A domestic society may amend its articles of incorporation, constitution or laws in accordance with the provisions thereof by action of its supreme legislative or governing body at any regular or special meeting thereof or, if its articles of incorporation, constitution or laws so provide, by referendum. Such referendum may be held in accordance with the provisions of its articles of incorporation, constitution or 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 or branches. No amendment submitted for adoption by referendum shall be adopted unless, within 6 months from the date of submission thereof, a majority of all the voting members of the society shall have signified their consent to such amendment by one of the methods herein specified.   [PL 1969, c. 132, §1 (NEW).]

An amendment to the articles of incorporation, constitution or laws of any domestic society does not take effect unless approved by the superintendent, who shall approve such amendment if the superintendent 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 superintendent disapproves any such amendment within 60 days after the filing of same, such amendment must be considered approved. The approval or disapproval of the superintendent must be in writing and mailed to the secretary or corresponding officer of the society at its principal office. In case the superintendent disapproves such amendment, the reasons therefor must be stated in such written notice.   [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §327 (COR).]

Within 90 days from the approval thereof by the superintendent, 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 organ 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 thereof have been furnished the addressee.   [PL 1969, c. 132, §1 (NEW); PL 1973, c. 585, §12 (AMD).]

Every foreign or alien society authorized to do business in this State shall file with the superintendent a duly certified copy of all amendments of, or additions to, its articles of incorporation, constitution or laws within 90 days after the enactment of same.   [PL 1969, c. 132, §1 (NEW); PL 1973, c. 585, §12 (AMD).]

Printed copies of the constitution or laws as amended, certified by the secretary or corresponding officer of the society, shall be prima facie evidence of the legal adoption thereof.   [PL 1969, c. 132, §1 (NEW).]