filed, such amendment shall be deemed approved. The approval or disapproval of the Commissioner must 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 therefor must be stated in the written notice.
3. Within 90 days after their approval by the commissioner, all the amendments, or a synopsis thereof, must be furnished to all members of the society either by mail or by publication in full in the official publication of the society. The affidavit of any officer of the society or of anyone authorized by it to mail any amendments or synopsis thereof, stating facts which show that the amendments or synopsis thereof have been duly addressed and mailed, is prima facie evidence that the amendments or synopsis thereof have been furnished the addressee.
4. Every 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 their enactment.
5. Printed copies of the laws as amended, certified by the secretary or corresponding officer of the society, are prima facie evidence of the legal adoption thereof.
Last modified: February 27, 2006