The Difference between Bylaws and Standing Rules

 

Bylaws are designed to help the group function in an orderly manner. A copy of Bylaws for your Local PTA/PTSA Unitsshould be provided to all officers and board members. Each member should be responsible for making a thorough study of them. A copy of the bylaws should be made available to any member of the association upon request.

 

If a unit cannot locate the bylaws, check with the Connecticut PTA to see if they have a copy in your file. If there is no copy there, a committee should be appointed by the president. It is a good idea to have a previous president sit on this committee or chair this committee as they worked with or without bylaws during their term and have a good understanding of how the PTA works.

 

Model bylaws may be obtained  from the state office.

 

Changing Bylaws

Bylaws should be reviewed every 3 years. Appoint a small committee to study them, make recommendations, and forward to the Connecticut PTA.

 

You must follow the current bylaws of how much notice to give and how it is to be given, for proposed amendments to association members after receiving approval for amendments from the Connecticut PTA. Recognize that a two-thirds (2/3rd) vote is required to amend the bylaws.

 

Standing Rules

Standing rule outlines the procedures of the organization that are not included in the bylaws and must not conflict with the bylaws. Some examples of the differences are:

• · Bylaws state when the meetings of the association and executive board are held.

• · Standing Rules tell where and what time these meetings are held.

• · Bylaws give the primary responsibilities of officers and chairmen.

• · Standing Rules give the specifics.

 

If the Bylaws state that the first vice president is responsible for the program, the Standing Rules would list the various chairmen, who work with the vice president under the first vice presidents title, such as program, Founders Day, Honorary Service Award, hospitality, refreshments, and program booklet.

 

If the organization has supplies and/or equipment, the Standing Rules would state who is responsible for them and where they would be kept.

 

Standing Rules might also list:

• · Who has the responsibility for securing the outgoing president's pin and its inscription.

• · If there is to be an installation of officers, who is responsible for selecting the installing officers and when the installation should take place.

 

In short, Bylaws are hard and fast rules that may be amended only with prior notice to the membership.

Standing rules are the details of monthly PTA work that may be changed from administration to administration or from meeting to meeting. They require a two-thirds (2/3rd) majority vote without notice and a majority vote with 30 days notice to adopt or amend.