How to temporarily suspend a bylaw?

[Guest J Bundens]

If a Board has established a bylaw (such as one that requires sitting on a certain type of proposal for a year before considering, established many years ago), what type of motion or process could be done to temporarily suspend such a bylaw so that a motion can be considered? Can a member simply make a motion to suspend the bylaw, have discussion and vote (perhaps it needs to be unanimous), or would a Board Chair have the authority to suspend? Is there another way to bring a motion that needs an exception (expedited) process contrary to a bylaw? Thanks for any help on this. 

[Dan Honemann]

On 1/18/2024 at 11:20 PM, Guest J Bundens said:

If a Board has established a bylaw (such as one that requires sitting on a certain type of proposal for a year before considering, established many years ago), what type of motion or process could be done to temporarily suspend such a bylaw so that a motion can be considered? Can a member simply make a motion to suspend the bylaw, have discussion and vote (perhaps it needs to be unanimous), or would a Board Chair have the authority to suspend? Is there another way to bring a motion that needs an exception (expedited) process contrary to a bylaw? Thanks for any help on this. 

Since you are referring to a board which creates its own bylaws, the rules which it places in those bylaws which are clearly identifiable as rules in the nature of rules of order (a rule such as the one you describe is such a rule), can be suspended by a two-thirds vote, with certain exceptions.  One of these exceptions appears to be applicable here.  A rule protecting absentees, such as a rule requiring previous notice, may not be suspended if any member is absent. 

The Board can, of course, change this rule by amending its bylaws, following the procedure outlined in them for their amendment

A Board Chair has no authority to suspend a rule on his own initiative,