17:44B-11. Amendment of laws of domestic society

11. a. A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with the provisions of those laws 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 its submission, 2/3 of the members voting shall have signified their consent to an amendment by one of the methods specified in this section.

b. No amendment to the laws of any domestic society shall take effect unless approved by the commissioner who shall approve the amendment if the commissioner 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. If the commissioner does not disapprove an amendment within 60 days after filing it, 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.

c. Within 90 days after the approval of an amendment by the commissioner, the amendment, or a synopsis thereof, shall be furnished to all members of the society either by mail or 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 amendment or synopsis of the amendment, stating facts which show that the amendment has been duly addressed and mailed, shall be prima facie evidence that the amendment or synopsis thereof, has been furnished the addressee.

d. 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 the enactment of same.

e. 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.

L.1997,c.322,s.11.