2019 Bylaws Committee Report

Committee members:

  • Spencer Dias – Chair
  • Chip Spangler
  • Brian Shields
  • Darryl Perry
  • Robert Lombardo

The Committee was able to meet once to go through most of the bylaw proposals and a few were discussed online. While most were able to be passed unanimously – typically fixing something looked over in the past, to comply with legal statutes, or to incorporate ideas tested in other LP organizations and affiliates – a few were tried under the court of why. Because of the amount of bylaw proposals and the few that may cause issue in convention, we have ordered them from least controversial – unanimous and simple – to most controversial: anything that deals with the leadership board. Please take into account the time constraints of the agenda and the goals of each amendment. We certainly don’t want a repeat of the 2018 convention.

In liberty,
Chairman Dias

Table Of Contents

Bylaw Committee Report 1
Table of Contents 2
Bylaw Proposal 01 3
Bylaw Proposal 11 4
Bylaw Proposal 12 5
Bylaw Proposal 15 6
Bylaw Proposal 16 7
Bylaw Proposal 20 8
Bylaw Proposal 19 9
Bylaw Proposal 18 10
End of uncontroversial amendments 11
Bylaw Proposal 02 11
Bylaw Proposal 03 11
Bylaw Proposal 04 13
Bylaw Proposal 07 15
Bylaw Proposal 08 16
Bylaw Proposal 09 17
Bylaw Proposal 10 18
Bylaw Proposal 13 19
Bylaw Proposal 14 20
Bylaw Proposal 17 21
Bylaw Proposal 05 22
Bylaw Proposal 5A 26
Bylaw Proposal 5B (To only be considered if Proposal 5 fails) 27

Bylaw Proposal 01

Original Amendment Language if approved
n/a Add new section
Article VIII, C, 6. No fee shall be charged for a Delegate-Eligible Member to participate in the business session of a convention.		 Article VIII, C, 6. No fee shall be charged for a Delegate-Eligible Member to participate in attend the business session of a convention.

Rationale: This prohibits the creation or implementation of a Floor Fee or Poll Tax.

Proposal adopted: Unanimous 5-0-0

Bylaw Proposal 11

Original Amendment Language if approved
Article IX, Section E Part 2-c
c.    The volunteer designated as the Political Director of the State Party by the Executive Committee shall be the committee chair. The Executive Committee shall appoint the initial committee secretary.		 c. The volunteer person designated as the Political Director of the State Party by the Executive Committee shall be the committee chair. The Executive Committee shall appoint the initial committee secretary. c. The person designated as the Political Director of the State Party by the Executive Committee shall be the committee chair. The Executive Committee shall appoint the initial committee secretary.

Rationale: The Political Director of the State Party may be a paid position in the future, in which case it would not make sense to specify “volunteer” in the bylaws for this position.

Proposal approved: Unanimous, 5-0-0

Bylaw Proposal 12

Original Amendment Language if approved
Article VII Section F Part 3
Notification of the date or dates of the annual convention must be delivered by electronic methods of communication to all State Party members no later than 91 days prior to the first day of the convention. A detailed notice of the annual convention must be sent to all dues-paying members no later than 35 days prior to the first day of the convention		 Article VII Section F Part 3
Notification of the date or dates of the annual convention must be delivered by electronic methods of communication to all State Party members no later than 91 days prior to the first day of the convention. A detailed notice of the annual convention must be sent to all dues-paying members no later than 35 days prior to the first day of the convention.		 Article VII Section F Part 3
Notification of the date or dates of the annual convention must be delivered by electronic methods of communication to State Party members no later than 91 days prior to the first day of the convention. A detailed notice of the annual convention must be sent to dues-paying members no later than 35 days prior to the first day of the convention.

Rationale: Eliminates the word “all” to prevent the possibility of objection to proper notice by a member of the Party who hasn’t provided any contact information.

Proposal approved: Unanimous, 5-0-0

Bylaw Proposal 15

Original Amendment Language if approved
VIII. F. 1.
The Annual Convention shall begin no earlier than the Friday before the last Saturday of February and shall end no later than the last day of April.		 VIII. F. 1.
The Annual Convention shall begin no earlier than the Friday before the last Saturday of February first Friday of January and shall end no later than the last day of April.		 VIII. F. 1.
The Annual Convention shall begin no earlier than the first Friday of January and shall end no later than the last day of April.

Rationale: We need to begin petitioning early during election years. This will allow us to hold our convention on the first weekend of January 2020 to nominate candidates before the Presidential Primary, so that we can begin petitioning as soon as possible.

Proposal approved: Unanimous, 5-0-0

Bylaw Proposal 16

Original Amendment Language if approved
n/a Insert before Article IX, C, 3, c)
Provide a report to the Executive Committee at least once per quarter;		 Article IX, C, 3, c)
Provide a report to the Executive Committee at least once per quarter;
Re-letter part (c) as part (d)
Re-letter part (d) as part (e)

Rationale: Zombie-Committee Protection Act

Proposal adopted: Unanimous, 5-0-0

Bylaw Proposal 20

Original Amendment Language if approved
n/a Art. IX, F, 3, 6.
A member of the Judicial Committee shall not be a member of the Executive Committee.		 Art. IX, F, 3, 6.
A member of the Judicial Committee shall not be a member of the Executive Committee.

Rationale: A MEMBER OF THE EC SHOULD NOT BE A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE.

Proposal approved: UNANIMOUS 5-0-0

Bylaw Proposal 19

Original Amendment Language if approved
VII. Executive Committee & Leadership Board
A. Executive Committee
5. Vacancies of Officers of the State Party shall be filled as specified in Article IV		 VII. Executive Committee & Leadership Board
A. Executive Committee
5. Vacancies of Officers of the State Party shall be filled as specified in Article IVVI.		 VII. Executive Committee & Leadership Board
A. Executive Committee
5. Vacancies of Officers of the State Party shall be filled as specified in Article VI.

