BYLAW AMENDMENT PROPOSALS  (2025)
In accordance with Chapter bylaws, the following bylaw proposals were presented to the Chapter membership at the February 13, 2025, Chapter meeting for discussion. These proposals will be brought up for conversation again at the March 13, 2025, Chapter meeting to give members a chance to thoroughly read through the proposals.
FAQs Regarding Bylaw Amendments
Who can bring a bylaw amendment proposal forward and when can they do it?
Chapter bylaws state that a proposed amendment shall be presented, in writing, at any regularly scheduled Chapter meeting. The only caveat is that the presentation is for the purpose of discussion only. No action can be taken on the proposal(s) until the next regularly scheduled Chapter meeting. (Article XI, Section 1(A) Chapter bylaws).
  • There is no prerequisite or requirement to notify members of the proposal.

Okay, so I presented a bylaw amendment proposal, now what?
  • First, the Chapter secretary is required to attach a complete copy of the proposed language (as presented) to the meeting minutes. (Article XI, Section 1(B) Chapter bylaws).
  • Second, the text of the proposed amendment(s) must be posted on the Chapter website, as well as emailed to the Chapter contact list at least ten (10) days prior to the next regularly scheduled Chapter meeting. (Article XI, Section 1(C) Chapter bylaws).
    • An official (downloadable) ballot must be included in the email (Article XI, Section 1(D) Chapter bylaws).
    • An official ballot must be made available for download on the Chapter website (Article XI, Section 1(D) Chapter bylaws).

All of the notifications have been made. When do we vote and who can vote?
Once discussion of the proposed amendment(s) has occurred, it can voted upon at the next scheduled, or any following meeting, provided the provisions listed immediately above have been met in full.
  • Voting for bylaw amendment proposals is conducted through ballot and/or voice vote through a representative vote. (Article XI, Section 1(E) Chapter bylaws)
  • Only the president (officially on file with PORAC's membership services) of an active member association may cast a vote during a representative vote. (Article VIII, Section 1(B) Chapter bylaws)
    • The Chapter officers will have the official list on the night of the vote to ensure compliance with Chapter and PORAC voting rules.
  • If voting by ballot, the ballot (signed by the association president) can be submitted as follows:
    • By email, regular mail, or in person to the Chapter president at the Chapter meeting. Regardless of how the ballot is submitted, it must be in the Chapter president's possession prior to the official start of the Chapter meeting in which voting is to take place (1859 hrs.). (Article XI, Section 1(D) Chapter bylaws). 
      • To provide emphasis: The ballot must be in the Chapter president's possession prior to the meeting.
      • Make sure you arrive early to the meeting. Do not wait until a few days prior to mail your ballot in.
  • Should an association president be unable to attend the meeting, a designation form shall be completed and signed, by the respective member association president, providing the name of the association member who is authorized to cast a voice vote on their behalf.  (Article XI, Section 1(E)(1)(c) Chapter bylaws)
    • The designation form shall be submitted to the Chapter president prior to the official start of the Chapter meeting where the voting is to take place. (Article XI, Section 1(E)(1)(c)(1) Chapter bylaws)​

We have complied with all of the provisions listed, now what happens?
The vote may now take place. The proposed amendment(s) shall be adopted providing two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast are in favor of the amendment(s) and providing that provisions of Subsections A-E of this Article have been complied with. (Article XI, Section 1(F) Chapter bylaws)

If the bylaw amendment proposals are approved, when do they take effect?
Once the bylaw amendment proposals have been approved by the Chapter, we are required to send the approved bylaws to the PORAC Board of Directors for ratification. Prior to ratification, PORAC corporate counsel will review the approved amendments to ensure they do not conflict with the PORAC bylaws, or state law. When the PORAC Board of Directors ratify the approved bylaw amendments, they will notify the Chapter. The Chapter will post the ratified bylaws on the Chapter website and notify the Chapter membership. Once posted and the notification has been sent, the bylaws become immediately enforceable.