Terms Used In North Carolina General Statutes 58-24-50

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • in writing: may be construed to include printing, engraving, lithographing, and any other mode of representing words and letters: Provided, that in all cases where a written signature is required by law, the same shall be in a proper handwriting, or in a proper mark. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3
  • Laws: shall mean the society's articles of incorporation, constitution and bylaws, however designated. See North Carolina General Statutes 58-24-15
  • Society: shall mean fraternal benefit society, unless otherwise indicated. See North Carolina General Statutes 58-24-15
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, shall be construed to extend to and include the District of Columbia and the several territories, so called; and the words "United States" shall be construed to include the said district and territories and all dependencies. See North Carolina General Statutes 12-3

(a) 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 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 thereof, a majority of the members voting shall have signified their consent to such amendment by one of the methods herein specified.

(b) No amendment to the laws of any domestic society shall take effect unless approved by the Commissioner who shall approve such 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.  Unless the Commissioner shall disapprove any such amendment within 60 days after the filing of same, such 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.  In case the Commissioner disapproves such amendment, the reasons therefor shall be stated in such written notice.

(c) Within 90 days from the approval thereof by the Commissioner, 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 synopsis thereof, stating facts which show that same have been duly addressed and mailed, shall be prima facie evidence that such amendments or synopsis therof, have 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. (1987, c. 483, s. 2; 1991, c. 720, s. 4.)