Ind. Code ch. 27-11-2

Ind. Code § 27-11-2-1 "Lodge system" defined; organization and operation of lodges for children

Sec. 1. (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 periodic meetings 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 children, nor shall they have a voice or vote in the management of the society. As added by P.L.262-1985, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 27-11-2-2 Representative form of government

Sec. 2. A society has a representative form of government if it meets all of the following conditions: (1) It has a supreme governing body constituted in one (1) of the following ways: (A) The supreme governing body is an assembly composed of delegates elected directly by the members or at intermediate assemblies or conventions of members or their representatives, together with other delegates as may be prescribed in the society's laws. A society may provide for election of delegates by mail. The elected delegates shall constitute a majority in number and shall not have less than a majority of the votes and not less than the number of votes required to amend the society's laws. The assembly shall meet at least once every four (4) years and shall elect a board of directors to conduct the business of the society between meetings of the assembly. Vacancies on the board of directors between elections may be filled in the manner prescribed by the society's laws. (B) The supreme governing body is a board composed of persons elected by the members, either directly or by their representatives in intermediate assemblies, and any other persons prescribed in the society's laws. A society may provide for election of the board by mail. Each term of a board member may not exceed four (4) years. Vacancies on the board between elections may be filled in the manner prescribed by the society's laws. Those persons elected to the board constitute a majority in number and not less than the number of votes required to amend the society's laws. A person filling the unexpired term of an elected board member is considered to be an elected member. The board shall meet at least quarterly to conduct the business of the society. (2) The officers of the society are elected either by the supreme governing body or by the board of directors. (3) Only benefit members are eligible for election to the supreme governing body, the board of directors, or any intermediate assembly. (4) Each voting member shall have one (1) vote and no vote may be cast by proxy. As added by P.L.262-1985, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 27-11-2-3 Operation for benefit of members and beneficiaries

Sec. 3. A society shall operate for the benefit of members and their beneficiaries by: (1) providing benefits as specified in IC 27-11-6-1; and (2) operating for one (1) or more social, intellectual, educational, charitable, benevolent, moral, fraternal, patriotic, or religious purposes for the benefit of its members that may also be extended to others. These purposes may be carried out directly by the society, or indirectly through subsidiary corporations or affiliated organizations. As added by P.L.262-1985, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 27-11-2-4 Laws and rules; necessary and incidental powers

Sec. 4. Every society may adopt laws and rules for the government of the society, the admission of its members, and the management of its affairs. It may change, alter, add to, or amend such laws and rules. It shall have such other powers as are necessary and incidental to effect the objectives and purposes of the society. As added by P.L.262-1985, SEC.1.