WHAT ARE BYLAWS?
Each PTA in California is governed by bylaws based on the standard developed by the state organization. Bylaws may never be suspended but may be amended following procedures set by the California State PTA.
WHAT’S IN THE BYLAWS?
The name of the association; articles and purpose of the organization; basic policies; qualifications for membership; rules for officers, executive board, meetings, committees and running the PTA.
HOW ARE THE BYLAWS ADOPTED?
The bylaws are adopted by members of the organization.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD A PTA AMEND THE BYLAWS?
Bylaws should be reviewed each year to determine if any changes need to be made. At least once every five (5) years, the bylaws should be transferred to the most recent edition of the standard bylaws from the California State PTA.
HOW ARE STANDARD BYLAWS OBTAINED?
Go to FutureFund Connect to submit your bylaws online. Follow the prompts to complete the forms.
Bylaw PDF templates can be downloaded from the Leaders’ website.
HOW TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TO CHANGE THE BYLAWS?
- The president appoints a bylaws review committee (3-5 people) chaired by the parliamentarian.
- The committee reviews the bylaws to see if any changes are necessary and then completes a set of the most current edition of Bylaws for Local PTA/PTSA Units.
HOW ARE CHANGES MADE IN THE BYLAWS?
- The committee prepares a detailed list of proposed amendments.
- The committee presents to the executive board the recommendation that no changes be made or the list of proposed amendments.
- The executive board votes and the outcome is recorded in the minutes.
- If you are using the In Council or Out of Council Unit PDF fill-in-the-blank form from the Leaders Website, the representative should email the bylaws, along with the bylaws submission form, to the PTA council or district contacts, who will submit them to the California State PTA parliamentarian.
If you are using the FutureFundConnect platform, once you have completed the form, submit the file. These steps also apply to councils and districts; use the most current edition of Council or District Bylaws.
WHAT PROCEDURES ARE FOLLOWED WHEN THE BYLAWS ARE RETURNED?
- The California State PTA parliamentarian returns signed bylaws to the unit through district and council PTA channels.
- An association meeting is scheduled to adopt the amendments to the bylaws.
- Members must be notified of the meeting at least thirty (30) days in advance and a list of the proposed amendments must be included with the notice.
- A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the association membership is required to adopt the amendments.
- After the association adopts the amendments, the president and secretary sign and date the bylaws. Update the signature page to the FutureFund Connect Document Retention.
WHO SHOULD HAVE COPIES OF THE BYLAWS?
The master copies of the bylaws are kept by the president, secretary and parliamentarian. Additional copies of the bylaws are made for the procedure books of each member of the executive board, including the principal and teacher representative. The bylaws are to be available for any member to read.
WHAT ARE STANDING RULES?
The standing rules direct the administration of the organization. They are more flexible than bylaws and are adopted by the membership as a need arises. Standing rules are procedural rather than parliamentary.
HOW ARE CHANGES MADE IN THE STANDING RULES?
- To change or do away with a standing rule requires previous notice and a majority vote, or a two-thirds vote without previous notice.
- No standing rule is in order that is in conflict with the bylaws.
WHAT ARE ALL THOSE EXTRA MARKS (***) IN THE BYLAWS?
Requirements set by the National PTA and California State PTA are included in each set of bylaws marked with a triple star (***). Requirements set by California Corporate Code are marked with a double star (**). These marked articles and sections cannot be changed or altered in any way and must remain in all bylaws. All such items are automatically included in all bylaws after adoption at the state convention.
THE BYLAWS FOR OUR PTA ARE MORE THAN TEN YEARS OLD. ARE THEY STILL IN EFFECT?
Some of the basic information such as number of officers is still effective, however, once the California State PTA has adopted a change for the standard bylaws for local PTA/PTSAs, it is effective for all PTA/PTSAs whether the printed copy being used by your PTA includes that change or not. Amendments adopted by the California State PTA at the annual convention become effective for all PTA/PTSAs. It is strongly recommended that PTA bylaws be reviewed annually, with the most current edition of the standard bylaws updated at least every five (5) years. Refer to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, latest edition, for additional information.