Rationale: Fixes a typo

Proposal approved: Unanimous, 5-0-0

Bylaw Proposal 18

Original Amendment Language if approved
n/a Add new Article VI. L. (re-letter as needed)
The Executive Committee may, for cause, suspend any officer by a vote of 2/3 of the entire Executive Committee. The suspended officer may challenge the suspension by an appeal in writing to the Judicial Committee within seven days of receipt of notice of suspension. Failure to appeal within seven days shall confirm the suspension and bar any later challenge or appeal. The Judicial Committee shall set a date for hearing the appeal between 21 and 42 days of receipt of the appeal and shall notify all interested persons, which persons shall have the right to appear and present evidence and argument. At the hearing the burden of persuasion shall rest upon the appellant. The Judicial Committee shall either affirm the Executive Committee’s suspension of the officer or order the officer’s reinstatement within 28 days of the hearing. Failure of the Judicial Committee to rule within 28 days shall constitute an affirmation of the Executive Committee’s suspension of the officer. At such time as the suspension is final, the office in question shall be deemed vacant.		 Article VI. L.
The Executive Committee may, for cause, suspend any officer by a vote of 2/3 of the entire Executive Committee. The suspended officer may challenge the suspension by an appeal in writing to the Judicial Committee within seven days of receipt of notice of suspension. Failure to appeal within seven days shall confirm the suspension and bar any later challenge or appeal. The Judicial Committee shall set a date for hearing the appeal between 21 and 42 days of receipt of the appeal and shall notify all interested persons, which persons shall have the right to appear and present evidence and argument. At the hearing the burden of persuasion shall rest upon the appellant. The Judicial Committee shall either affirm the Executive Committee’s suspension of the officer or order the officer’s reinstatement within 28 days of the hearing. Failure of the Judicial Committee to rule within 28 days shall constitute an affirmation of the Executive Committee’s suspension of the officer. At such time as the suspension is final, the office in question shall be deemed vacant.

Rationale: This will allow the EC to remove an Officer. Proposal uses essentially the same language from the LNC, except the timeline has been altered to make tracking of timeline easier.

Proposal approved: Unanimous, 5-0-0

End of Uncontroversial Amendments

Bylaw Proposal 2

Original Amendment Language if approved
n/a Add new section, renumber accordingly
Article VIII, F, 3. In even numbered years, the Annual Convention shall be held in either Hillsborough or Merrimack County. In odd numbered years, the site of the Annual Convention will be rotated among the affiliates. [something about bidding at the convention]
Affiliates other than SNHLP cannot host it any more than once every three years		 Article VIII, F, 3.

 

  1. In even numbered years, the Annual Convention shall be held in either Hillsborough or Merrimack County.
  2. The Leadership Board shall have the authority to select the affiliate to host the Annual Convention for the next odd-numbered year at their first meeting after the even-year annual convention. An affiliate that hosts a convention in an odd-numbered year may not host it again for at least three years.

Rationale: This requires the Annual Convention be held in different parts of the state, and sets an order of rotation so that each affiliate gets the chance to host a convention.

Proposal adopted: 4-1-0,Minority Report: (RL) Cementing a requirement that conventions be held in any location or region at a particular time is an excessive control. It is understood that the frequency of statewide elections in New Hampshire makes it advisable for Hillsborough and Merrimack Counties to host the convention in even-numbered years, however such judgment should still be reserved to those selecting the location in case extraordinary circumstances give rise to another county being more advantageous or suitable to the needs of the Party at the time. It is incumbent upon the delegates to select leaders who will be cognizant of such concerns in their appointments. A preferable alternative would be a bylaw requiring that the same regional affiliate not host a Convention in three consecutive years, or some other similar condition.

Bylaw Proposal 03

Original Amendment Language if approved
Article IX, A. Standing Committees
The Standing Committees of the State Party shall be the Membership & Outreach Committee, the Politics & Campaign Committee, the Judicial Committee, the Bylaws & Rules Committee, the Platform Committee, the Credentials Committee, and the Convention Committee.		 Amend Article IX, A. The Standing Committees of the State Party shall be:
1) Membership & Outreach Committee, the
2) Politics & Campaign Committee, the
3) Judicial Committee, the
4) Bylaws & Rules Committee, the
5) Platform Committee, the
6) Credentials Committee, and the
7) Convention Committee.		 Article IX
A. The Standing Committees of the State Party shall be:
1) Membership & Outreach Committee
2) Politics & Campaign Committee
3) Judicial Committee
4) Bylaws & Rules Committee
5) Platform Committee
6) Credentials Committee
7) Convention Committee.

Rationale: Formatting change, nothing of substance.

Proposal adopted: 4-0-1 (Spangler Abstains)

