Procedure for new policies

[Guest Diane]

When a task force produces a new policy for an organization, does it go before the board for approval?  Does it need a majority or 2/3's approval? 

[Timothy]

A board has only the power given to it by the organization, so board approval is not required unless the organization has specified such in its bylaws. A policy would require only a majority vote for approval.

[Bruce Lages]

Who is able to approve a new policy will depend primarily on what body created the task force (most likely equivalent to a committee as defined in RONR), and perhaps also on what type of policy is proposed. A task force created by the board will report to the board, while a task force created by the general membership will report to the general membership.

 

As an example of the dependence on what type of policy is proposed, in an organization in which the membership has the power to amend the bylaws, a task force created to recommend changes in the bylaws will have to ultimately present its proposed changes to the general membership for approval, regardless of who created the task force.

[Transpower]

A policy is a standing rule and therefore requires a majority vote.  If it's a board policy, a majority of the board must approve.  If it's an assembly policy, then a majority of the assembly must approve.