Kara Sears
Standing rules and bylaws are two types of governing documents for an organization. Bylaws are overarching rules that are not expected to change often, if ever, and typically refer to procedures. Standing rules, on the other hand, are more administrative and deal with specifics. They are easier to update and amend than bylaws and can be established or suspended by a majority vote without previous notice. While bylaws are more permanent, they are still subject to change through a multi-month amendment process. This distinction between standing rules and bylaws is important for maintaining a healthy organization, as it allows for flexibility in administration while providing a stable procedural framework.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Level of importance | Bylaws are overarching rules that are not meant to be changed frequently. Standing rules are more flexible and can be changed as needed. |
| Scope | Bylaws refer to procedures and are meant to be followed in the case of conflict with standing rules. Standing rules are more specific and deal with administrative matters. |
| Amendment process | Amending bylaws is a lengthy and involved process that requires advance notice. Standing rules can be changed without advance notice by a majority vote at a business meeting. |
| Suspendability | Bylaws cannot be suspended unless provided for in the bylaws. Standing rules can be suspended for the duration of a meeting by a two-thirds vote or a majority vote with advance notice. |
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What You'll Learn
- Standing rules are easier to update and amend than bi-laws
- Bi-laws are overarching, while standing rules are more administrative
- Bi-laws cannot be suspended, while standing rules can be suspended by a majority vote
- Bi-laws are reserved for items that are not going to change very often
- Standing rules can be established by a majority vote without previous notice
Standing rules are easier to update and amend than bi-laws
Standing rules are easier to update and amend than bylaws. Bylaws are reserved for items that are not going to change very often, if at all. The process of amending bylaws is lengthy and involved, so they are not suitable for items that may change frequently. On the other hand, standing rules are more flexible and can be changed without much hassle. They are more like a set of family rules that helps a group function smoothly.
Standing rules are typically created as needed by an organisation's committees or management subsets. They are related to the administration of a society rather than parliamentary procedure. They deal with the specifics and are subject to change. For example, a standing rule could be that no children under the age of 12 are allowed in the community pool on weekdays, but this rule could be amended on a seasonal basis or as more families move to the community.
Bylaws, on the other hand, are more overarching and refer to procedures. They include the rules that are of such importance that they cannot be changed without previous notice. For example, bylaws may state that the rules contained in a specified work on parliamentary practice shall govern the organisation in all applicable cases, except where inconsistent with the bylaws or special rules of the organisation.
The process of amending bylaws typically requires providing notice in advance, whereas standing rules can usually be changed without any prior notice. Standing rules can be established, suspended, or rescinded by a majority vote at any business meeting. This makes standing rules a useful tool for organisations to adapt to changing circumstances without going through a cumbersome amendment process.
It is important to note that standing rules function under the bylaws of an organisation. While they offer flexibility, they cannot contradict the bylaws. In the event of a conflict between standing rules and bylaws, the bylaws of the organisation take precedence and are to be followed.
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Bi-laws are overarching, while standing rules are more administrative
The rules of an organisation are typically divided into four classes: the constitution, bylaws, rules of order, and standing rules. While bylaws are overarching, referring to procedures, standing rules are more administrative, dealing with the specifics.
Standing rules are one type of governing document of an organisation. They are related to the administration of a society rather than to parliamentary procedure. They are typically drafted as needed by an organisation's committees or other management subsets. They are easier to update and amend than bylaws, and can be established by majority vote without previous notice. For instance, if an organisation's members cannot do something without violating the rules of the organisation, Robert's Rules provides the incidental motion "suspend the rules" to allow them to set aside the rule so that they can go forward with the desired action.
Bylaws, on the other hand, are reserved for items that are not going to change very often, if at all. They are more overarching and refer to procedures. The process of amending bylaws is usually a lengthy and involved one, and bylaws themselves cannot be suspended unless provided for in the bylaws. They should include all the rules that are of such importance that they cannot be changed without previous notice, except those placed in the constitution and the rules of order.
However, there is some overlap between the two. For example, Robert's Rules of Order states that the time for a meeting is put in the standing rules instead of the bylaws. These rules are considered main motions. They do not need previous notice to be adopted by a majority vote. They can be suspended for the duration of a meeting and can be rescinded without previous notice by a two-thirds vote, and majority vote with previous notice.