Bylaw Proposal 04

Original Amendment Language if approved
Article VIII, F, 7, c)
Proposals for amendments to the bylaws, new or amended special rules of order, and changes to the State Party Platform must be submitted to the proper committee as specified in the bylaws. No proposal for an amendment to the bylaws or for a new or amended special rule of order shall be considered by the State Convention if it has not been evaluated by the Bylaws & Rules Committee. No proposal for a change to the State Party Platform shall be considered by the State Convention if it has not been evaluated by the Platform Committee.		 Amend to read:
Article VIII, F, 7, c)
Proposals for amendments to the bylaws, new or amended special rules of order, and changes to the State Party Platform must may be submitted to the proper committee as specified in the bylaws. No proposal for an amendment to the bylaws or for a new or amended special rule of order shall be considered by the State Convention if it has not been evaluated by the Bylaws & Rules Committee, except as allowed in Article VIII, F, 7, d). No proposal for a change to the State Party Platform shall be considered by the State Convention if it has not been evaluated by the Platform Committee, except as allowed in Article VIII, F, 7, d).
New section Article VIII, F, 7, d)
A proposed amendment to the bylaws, special rules of order, or the State Party Platform may be heard from the floor during New Business upon the written request of at least five Delegates or 10% of the Delegates in attendance, whichever is more. An absolute majority vote is required for consideration of any such proposals. The vote for consideration shall not be amenable or debatable. An absolute ⅔ vote is required for passage of any such proposal.		 Article VIII, F, 7, c)
Proposals for amendments to the bylaws, new or amended special rules of order, and changes to the State Party Platform may be submitted to the proper committee as specified in the bylaws. No proposal for an amendment to the bylaws or for a new or amended special rule of order shall be considered by the State Convention if it has not been evaluated by the Bylaws & Rules Committee, except as allowed in Article VIII, F, 7, d). No proposal for a change to the State Party Platform shall be considered by the State Convention if it has not been evaluated by the Platform Committee, except as allowed in Article VIII, F, 7, d).
d) A proposed amendment to the bylaws, special rules of order, or the State Party Platform may be heard from the floor during New Business upon the written request of at least five Delegates or 10% of the Delegates in attendance, whichever is more. An absolute majority vote is required for consideration of any such proposals. The vote for consideration shall not be amenable or debatable. An absolute ⅔ vote is required for passage of any such proposal.

Rationale: Allows a process for amendments to be brought from the floor.

Proposal adopted: Unanimous, 5-0-0

Bylaw Proposal 07

Original Amendment Language if approved
Article VIII, Section G, Part 1
a. The committee shall accept proposals from any Delegate-Eligible Member of the State Party. Proposals for consideration at the annual convention must be submitted to the committee at least 70 days prior to the first day of the annual convention. Proposals may suggest an amendment to the bylaws or suggest a new or amended special rule of order, including convention rules.
d. The committee shall complete its work and submit its reports to the Secretary of the State Party no later than 45 days prior to the first day of the annual convention, or if applicable, no less than 28 days prior to any business convention. At the convention, the committee shall introduce every proposal it has evaluated, announce its recommendation regarding the proposal, and briefly explain its reasoning for its recommendation.		 Article VIII, Section G, Part 1
a. The committee shall accept proposals from any Delegate-Eligible Member of the State Party. Proposals for consideration at the annual convention must be submitted to the committee at least 70 56 days prior to the first day of the annual convention. Proposals may suggest an amendment to the bylaws or suggest a new or amended special rule of order, including convention rules.
d. The committee shall complete its work and submit its reports to the Secretary of the State Party no later than 45 35 days prior to the first day of the annual convention, or if applicable, no less than 28 21 days prior to any business convention. At the convention, the committee shall introduce every proposal it has evaluated, announce its recommendation regarding the proposal, and briefly explain its reasoning for its recommendation.		 Article VIII, Section G, Part 1
a. The committee shall accept proposals from any Delegate-Eligible Member of the State Party. Proposals for consideration at the annual convention must be submitted to the committee at least 56 days prior to the first day of the annual convention. Proposals may suggest an amendment to the bylaws or suggest a new or amended special rule of order, including convention rules.
d. The committee shall complete its work and submit its reports to the Secretary of the State Party no later than 35 days prior to the first day of the annual convention, or if applicable, no less than 21 days prior to any business convention. At the convention, the committee shall introduce every proposal it has evaluated, announce its recommendation regarding the proposal, and briefly explain its reasoning for its recommendation.

Rationale: Shorten the deadlines for convention preparedness.

Proposal Adopted: 4-1-0 (Shields votes in the negative)

Minority Report: Delegate notification time shouldn’t be shortened, especially when large committee reports need to be considered, as have happened in the past.

Bylaw Proposal 08

Original Amendment Language if approved
Article IX: Part 2-b Sections D and E:
b. The committee shall consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of sixteen members. The initial committee membership shall consist of up to eight members elected at any regular convention by the State Committee, and up to eight members directly appointed by the Executive Committee.		 b. The committee shall consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of sixteen members. The initial committee membership shall consist of up to eight members [change to director (also committee chair) has the power to nominate people as needed]. , and up to eight members directly Members may also be appointed by the Executive Committee.
Add something about the EC have the power to remove the chair for failure to perform duties, also something about the chair of providing at least quarterly reports		 b. The committee shall consist of a minimum of three members. The chair of the committee shall have the power to appoint people to the committee. Members may also be appointed by the Executive Committee. The committee chair or the Executive Committee may remove a committee member for cause.
Article IX: Part 2-b Sections G and H:
b. The committee shall consist of a minimum of five and a maximum of sixteen members. The initial committee membership shall consist of up to eight members elected at any regular convention by the State Committee, and up to eight members directly appointed by the Executive Committee.		 b. The committee shall consist of a minimum of five and a maximum of sixteen members. The initial committee membership shall consist of up to eight members Members of the committee may be elected at any regular convention by the State Convention. , and up to eight members directly Members may also be appointed by the Executive Committee.
[adjust this as far as when bylaws and platform are elected if the amendment that switches to alternate years — put it in that amendment, not this one]		 b. The committee shall consist of a minimum of five members. Members of the committee may be elected by the delegates at any state convention. Members may also be appointed by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may remove a committee member for cause.

Rationale: This simplifies the language, adds flexibility for appointing members, and ensures that there are no unnecessary limits on the composition of the committees.

