Ch. 183 1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(1) has a supreme legislative or governing body and subordinate lodges or
branches, by whatever name known;

(2) by its laws, requires the subordinate lodges or branches to hold regular
meetings at least once each month IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PURPOSES OF THE
SOCIETY; and

(3) elects, initiates, or admits members in accordance with its
[constitution,] laws, rituals, and rules.

(c) A society is deemed to have a representative form of government if:

(1) (I) the society provides in its [constitution or] laws for a supreme
legislative or governing body composed of:

[(i)] 1. representatives elected by the members of the society or by
delegates elected directly or indirectly by the members; and

[(ii)] 2. any other individuals required by the [constitution and] laws

of the society;

(II) ELECTION OF DELEGATES MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED BY MAIL;

[(2)](III) the elected representatives of the society:

[(i)] 1. are a majority of the supreme legislative or governing body;

[(ii)] 2. have at least two-thirds of the votes; and

[(iii)] 3. have at least the number of votes required to amend the
[constitution and] laws of the society;

[(3)] (IV) at least once every 4 years:

[(i)] 1. the supreme legislative or governing body of the society

meets; and

[(ii)]2. officers, representatives, or delegates of the society are

elected;

[(4)](V) each insured member is eligible for election to act or serve as a
delegate to the meeting;

[(5)] (VI) the society has a board of directors that:

[(i)] 1. is responsible for the management of the affairs of the
society between meetings of the supreme legislative or governing body;

[(ii)]2. is subject to control by the supreme legislative or governing

body;

[(iii)] 3. except when a vacancy is filled between meetings of the
supreme legislative or governing body, is elected by the supreme legislative or governing
body; and

- 1846 -