Rules for mutual benefit society governance and officers

(a) Mutual benefit societies promising or offering to pay death, sick, disability, or other benefits in an amount equal to or in excess of $25 shall, subject to the approval of the commissioner, have the power to make a constitution and bylaws for the government of the society, the admission of its members, the management of its affairs, and the fixing and readjusting of the rates of contribution of its members. The societies shall have the power to amend the constitution and bylaws and such other powers as are necessary to carry into effect the object and purpose of the society, but shall not suspend temporarily any part of its constitution or bylaws as the same are governed by this article. (b) Each mutual benefit society shall elect or otherwise appoint among its officers a president and a treasurer, who shall be residents of the State. (c) After the organization of a society is completed and a certificate of registration is granted by the commissioner, the society shall be governed by its administrative board or body in accordance with its constitution and bylaws. (d) Upon compliance with this article any society engaged in transacting business or operating in this State may exercise all of the rights conferred by this article, and all of the rights, powers and privileges possessed by it under its constitution and bylaws, rules and regulations, or articles of incorporation or charter not inconsistent with this article.