TLA Organization: Working with Bylaws

WORKING WITH THE TLA BYLAWS AND RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
When, Where, How
Resolutions • Motions • Bylaws

Questions You Were Afraid to Ask?

At times working with bylaws or items that need to come before the TLA Council may seem like overwhelming tasks. This handout is designed to answer basic questions about the processes involved. More information is located on the Bylaws and Council Information webpage.

When

When do items need to come to the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee?

Whenever a TLA Unit amends (bylaw amendments are changes to existing bylaws) or revises (bylaw revisions are complete re-writes of bylaws) its bylaws. Bylaw amendments or revisions must be submitted to the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee prior to voting or adopting the amendments or revisions.

Whenever a TLA Unit or member wants the TLA Council to take action on something. Any resolution requiring a vote by the TLA Council must come to the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee. Any motion with implications for the TLA Bylaws and Standing Rules must come to the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee.

Where

The TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee meets at both the TLA Annual Conference and the TLA Annual Assembly. Items may be brought to the committee during these formal meetings or sent to the Chair of the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee throughout the year.

How

Please follow these steps when submitting any item to the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee:

Provide 15 copies.

Provide an electronic copy on diskette or via email.

Provide a contact person to give the committee background information and answer questions (if submitting items during the TLA Conference or TLA Annual Assembly, please send someone to the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee meeting).

Provide needed forms or additional information as listed below for resolutions, motions, or bylaws:

Resolutions

All resolutions must have a Resolution Transmittal Form.

Motions

All motions must have a Motion and Amendment Form.

All motions must be moved and seconded with the signatures of these individuals on the form.

Bylaws

All bylaw amendments or revisions must be made following the procedures outlined by the current bylaws in place for the unit. If timelines are involved for voting it is the responsibility of the unit to ensure enough time is built into the schedule to allow the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee to review and comment on the amendments or revisions. The individual submitting the amendments or revisions should provide the Chair of the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee with a schedule for when the unit needs to have the amendments or revisions returned.

Once bylaw amendments or revisions have been reviewed by the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, it is the responsibility of the unit to:

A. Make the changes recommended by the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee.
B. Follow the procedures outlined in the unit's bylaws to adopt the amendments or revisions.
C. Submit two (2) copies to the TLA Office and one (1) copy to the Chair of the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee of the
amended or revised bylaws once the unit formally adopts them.

Remember

If you need more information or assistance with the processes involved for resolutions, motions, or bylaws, please contact the Chair of the TLA Bylaws and Resolutions Committee.

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