Section 21.84.059. Amendments to laws.

   (a) A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with its provisions by action of its supreme governing body at a regular or special meeting 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. An amendment submitted for adoption by referendum may not be adopted unless, within six months from the date of submission of the amendment, at least two-thirds of the members voting signify consent to the amendment by one of the methods specified under this subsection.
   (b) An amendment to the laws of a domestic society may not take effect unless approved by the director. The director shall approve the amendment if the director finds that it has been legally adopted and is not inconsistent with the requirements of the laws of this state or with the character, objects, and purposes of the society. Unless the director disapproves the amendment within 60 days after it is filed, the amendment is 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 reason for the disapproval shall be stated in the written notice.
   (c) Within 90 days from the approval of the amendments by the director, all amendments, or a synopsis of them, 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 a person authorized by the society to mail amendments, or a synopsis of them, stating facts that show that the amendments have been addressed and mailed, is prima facie evidence that the amendments, or a synopsis of them, have been furnished to the addressee.
   (d) A 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 90 days after the enactment of them.
   (e) 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 those laws.

Notes

History

(Sec. 5 ch 96 SLA 1997)