Proposal adopted: 4-0-1 (Perry votes to abstain)

Bylaw Proposal 09

Original Amendment and Language if approved
[none] Article IX — New Section K
K.    Legislative Committee
1.    The Legislative Committee (referred to as “committee” in this Section of this Article) shall further the goals of the State Party by developing a knowledge base of the current and prior laws within the state, developing legislative proposals and strategies, and other related activities.
2.    Membership
a.    Members of the committee must be members of the State Party.
b.    The committee shall consist of a minimum of three members. The chair of the committee shall have the power to appoint people to the committee. Members may also be appointed by the Executive Committee. The committee chair or the Executive Committee may remove a committee member for cause.
3.    Leadership and Structure
a.    The person designated as the Legislative Director of the State Party by the Executive Committee shall be the committee chair. The Executive Committee shall appoint the initial committee secretary.
b.    The Legislative Director and the Executive Committee shall each have the power to create subcommittees to focus on specific issues and appoint members of the Party to those subcommittees.
4.    Members of each subcommittee shall, in regard to their issues of focus, promote the goals of the party by:
a.    Studying the current laws of the state of New Hampshire and its counties and municipalities;
b.    Studying the relevant legal and political history of the issues in New Hampshire, other states, and the United States;
c.    Evaluating and judging legislative proposals in New Hampshire;
d.    Developing legislative proposals and providing guidance to our legislators and candidates;
e.    Other related tasks as needed to support the goals of the Party.

Rationale: The Legislative Committee is currently a Special Committee, but I believe it should be a permanent committee. Its role is to do much of the work involved to understand the laws of the state and assist our legislators in candidates in their efforts to defend and/or change them.

Proposal approved: Unanimous, 5-0-0 COMBINED WITH BP10

Bylaw Proposal 10

Original Amendment Language if approved
Article IX, Section E:
1. The Politics and Campaign Committee (referred to as “committee” in this Section of this Article) shall further the goals of the State Party by recruiting and training candidates and campaign activists, developing legislative proposals and strategies, and other related activities.		 1. The Politics and Campaign Committee (referred to as “committee” in this Section of this Article) shall further the goals of the State Party by recruiting and training candidates and campaign activists, developing legislative proposals campaign plans and strategies, and other related activities. 1. The Politics and Campaign Committee (referred to as “committee” in this Section of this Article) shall further the goals of the State Party by recruiting and training candidates and campaign activists, developing campaign plans and strategies, and other related activities.
Article IX, Section E, Part 3:
c. Developing legislative proposals and strategies for use by appointed and elected public officials and candidates for public office;		 c. Developing legislative proposals and campaign plans and strategies to assist for use by appointed and elected public officials and candidates for public office; c. Developing campaign plans and strategies to assist candidates for public office.

Rationale: The newly-created Legislative Committee should be assuming the role of developing legislative proposals. The P&C Committee still has a large role to play, but it should be focused on developing candidates and campaigns, and volunteers to support them.

Combined with #9

Bylaw Proposal 13

Original Amendment Language if approved
Article XI Section B Part 4
If requested by an affiliate and approved by the Executive Committee, the affiliate may have the responsibility for the nomination of candidates for office whose districts lie entirely within its geographical region.		 Article XI Section B Part 4
If requested by an affiliate and approved by the Executive Committee, tThe affiliate may shall have the responsibility for the nomination of candidates for office whose districts lie entirely within its geographical region. All persons nominated must meet the requirements of a delegate-eligible member before the beginning of the candidate filing period for that election.		 Article XI Section B Part 4
The affiliate shall have the responsibility for the nomination of candidates for office whose districts lie entirely within its geographical region. All persons nominated must meet the requirements of a delegate-eligible member before the beginning of the candidate filing period for that election.

Rationale: The Anne Copp rule.

Proposal approved: 4-0-1, (Lombardo abstains)

Bylaw Proposal 14

Original Amendment Language if approved
VIII. F.  5. The Annual Convention shall include (but not be limited to) the following items on the agenda:

 

  1. Reports from all standing committees;
  2. Consideration of proposals for changes to the bylaws, special rules of order, and the party platform;
  3. Officer elections;
  4. Elections for the members of committees that are selected by the State Convention;
  5. Nominations for candidates for public office, if authorized by law;
  6. Elections for delegates to the Libertarian National Convention, in years in which a Libertarian National Convention is held.
 VIII. F.  5. The Annual Convention shall include (but not be limited to) the following items on the agenda:

  1. Reports from all standing committees, except that;
    • In even numbered years, there shall not be a report from the Bylaws & Rules Committee.
    • In odd numbered years, there shall not be a report from the Platform Committee.
  2. Consideration of proposals for changes to the bylaws, special rules of order, and the party platform;
  3. Officer elections;
  4. Elections for the members of committees that are selected by at the state convention, except that;
    • Platform Committee members shall be chosen during the odd years.
    • Bylaws & Rules Committee members shall be chosen during the even years.
  5. Nominations for candidates for public office, if authorized by law;
  6. Elections for delegates to the Libertarian National Convention, in years in which a Libertarian National Convention is held.

Proviso: Will not take effect until after the close of this convention

 VIII. F.  5. The Annual Convention shall include (but not be limited to) the following items on the agenda:

 

  1. Reports from all standing committees, except that;
    1. In even numbered years, there shall not be a report from the Bylaws & Rules Committee.
    2. In odd numbered years, there shall not be a report from the Platform Committee.
  2. Consideration of proposals for changes to the bylaws, special rules of order, and the party platform;
  3. Officer elections;
  4. Elections for the members of committees that are selected at the state convention, except that;
    1. Platform Committee members shall be chosen during the odd years.
    2. Bylaws & Rules Committee members shall be chosen during the even years.
  5. Nominations for candidates for public office, if authorized by law;
  6. Elections for delegates to the Libertarian National Convention, in years in which a Libertarian National Convention is held.

Rationale: This will hopefully reduce time spent on Bylaws and Platform every year, and have each document taken up every two years: Platform in even years, Bylaws in odd years. Additionally sets the election of each committee to be elected in the year prior to giving their report.

