J. MILLARD TAWES, Governor                     1143

as provided in its articles of incorporation. Incorporation of a volun-
tary association shall not affect existing suits, claims or contracts.

318.    Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and Laws—Amend-
ments—Synopsis—Certified Copies as Evidence.

(a)   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, con-
stitution or laws so provide, by referendum. Such referendum may
be held in accordance with the provisions of its articles of incor-
poration, 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
six (6) months from the date of submission thereof, a majority of all
of the voting members of the society shall have signified their con-
sent to such amendment by one of the methods herein specified.

(b)   No amendment to the articles of incorporation, constitution
or laws of any domestic society shall take effect unless approved by
the Commissioner, who shall approve such amendment if he finds
that it has been duly adopted and is not inconsistent with any re-
quirement of the laws of this State or with the character, objects
and purposes of the society. The approval or disapproval of the
Commissioner shall be in writing and mailed to the secretary or
corresponding officer of the society at its principal office. In case he
disapproves the amendment, the reasons therefor shall be stated in
the written notice.

(c)   Within ninety (90) days from the approval thereof by the
Commissioner, all such amendments, or a synopsis thereof, shall be
furnished by the society to all members either by mail or by pub-
lication 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.

(d)   Every foreign or alien society authorized to do business in this
State shall file with the Commissioner a duly certified copy of all
amendments of, or additions to, its articles of incorporation, con-
stitution or laws within ninety (90) days after the enactment of
same.

(e)   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.

319.    Waiver.

The Constitution and laws of the society may provide that no
subordinate body, nor any of its subordinate officers or members
shall have the power or authority to waive any of the provisions
of the laws and constitution of the society. Such provision shall be
binding on the society and every member and beneficiary of a
member.