1. A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with the provisions of its laws 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 the society‘s 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. An amendment submitted for adoption by referendum shall not be adopted unless, within six months from the date of submission of the referendum, a majority of the members voting have signified their consent to the amendment by one of the methods specified in this subsection.

Terms Used In Iowa Code 512B.12

  • 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.
  • Alien society: means an association organized under the laws of another country. See Iowa Code 512B.2
  • 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.
  • Commissioner: means the commissioner of insurance or the commissioner's designee. See Iowa Code 512B.2
  • Domestic society: means an association organized under the laws of this state. See Iowa Code 512B.2
  • 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.
  • Laws: means the society's articles of incorporation, constitution, and bylaws, however designated. See Iowa Code 512B.2
  • Society: means a fraternal benefit society, unless otherwise indicated. See Iowa Code 512B.2
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" may include the said district and territories. See Iowa Code 4.1
 2. An amendment to the laws of a domestic society shall not take effect unless approved by the commissioner. The commissioner shall approve an amendment if the commissioner finds that it has been duly adopted and is not inconsistent with the laws of this state or with the character, objects, and purposes of the society. An amendment shall be considered approved, unless the commissioner disapproves the amendment in writing, within thirty days after the filing of the amendment. The 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 disapproval shall be stated in the written notice.
 3. Within ninety days from the approval of an amendment by the commissioner, the amendment, or a synopsis of it, 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 an officer of the society or of anyone authorized by the society to mail an amendment or synopsis of an amendment, stating facts which demonstrate compliance with this subsection, is prima facie evidence that the amendment or synopsis has been furnished to the addressees.
 4. A foreign or alien society authorized to do business in this state shall file with the commissioner a duly certified copy of all amendments of its laws within ninety days after their enactment.
 5. Printed copies of the laws as amended, certified by the secretary, or corresponding officer of the society, are prima facie evidence of the legal adoption of the laws and amendments.
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