Minutes to bylaw

[razors7]

I have become a member of an orgaanization recently. They say there are un written rules. I got my hands on the constitution and by-laws. We are held under Robert's Rules of Order. My question is 2 parts. First, after a vote is taken and recorded in the minutes is it a rule? Second, or oes it become binding only after it has been written in the by-laws?

[Larry Cisar]

First unwritten rules are custom. Custom, unless otherwise stated in your bylaws, yield to the written rules.

As to motions voted on, unless they conflict with your bylaws, they go into effect once passed. Now, if the motion changes a bylaw, it only goes into effect by the process of amending your bylaws.

[Kim Goldsworthy]

First, after a vote is taken and recorded in the minutes is it a rule?

One too many qualifiers, there, partner.

After a vote is taken, and, assuming the vote is affirmative, and the vote threshold is reached, then the motion is adopted, and officially can be enforced and obeyed.

There is no requirement in Robert's Rules of Order which implies that a motion must first appear inside a set of minutes before the newly adopted motion can be enforced and obeyed.

Or, does it become binding only after it has been written in the by-laws?

Ah!

Now instead of talking about "ordinary acts of the society" (RONR's phrase for things like policies and official statements, etc.), you are talking about amending one's bylaws.

Same answer. - The bylaw amendment which is newly adopted becomes part of the bylaws instantly and automatically.

There is no requirement in Robert's Rules of Order which implies that a bylaws amendment must first appear inside a set of minutes (or appear inside a newly printed copy of the bylaws) before the newly adopted bylaws amendment can be enforced and obeyed.

Sooner or later, yeah, you better get on the stick and order your secretary to type up a new page or two.

But that typing has nothing to do with the official-ness and timliness of the bylaws amendment. - It became "The Law" the instant it was adopted.

• Even if the minutes are never approved.

• Even if you don't type up a new bylaws document for years.