(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, constitution, or laws so provide, by referendum. Such referendum may be held in accordance with the provisions of its articles of incorporation, 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 months from the date of submission thereof, a majority of all of the voting members of the society shall have signified their consent to such amendment by one of the methods specified in this subsection.
(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 requirement of the laws of this state or with the character, objects, and purposes of the society. Unless the commissioner disapproves any such amendment within 60 days after the filing of same, such amendment shall be considered approved. 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 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 publication 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, constitution, or laws within 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.
Structure Code of Alabama
Chapter 34 - Fraternal Benefit Societies.
Section 27-34-1 - Definitions.
Section 27-34-2 - Societies Deemed Operating on Lodge System.
Section 27-34-3 - When Society Deemed as Having Representative Form of Government.
Section 27-34-4 - Applicability of Chapter - Generally.
Section 27-34-5 - Applicability of Chapter - Exceptions.
Section 27-34-6 - License - Requirement; Renewal; Fee; Evidence.
Section 27-34-7 - License - Foreign or Alien Societies - Application; Qualifications.
Section 27-34-8 - License - Foreign or Alien Societies - Suspension, Revocation, or Refusal.
Section 27-34-9 - Articles of Incorporation - Contents.
Section 27-34-11 - Preliminary Certificate - Time to Complete Organization.
Section 27-34-12 - Preliminary Certificate - Initial Solicitations and Qualifications.
Section 27-34-13 - Certificate of Compliance.
Section 27-34-14 - Constitution and Laws; Powers.
Section 27-34-15 - Existing Incorporated Societies.
Section 27-34-16 - Incorporation of Existing Unincorporated Domestic Voluntary Associations.
Section 27-34-17 - Amendment of Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, or Laws.
Section 27-34-18 - Waiver of Societies' Laws and Constitution.
Section 27-34-20 - Creation, etc., of Charitable, Benevolent, or Educational Institutions.
Section 27-34-21 - Members - Qualifications for Membership.
Section 27-34-22 - Members - Payment of Equitable Part of Deficiency.
Section 27-34-23 - Benefits - Generally.
Section 27-34-24 - Benefits - Lives of Children.
Section 27-34-26 - Beneficiaries.
Section 27-34-27 - Exemption of Benefits, etc., From Attachment, Garnishment, or Other Process.
Section 27-34-28 - Personal Liability for Payment of Benefits.
Section 27-34-29 - Issuance of Certificate to Each Benefit Member; Matters Constituting Agreement.
Section 27-34-30 - Life Benefit Certificate - Filing With Commissioner; Standard Provisions.
Section 27-34-31 - Life Benefit Certificate - Prohibited Provisions.
Section 27-34-32 - Accident or Health and Total or Permanent Disability Insurance Contracts.
Section 27-34-33 - Reinsurance.
Section 27-34-34 - Assets; Funds; Expenses.
Section 27-34-35 - Investments.
Section 27-34-36 - Annual Statements - Requirements.
Section 27-34-37 - Annual Statements - Valuation of Certificates; Reserves.
Section 27-34-38 - Annual Statements - Failure to File.
Section 27-34-39 - Examinations - Domestic Societies.
Section 27-34-40 - Examinations - Foreign and Alien Societies.
Section 27-34-41 - Examinations - Publication of Financial Statement, Report, or Finding.
Section 27-34-42 - Exemption From Taxation.
Section 27-34-43 - Applicability of Chapters 7 and 8a.
Section 27-34-44 - Agents - Solicitation Without License.
Section 27-34-45 - Misrepresentations.
Section 27-34-46 - Discrimination, Inducements, and Rebates.
Section 27-34-47 - Service of Process.
Section 27-34-48 - Consolidation or Merger - Procedure.
Section 27-34-49 - Consolidation or Merger - Effect.
Section 27-34-50 - Actions to Enjoin or in Quo Warranto; Liquidation; Receivership.
Section 27-34-51 - Applications for Injunctions.
Section 27-34-52 - Review of Decisions and Findings of Commissioner.