Sec. 1. (a) A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with the provisions of the domestic society by action of its supreme governing body at any regular or special meeting of the domestic society or, if its laws 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 (6) months from the date of submission of the amendment, a majority of the members voting shall have signified their consent to the amendment.

     (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. Unless the commissioner disapproves any amendment within sixty (60) days after the filing of the amendment, 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. In case the commissioner disapproves the amendment, the reasons for the disapproval shall be stated in the written notice.

Terms Used In Indiana Code 27-11-5-1

  • 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: include printing, lithographing, or other mode of representing words and letters. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
     (c) Within ninety (90) days from the approval of an amendment 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 of the amendments stating facts that show that the amendments have been duly addressed and mailed, is prima facie evidence that the amendments or synopsis of the amendments 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 ninety (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.

As added by P.L.262-1985, SEC.1.

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