Rhode Island § 27-25-3 - Rhode Island Fraternal Code
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 27-25-3 — Rhode Island Fraternal Code, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 27-25-3. Rhode Island Fraternal Code
R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-25-3
§ 27-25-3. Representative form of government.
A society has a representative form of government when:
(1) It has a supreme governing body constituted in one of the following ways:
(i) Assembly. The supreme governing body is an assembly composed of delegates elected directly by the members or at intermediate assemblies or conventions of members or their representatives, together with other delegates as may be prescribed in the society’s laws. A society may provide for the election of delegates by mail. The elected delegates shall constitute a majority in number and shall not have less than two-thirds (⅔) of the votes and not less than the number of votes required to amend the society’s laws. The assembly shall be elected and shall meet at least once every four (4) years and shall elect a board of directors to conduct the business of the society between meetings of the assembly. Vacancies on the board of directors between elections may be filled in the manner prescribed by the society’s laws; or
(ii) Direct election. The supreme governing body is a board composed of persons elected by the members, either directly or by their representatives in intermediate assemblies, and any other persons prescribed in the society’s laws. A society may provide for the election of the board by mail. Each term of a board member may not exceed four (4) years. Vacancies on the board between elections may be filled in the manner prescribed by the society’s laws. Those persons elected to the board shall constitute a majority in number and not less than the number of votes required to amend the society’s laws. A person filling the unexpired term of an elected board member shall be considered an elected member. The board shall meet at least quarterly to conduct the business of the society;
(2) The officers of the society are elected either by the supreme governing body or by the board of directors;
(3) Only benefit members are eligible for election to the supreme governing body, the board of directors, or any intermediate assembly; and
(4) Each voting member shall have one vote; no vote may be cast by proxy.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 201, § 2.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 27-25-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 27-25-3 cover?
Section 27-25-3 ("Rhode Island Fraternal Code") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 27-25-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 27-25-3" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 27-25-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.