(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. The 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 shall be adopted unless, within six months from the date of submission, a majority of the members voting have signified their consent to the amendment by one of the methods specified in this chapter.
(2) No amendment to the laws of any domestic society shall take effect unless approved by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The director shall approve the amendment if the director 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 director shall disapprove any such amendment within 60 days after the filing, the amendment shall be considered approved. The approval or disapproval of the director shall be in writing and mailed to the secretary or corresponding officer of the society at its principal office. In case the director disapproves the amendment, the reasons shall be stated in the written notice.
(3) Within 90 days from the approval by the director, all such amendments, or a synopsis thereof, shall 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 synopses thereof, stating facts which show that the amendments have been duly addressed and mailed, shall be prima facie evidence that the amendments, or synopsis thereof, have been furnished to the addressee.
(4) Every foreign or alien society authorized to do business in this state shall file with the director a duly certified copy of all amendments of, or additions to, its laws within 90 days after the enactment of the amendments.
(5) Printed copies of the laws as amended, certified by the secretary or corresponding officer of the society, shall be prima facie evidence of the legal adoption thereof. [1987 c.490 §12]
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