Proposal approved: 4-1-0 (Dias votes in the negative)

Minority Report: I do not believe this to be the best idea for the LPNH. We – the platform and the bylaws committees – always have multiple proposed amendments and ideas each convention. These would only build up. I wish to hear reports from both committees each annual convention.

Bylaw Proposal 19

Original Amendment Language if approved
n/a Add new
Article VI, H, 3)
The Secretary shall at least once per quarter provide to the Chair or Secretary of each affiliate a list of dues-paying members domiciled within the jurisdiction of that affiliate.		 Article VI, H, 3)
The Secretary shall at least once per quarter provide to the Chair or Secretary of each affiliate a list of dues-paying members domiciled within the jurisdiction of that affiliate.
XI. B. 6. Membership requirements in affiliated organizations shall not be at odds with the State or National Party requirements. In any dispute, the Judicial Committee shall make a determination. State Party members that are domiciled within the jurisdiction of an affiliate shall be considered members of that affiliate. Affiliate organizations may approve the membership of other persons for their affiliate, but under no circumstances may membership requirements in for affiliated organizations shall not be at odds with the State or National Party requirements. In any dispute, the Judicial Committee shall make a determination. State Party members that are domiciled within the jurisdiction of an affiliate shall be considered members of that affiliate. Affiliate organizations may approve the membership of other persons for their affiliate, but under no circumstances may membership requirements for affiliated organizations be at odds with the State or National Party requirements. In any dispute, the Judicial Committee shall make a determination.

Rationale: Ensures affiliate organizations have a list of dues-paying members domiciled within the jurisdiction of that affiliate.

Q: should we amend XI, B, 6 to specify that DPMs in an affiliate area are members of the affiliate?

Proposal approved: Unanimous, 5-0-0

Bylaw Proposal 05

Original Text:

Article VII. Executive Committee and Leadership Board
B. Leadership Board

  1. The purpose of the Board shall be to provide guidance and support to all organizations within and affiliates under the State Party and assist the Executive Committee with the development of strategic plans to achieve the goals of the State Party.
  2. Members of the Board must be Officer-Eligible Members of the State Party.
  3. The following persons shall be voting members of the Board:
    1. The Officers of the State Party;
    2. A representative from each Affiliate;
    3. A representative from the Membership & Outreach Committee, the Politics & Campaign Committee, the Bylaws & Rules Committee, and the Platform Committee;
    4. The most recent previous Chair of the State Party that served at least four months as Chair of the State Party within the immediately preceding eight years and is not already a member of the Board via a role specified in sub-items a, b, or c;
    5. At least one and no more than seven members of the State Party that have been appointed by the Executive Committee to serve a major volunteer role for the State Party or appointed by an Affiliate to serve a major role for that Affiliate and have been selected to become a Board member by the Executive Committee.
  4. Terms of Office
    1. The members of the Board described in sub-items a, b, c, and d of item 3 of this Article shall serve on the Board for as long as they hold those positions which entitle them to membership on the Board.
    2. The members of the Board described in sub-item e of item 3 of this Article shall serve from their appointment until the adjournment of the next annual convention, provided that the member continues to hold the same major volunteer role within the State Party that was held at the time of the appointment. Such members shall be eligible for reappointment to the Board if continuing to hold a major volunteer role with the State Party. The Executive Committee may remove the designation of Board member from a major volunteer for cause, e.g. failure to attend meetings.
  5. The chair of the Convention Committee shall be a non-voting member of the Board and shall not be considered for determining a quorum. Additional persons may be invited to Board meetings by the Executive Committee or the Board in order to provide information relevant to the activities of the Board, but they shall not have a vote and shall not be considered for determining a quorum.
  6. The officers of the State Party shall be the officers of the Board.
  7. The Board shall have the following duties:
    1. Oversee the activities of the Executive Committee;
    2. Authorize major expenditures, as defined by the Executive Committee with the concurrence of the Board;
    3. Develop and maintain institutional knowledge that will help current and future affiliate and State Party operations;
    4. Ensure that the State Party is in compliance with all federal, state, and local law that it may be subject to;
    5. Carry out all duties assigned to the Board by these bylaws, the rules of the State Party, and the State Convention.
  8. The Board shall have the following powers:
    1. To fill vacancies on the Executive Committee;
    2. To overturn motions passed by the Executive Committee, provided that the provisions of that motion have not already been carried out;
    3. To adopt standing rules for the State Party;
    4. To adopt special rules of order for the State Party as specified in Article XV of these bylaws;
    5. Any other powers specified by these bylaws or the special rules of order adopted by the State Party, or any powers delegated to the Board by the State Convention.
  9. Meetings
    1. Meetings conducted in person shall be at a location within 15 miles of the New Hampshire State House. A meeting may be postponed due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that substantially burden a significant portion of the membership of the Board. The Chair shall have the power to postpone the meeting, and if possible shall provide notice of the postponement no later than 12 hours prior to the scheduled start of the meeting.
    2. The Board shall have the power to conduct business between meetings via electronic methods of communication.
    3. A majority of the voting members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
    4. The Chair or Secretary shall notify all members of the Board of an upcoming meeting no later than 21 days prior to start of the meeting.
  10. Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the procedures for the specific role a member holds, as specified in these bylaws and the rules of the State Party. If no person is qualified to fill the most recent past Chair position, the position shall remain vacant and shall not be used in the determination of a quorum.

