H.B. 1022                                                VETOES

8-418.

(a)     A society may adopt and amend [a constitution and] laws to:

(1)     govern the society;

(2)     admit society members;

(3)     manage society affairs; and

(4)     fix and readjust the rates of society members.

(b)     (1) The [constitution and] laws of the society may provide that subordinate
lodges or branches and their officers and members may not waive any provisions of the
laws [or constitution] of the society.

(2) A provision adopted in accordance with this subsection is binding on the
society and each member and beneficiary of a member.

(c)     Except as prohibited by this subtitle, a society has any other power necessary
and incidental to accomplish the purposes for which it is established.

8-419.

(a)     A society may amend, in accordance with their provisions, its[ articles of
incorporation, constitution, or] laws by:

(1)     action of its supreme legislative or governing body at a regular or special
meeting of the body; or

(2)     referendum.

(b)     (1) An amendment by referendum may be approved in accordance with the
[articles of incorporation, constitution, or] laws of a society, by the vote of:

(i) the society's voting members;

(ii) the delegates or representatives of the society's voting members; or

(iii) the society's local lodges or branches.

(2) An amendment may not be adopted by referendum unless, within 6
months after it is submitted for adoption, a majority of all the voting members of the
society have consented to the amendment.

(c)     (1) An amendment to the [articles of incorporation, constitution, or] laws
of a society may not take effect unless the Commissioner approves.

(2)     The Commissioner shall approve an amendment if the Commissioner
finds that the amendment was adopted properly and is not inconsistent with the laws of
the State or [with the articles of incorporation of] the society.

(3)     The Commissioner's approval or disapproval shall be in writing and
mailed to the secretary or equivalent officer of the society at the society's principal office.

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