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Bi-laws cannot be suspended, while standing rules can be suspended by a majority vote
Standing rules and bylaws are two different types of rules that govern organizations. Bylaws are overarching rules that refer to procedures and are not meant to be changed frequently, if at all. They are meant to be more permanent and typically involve a lengthy and involved process to amend. On the other hand, standing rules are more flexible and administrative in nature, dealing with the day-to-day operations of an organization. They are easier to update and amend than bylaws, and, importantly, can be suspended by a majority vote without previous notice. This distinction is crucial for the smooth functioning of an organization, as it allows for the necessary flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances without disrupting the foundational rules and procedures outlined in the bylaws.
The primary difference between bylaws and standing rules lies in their purpose and scope. Bylaws are designed to be the fundamental rules that govern the overall functioning of an organization. They are meant to provide a stable framework and are typically not subject to change. Matters such as state and national laws and regulations, as well as rules that are unlikely to change, are addressed in the bylaws. In contrast, standing rules are more dynamic and adaptable. They are created as needed by committees or management subsets within an organization to address specific administrative matters or situations that arise.
The process of amending bylaws is intentionally made more challenging to prevent frequent changes to the fundamental rules of an organization. Amending bylaws often involves a multi-month process and may require advance notice, a quorum, and a higher voting threshold than standing rules. This distinction is important to maintain the stability and consistency of an organization's core principles.
Standing rules, on the other hand, can be amended, suspended, or rescinded more easily. They do not require previous notice and can be adopted or changed by a simple majority vote at any business meeting. This flexibility allows organizations to adapt to changing circumstances without undergoing a lengthy amendment process. For example, a standing rule might address the time of a meeting, which could be changed if circumstances demand it. This democratic approach to rule-making empowers members of the organization to make necessary changes without disrupting the core bylaws.
In conclusion, while bylaws and standing rules both play important roles in governing an organization, they serve different purposes. Bylaws provide a stable foundation of rules that are not easily changed, while standing rules offer flexibility and adaptability to address specific administrative matters or changing circumstances. The ability to suspend standing rules by a majority vote without previous notice is a key aspect of maintaining the balance between stability and adaptability in an organization's governance.
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Bi-laws are reserved for items that are not going to change very often
The very nature of bi-laws suggests that they are enduring and not subject to the fluctuations that standing rules may experience. Bi-laws are designed to be long-lasting and act as a solid foundation for the group's operations. They are often broad in scope, encompassing the entire organisation and its various facets.
The process of amending bi-laws typically requires a higher level of consensus and formality than changing standing rules. This is to ensure that any modifications are well-considered and reflect the collective will of the organisation. A higher voting threshold, a super-majority, or even a unanimous decision may be required to alter the bi-laws, depending on the specific rules of the group.
The infrequent nature of bi-law changes also allows for a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to decision-making. Members are given ample time to consider the implications of any proposed amendments, encouraging a thorough evaluation of the potential consequences. This helps to prevent hasty or impulsive decisions that could be detrimental to the organisation.
By reserving bi-laws for stable, long-term guidelines, organisations can maintain a sense of continuity and stability. Standing rules, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and adaptability, allowing the group to respond to immediate needs and evolving circumstances. This complementary relationship between bi-laws and standing rules ensures that the organisation can effectively manage both short-term requirements and long-term goals.
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Standing rules can be established by a majority vote without previous notice
Standing rules are distinct from bylaws in that they are related to the administration of a society rather than to parliamentary procedure. They are more flexible and can be amended more easily than bylaws. Bylaws, on the other hand, are reserved for items that are not expected to change frequently, if at all. The process of amending bylaws is typically more involved and time-consuming, requiring a higher threshold for changes.
Standing rules can be established, amended, or temporarily suspended by a majority vote without the need for previous notice. This flexibility allows organizations to adapt to changing circumstances and promotes democratic decision-making. For example, if an organization's meetings are held remotely, they can create standing rules that align with remote meeting procedures, saving time and ensuring smooth operations.
It is important to note that standing rules should not be included in the bylaws, as this can inadvertently set them in stone, defeating their intended purpose. Instead, standing rules should be maintained separately, providing a flexible framework for the organization's operations. This distinction is crucial for the efficient functioning of the organization and ensuring that members are aware of the applicable rules.
While standing rules can be established without previous notice, it is still essential to follow proper procedures. This includes incorporating a statement in the bylaws that empowers the Executive Board to approve and amend standing rules. Additionally, organizations should consider adopting a rule stating that their standing rules shall govern the organization in applicable cases, provided they do not conflict with the bylaws or special rules of order.
In conclusion, standing rules play a vital role in the efficient administration of an organization, and their ability to be established or amended by a majority vote without previous notice grants them the necessary flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. However, it is important to strike a balance by ensuring that the standing rules do not conflict with the higher authority of the bylaws or the special rules of order.
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