Section 991.2422 - Amendments to laws(a) General rule.--A domestic society may amend its laws in accordance with the provisions thereof by action of its supreme governing body at any regular or special meeting thereof or, if its laws so 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. No amendment submitted for adoption by referendum shall be adopted unless, within six months from the date of submission thereof, a majority of the members voting shall have signified their consent to the amendment by one of the methods specified in this section. A society having a direct election form of organization as described in section 2405(1)(ii) may amend its constitution or articles of incorporation only by referendum.(b) Approval of amendment.--No amendment to the laws of any domestic society shall take effect unless approved by the commissioner, 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 this Commonwealth or with the character, objects and purposes of the society. Unless the commissioner shall disapprove the amendment within 60 days after the filing, the amendment shall be considered approved. The approval or disapproval of the commissioner shall be in writing and shall be mailed to the secretary or corresponding officer of the society at its principal office. If the commissioner disapproves the amendment, the reasons for the disapproval shall be stated in the written notice.(c) Copies to members.--Within 90 days from the approval thereof by the commissioner, the 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 publication 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 the amendments or synopsis thereof have been furnished the addressee.(d) Filings of foreign societies.--Every foreign or alien society authorized to do business in this Commonwealth shall file with the commissioner a duly certified copy of all amendments of or additions to its laws within 90 days after their enactment.(e) Certified copies as evidence.--Printed copies of the laws as amended, certified by the secretary or corresponding officer of the society, shall be prima facie evidence of the legal adoption.1921, May 17, P.L. 682, No. 284, art. XXIV, § 2422, added 2002, July 10, P.L. 749, No. 110, § 9, effective in 60 days.