Amended text:

Article VII. Executive Committee and Leadership Board
B. Leadership Board

  1. The purpose of the Board shall be to provide guidance and support to all organizations within and affiliates under the State Party and assist the Executive Committee with the development of strategic plans to achieve the goals of the State Party.
  2. Members of the Board must be Officer-Eligible Members of the State Party.
  3. The following persons shall be voting members of the Board:
    1. The Officers of the State Party;
    2. A representative from each Affiliate;
    3. A representative from the Membership & Outreach Committee, the Politics & Campaign Committee, the Bylaws & Rules Committee, and the Platform Committee;
    4. The most recent previous Chair of the State Party that served at least four months as Chair of the State Party within the immediately preceding eight years and is not already a member of the Board via a role specified in sub-items a, b, or c;
    5. At least one and no more than seven members of the State Party that have been appointed by the Executive Committee to serve a major volunteer role for the State Party or appointed by an Affiliate to serve a major role for that Affiliate, and have been selected to become a Board member by the Executive Committee.
  4. Terms of Office
    1. The members of the Board described in sub-items a, b, c, and d of item 3 of this Article shall serve on the Board for as long as they hold those positions which entitle them to membership on the Board.
    2. The members of the Board described in sub-item e of item 3 of this Article shall serve from their appointment until the adjournment of the next annual convention, provided that the member continues to hold the same major volunteer role within the State Party that was held at the time of the appointment. Such members shall be eligible for reappointment to the Board if continuing to hold a major volunteer role with the State Party. The Executive Committee may remove the designation of Board member from a major volunteer for cause, e.g. failure to attend meetings.
  5. The chair of the Convention Committee shall be a non-voting member of the Board and shall not be considered for determining a quorum. Additional persons may be invited to Board meetings by the Executive Committee or the Board in order to provide information relevant to the activities of the Board, but they shall not have a vote and shall not be considered for determining a quorum.
  6. The officers of the State Party shall be the officers of the Board.
  7. The Board shall have the following duties:
    1. Oversee the activities of the Executive Committee;
    2. Authorize major expenditures, as defined by the Executive Committee with the concurrence of the Board;
    3. Develop and maintain institutional knowledge that will help current and future affiliate and State Party operations;
    4. Ensure that the State Party is in compliance with all federal, state, and local law that it may be subject to;
    5. Carry out all duties assigned to the Board by these bylaws, the rules of the State Party, and the State Convention.
  8. The Board shall have the following powers:
    1. To fill vacancies on the Executive Committee;
    2. To overturn motions passed by the Executive Committee, provided that the provisions of that motion have not already been carried out;
    3. To adopt standing rules for the State Party;
    4. To adopt special rules of order for the State Party as specified in Article XV of these bylaws;
    5. Any other powers specified by these bylaws or the special rules of order adopted by the State Party, or any powers delegated to the Board by the State Convention.
  9. Meetings
    1. Meetings conducted in person shall be at a location within 15 miles of the New Hampshire State House. A meeting may be postponed due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that substantially burden a significant portion of the membership of the Board. The Chair shall have the power to postpone the meeting, and if possible shall provide notice of the postponement no later than 12 hours prior to the scheduled start of the meeting.
    2. The Board shall have the power to conduct business between meetings via electronic methods of communication.
    3. A majority of the voting members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
    4. The Chair or Secretary shall notify all members of the Board of an upcoming meeting no later than 21 days prior to start of the meeting.
  10. Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the procedures for the specific role a member holds, as specified in these bylaws and the rules of the State Party. If no person is qualified to fill the most recent past Chair position, the position shall remain vacant and shall not be used in the determination of a quorum

Rationale: Passing this proposal abolishes the Leadership Board and all references to it throughout our Bylaws. It is not necessary.

Bylaw Proposal 5A

Original Amendment Language if approved
VII. A. 6. Any decision by the Executive Committee can be vetoed by a motion passed by an absolute majority of every Affiliate Executive Committees. VII. A. 6. Any decision by the Executive Committee can be vetoed by a motion passed by 100% of the Affiliates’ Executive Committees.

Rationale: The Leadership Board was a check on the Executive Committee. This provides a check on the LPNH EC using existing infrastructure.

Note: This will only need to be considered if Proposal 5 passes.

Bylaw Proposal 5B (To Only Be Considered If Proposal 5 Fails)

Original Amendment Language if approved

VII. Executive Committee and Leadership Board
B. Leadership Board

 

 

