A. A society is operating on the lodge system if it has a supreme governing body and subordinate lodges into which members are elected, initiated or admitted in accordance with its laws, rules and ritual. Subordinate lodges shall be required by the laws of the society to hold regular meetings at least once in each month in furtherance of the purposes of the society.
B. A society may, at its option, organize and operate lodges for children under the minimum age for adult membership. Membership and initiation in local lodges shall not be required of such children, nor shall they have a voice or vote in the management of the society.
History: 1978 Comp., § 59A-44-2, enacted by Laws 1989, ch. 388, § 2.
ANNOTATIONSRepeals and reenactments. — Laws 1989, ch. 388, § 2, repealed 59A-44-2 NMSA 1978, as enacted by Laws 1984, ch. 127, § 787, relating to the definition of lodge system, and enacted a new section, effective January 1, 1990.
Effect of admitting foreign corporations as fraternal benefit societies. — The state cannot admit foreign corporations as fraternal benefit societies and license them as such, and then convert them into old line insurance companies by determining that they have written some nonallowable classes of insurance. State ex rel. Biel v. Royal Neighbors of Am., 1939-NMSC-057, 44 N.M. 8, 96 P.2d 705.
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 36 Am. Jur. 2d Fraternal Orders and Benefit Societies § 5.
10 C.J.S. Beneficial Associations § 7 et seq.