Rhode Island § 27-25-11 - Rhode Island Fraternal Code

§ 27-25-11. Amendments to laws.

(a) A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with the provisions of those laws, by action of its supreme governing body at any regular or special meeting of that body or, if its laws provide, by referendum. A referendum may be held in accordance with the provisions of the domestic 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. No amendment submitted for adoption by referendum shall be adopted unless, within six (6) months from the date of submission, a majority of the members voting shall have signified their consent to the amendment by one of the methods specified in this section.

(b) No amendment to the laws of any domestic society shall take effect unless approved by the commissioner of insurance 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 the state or with the character, objects, and purposes of the society. Unless the commissioner of insurance shall disapprove an amendment within sixty (60) days after the filing of the amendment, it shall be considered approved. The approval or disapproval of the commissioner of insurance 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 shall be stated in the written notice.

(c) Within ninety (90) days from the approval by the commissioner of insurance, all amendments, or a synopsis of the amendments, shall be furnished to all of the 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, stating facts that show that the amendments or a synopsis have been duly addressed and mailed, shall be prima facie evidence that the amendments or synopsis have been furnished to the addressee.

(d) Every foreign or alien society authorized to do business in this state shall file with the commissioner of insurance a duly certified copy of all amendments of, or additions to, its laws within ninety (90) days after their enactment.

(e) Printed copies of the laws, as amended, certified by the secretary or corresponding officer of the society, shall be prima facie evidence of their legal adoption.