  1. The purpose of the Board shall be to provide guidance and support to all organizations within and affiliates under the State Party and assist the Executive Committee with the development of strategic plans to achieve the goals of the State Party.
  2. Members of the Board must be Officer-Eligible Members of the State Party.
  3. The following persons shall be voting members of the Board:
    1. The Officers of the State Party;
    2. A representative from each Affiliate;
    3. A representative from the Membership & Outreach Committee, the Politics & Campaign Committee, the Bylaws & Rules Committee, and the Platform Committee;
    4. The most recent previous Chair of the State Party that served at least four months as Chair of the State Party within the immediately preceding eight years and is not already a member of the Board via a role specified in sub-items a, b, or c;
    5. At least one and no more than seven members of the State Party that have been appointed by the Executive Committee to serve a major volunteer role for the State Party or appointed by an Affiliate to serve a major role for that Affiliate, and have been selected to become a Board member by the Executive Committee.
  4. Terms of Office
    1. The members of the Board described in sub-items a, b, c, and d of item 3 of this Article shall serve on the Board for as long as they hold those positions which entitle them to membership on the Board.
    2. The members of the Board described in sub-item e of item 3 of this Article shall serve from their appointment until the adjournment of the next annual convention, provided that the member continues to hold the same major volunteer role within the State Party that was held at the time of the appointment. Such members shall be eligible for reappointment to the Board if continuing to hold a major volunteer role with the State Party. The Executive Committee may remove the designation of Board member from a major volunteer for cause, e.g. failure to attend meetings.
  5. The chair of the Convention Committee shall be a non-voting member of the Board and shall not be considered for determining a quorum. Additional persons may be invited to Board meetings by the Executive Committee or the Board in order to provide information relevant to the activities of the Board, but they shall not have a vote and shall not be considered for determining a quorum.
  6. The officers of the State Party shall be the officers of the Board.
  7. The Board shall have the following duties:
    1. Oversee the activities of the Executive Committee;
    2. Authorize major expenditures, as defined by the Executive Committee with the concurrence of the Board;
    3. Develop and maintain institutional knowledge that will help current and future affiliate and State Party operations;
    4. Ensure that the State Party is in compliance with all federal, state, and local law that it may be subject to;
    5. Carry out all duties assigned to the Board by these bylaws, the rules of the State Party, and the State Convention.
  8. The Board shall have the following powers:
      1. To fill vacancies on the Executive Committee;
      2. To overturn motions passed by the Executive Committee, provided that the provisions of that motion have not already been carried out;
      3. To adopt standing rules for the State Party;
      4. To adopt special rules of order for the State Party as specified in Article XV of these bylaws;
      5. Any other powers specified by these bylaws or the special rules of order adopted by the State Party, or any powers delegated to the Board by the State Convention.
  9. Meetings
      1. Meetings conducted in person shall be at a location within 15 miles of the New Hampshire State House. A meeting may be postponed due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that substantially burden a significant portion of the membership of the Board. The Chair shall have the power to postpone the meeting, and if possible shall provide notice of the postponement no later than 12 hours prior to the scheduled start of the meeting.
      2. The Board shall have the power to conduct business between meetings via electronic methods of communication.
      3. A majority of the voting members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
      4. The Chair or Secretary shall notify all members of the Board of an upcoming meeting no later than 21 days prior to start of the meeting.
  10. Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the procedures for the specific role a member holds, as specified in these bylaws and the rules of the State Party. If no person is qualified to fill the most recent past Chair position, the position shall remain vacant and shall not be used in the determination of a quorum.

 

VII. Executive Committee and Leadership Board
B. Leadership Board

 

 

  1. The purpose of the Board shall be to provide guidance and support to all organizations within and affiliates under the State Party and assist the Executive Committee with the development of strategic plans, to achieve set the goals of the State Party., and coordinate voluntarily given post-election candidate data with the Technology Committee.
  2. Members of the Board must be Officer-Eligible Members of the State Party.
  3. The following persons shall be voting members of the Board:
    1. The Officers of the State Party;
    2. A representative from each Affiliate and Development Group, and not more than one alternate from each Affiliate and Development Group;
    3. A representative from the Membership & Outreach Committee, the Politics & Campaign Committee, the Bylaws & Rules Committee, and the Platform Committee; Each standing committee, except the Judicial Committee;
    4. The most recent previous Chair of the State Party that served at least four months as Chair of the State Party within the immediately preceding eight years and is not already a member of the Board via a role specified in sub-items a, b, or c1, 2, or 3.;
    5. At least one and no more than seven members of the State Party that have been appointed by the Executive Committee to serve a major volunteer role for the State Party or appointed by an Affiliate to serve a major role for that Affiliate, and have been selected to become a Board member by the Executive Committee.
  4. Terms of Office
    1. The members of the Board described in sub-items a, b, c, and d1 and 3 of item 3 of this Article shall serve on the Board for as long as they hold those positions which entitle them to membership on the Board.
    2. The members of the Board described in sub-item e2 of item 3 of this Article shall serve from their appointment until the adjournment of the next annual convention., provided that the member continues to hold the same major volunteer role within the State Party that was held at the time of the appointment. Such members shall be eligible for reappointment to the Board if continuing to hold a major volunteer role with the State Party. The Executive Committee may remove the designation of Board member from a major volunteer for cause, e.g. failure to attend meetings.
  5. The chair of the Convention Committee shall be a non-voting member of the Board and shall not be considered for determining a quorum. Additional persons may be invited to Board meetings by the Executive Committee or the Board in order to provide information relevant to the activities of the Board, but they shall not have a vote and shall not be considered for determining a quorum.
  6. The officers of the State Party shall be the officers of the Board.
  7. The Board shall have the following duties:
    1. Oversee the activities of the Executive Committee;
    2. Authorize major expenditures, as defined by the Executive Committee with the concurrence of the Board;
    3. Develop and maintain institutional knowledge that will help current and future affiliate and State Party operations;
    4. Ensure that the State Party is in compliance with all federal, state, and local law that it may be subject to;
    5. Carry out all duties assigned to the Board by these bylaws, the rules of the State Party, and the State Convention.
    • Perform a post-election analysis to determine areas to improve.
    • Coordinate party business among the standing committee chairs, the Executive Committee, and the Affiliates.
    • Strategize and develop a growth plan.
    • Set goals to achieve Strategic Plan.
  8. The Board shall have the following powers:
    1. To fill vacancies on the Executive Committee;
    2. To overturn motions passed by the Executive Committee, provided that the provisions of that motion have not already been carried out;
    3. To adopt standing rules for the State Party;
    4. To adopt special rules of order for the State Party as specified in Article XV of these bylaws;
    5. Any other powers specified by these bylaws or the special rules of order adopted by the State Party, or any powers delegated to the Board by the State Convention.
  9. Meetings
    1. Meetings conducted in person shall be at a location within 15 miles of the New Hampshire State House. A meeting may be postponed due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that substantially burden a significant portion of the membership of the Board for no more than 30 days. The Chair shall have the power to postpone the meeting, and if possible shall provide notice of the postponement no later than 12 hours prior to the scheduled start of the meeting.
    2. The Board shall have the power to conduct business between meetings via electronic methods of communication.
    3. A majority of the voting members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
    4. The Chair or Secretary shall notify all members of the Board of an upcoming meeting no later than 21 days prior to start of the meeting.
    • Meetings must be scheduled within 45 days after the conclusion of a state election or an Annual Convention.
  10. Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the procedures for the specific role a member holds, as specified in these bylaws and the rules of the State Party. If no person is qualified to fill the most recent past Chair position, the position shall remain vacant and shall not be used in the determination of a quorum.

