58-37A-11. Amendments to society laws--Adoption--Filing--Printing as prima facie evidence. A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with the provisions of this chapter 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 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 six months from the date of submission, two-thirds of the members voting have signified their consent to the amendment by one of the methods specified.

No amendment to the laws of any domestic society may take effect unless approved by the director who 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 disapproves the amendment within sixty days after the filing of it, 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. If the director disapproves the amendment, the reasons shall be stated in the written notice.

Within ninety days from the approval by the director, each amendment, or a synopsis of the amendment, 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 each amendment or synopsis, stating facts which show that same have been addressed and mailed, is prima facie evidence that the amendment or synopsis has been furnished to the addressee.

Every foreign or alien society authorized to do business in this state shall file with the director a certified copy of all amendments of, or additions to, its laws within thirty days after their enactment.

Printed copies of the laws as amended, certified by the secretary or corresponding officer of the society are prima facie evidence of their legal adoption.

Source: SL 1990, ch 410, § 11.