VII. Executive Committee and Leadership Board
B. Leadership Board

 

 

  1. The purpose of the Board shall be to develop strategic plans, set the goals of the State Party, and coordinate voluntarily given post-election candidate data with the Technology Committee.
  2. Members of the Board must be Officer-Eligible Members of the State Party.
  3. The following persons shall be voting members of the Board:
    1. The Officers of the State Party;
    2. A representative from each Affiliate and Development Group, and not more than one alternate from each Affiliate and Development Group;
    3. A representative from each standing committee, except the Judicial Committee;
    4. The most recent previous Chair of the State Party that served at least four months as Chair of the State Party within the immediately preceding eight years and is not already a member of the Board via a role specified in sub-items 1, 2, or 3;
  4. Terms of Office
    1. The members of the Board described in sub-items 1 and 3 of item 3 of this Article shall serve on the Board for as long as they hold those positions which entitle them to membership on the Board.
    2. The members of the Board described in sub-item 2 of item 3 of this Article shall serve from their appointment until the adjournment of the next annual convention.
    3. Additional persons may be invited to Board meetings by the Executive Committee or the Board in order to provide information relevant to the activities of the Board, but they shall not have a vote and shall not be considered for determining a quorum.
  5. The officers of the State Party shall be the officers of the Board.
  6. The Board shall have the following duties:
    1. Carry out all duties assigned to the Board by these bylaws, the rules of the State Party, and the State Convention.
    2. Perform a post-election analysis to determine areas to improve.
    3. Coordinate party business among the standing committee chairs, the Executive Committee, and the Affiliates.
    4. Strategize and develop a growth plan.
    5. Set goals to achieve the Strategic Plan.
  7. Meetings
    1. Meetings conducted in person shall be at a location within 15 miles of the New Hampshire State House. A meeting may be postponed due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that substantially burden a significant portion of the membership of the Board for no more than 30 days. The Chair shall have the power to postpone the meeting, and if possible shall provide notice of the postponement no later than 12 hours prior to the scheduled start of the meeting.
    2. The Board shall have the power to conduct business between meetings via electronic methods of communication.
    3. A majority of the voting members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
    4. The Chair or Secretary shall notify all members of the Board of an upcoming meeting no later than 21 days prior to start of the meeting.
    5. Meetings must be scheduled within 45 days after the conclusion of a state election or an Annual Convention.
  8. Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the procedures for the specific role a member holds, as specified in these bylaws and the rules of the State Party. If no person is qualified to fill the most recent past Chair position, the position shall remain vacant and shall not be used in the determination of a quorum.

Rationale: In case if there is some alternate universe where there is an appetite for adapting the Leadership Board into a Board that provides Leadership, this will.
It will meet once after an annual convention so new officers, committee members, and newly elected affiliates can become acquainted with their new jobs, and develop a strategic plan with goals. Everyone working on the same page to grow together, with everyone being able to give input.
 
It will meet after a statewide election to do a post-mortem, and adapt the plan and goals to the new political environment.
 
[RL] – As described, this proposal does not provide “leadership”, it provides feel-good non-accomplishments from pointless busywork. I’d be open to changing the name of the “leadership board” if that is what we are hung up on. I don’t care what it is called.
What was added in:

  • Post Election Analysis: How do we know that the members of this board will be qualified to offer any kind of “analysis” of an election. And for which races would we expect an analysis? All of them? Just statewide? Once this analysis is completed and provided… to somebody… presumably candidates, I guess, what makes you think they won’t be just as likely to throw it in the trash? Some may find it a thoughtful suggestion, but others may find it an insulting critique. And in the case of the former… why do we need a formal board for this task instead of just offering our own suggestions/critiques directly to the party or candidates. Since any “analysis” will have no kind of binding control over anybody or be a requirement for any other operation, this is a waste.
  • Coordinate Party Business… : OK, but in what way does this function differ from the EC? Does the EC divest all of this responsibility to the board, or just some of it? This provision is vague.
  • Strategize/Growth Plan: For what? Membership? So does this replace the Membership and Outreach committee?Does it overrule it? And who is beholden to the “plan”? Or is it just “advice” that is likely to end up in the trash just like the election analysis?
  • Set goals: Same questions above

What was taken out:

  • Filling vacancies on the executive committee: This is exactly the type of oversight that such a board should have. Removing this provision now concentrates more power back to the EC. I thought one of the primary complaints about the LB was the fear of more central control. Yet we see here how those complaints were unfounded because it did the exact opposite but putting this power in the hands of a larger group with broader representation.
  • Overturning EC decisions: Same as above.
  • Standing Party rules and special rules: Same as above. WTF?

Stripping the LB of any kind of meaningful decision-making authority and replacing it with advisory tasks to which and for which no one will answer, makes it nothing more than a kumbaya circle-jerk. If any board/committee does not have well defined tasks with specific decision-making authority that have actual impact on members or operations, then they ought not be meeting. This is the exact opposite of leadership. If it were presented as part of a business plan, I’d be close to firing the person submitting it.

BCS- This amendment proposal will turn the leadership board into something useful. It gathers every person in a leadership position in the sitting room and gets them talking about the future of the party, the party goals, and gets everyone on the same page as to how to move forward after major events like in election or when new people are installed in leadership positions.

Right now, none of us know what we’re doing, and as a result, no one is doing anything. As written, leadership board has no authority. It’s a reason to get together and figure out what to do next.

This will prevent post election burn out like we just experienced, which lead to, so far, five months of inaction. It will put new officers immediately in the mindset of performing their roles, new committee members Will know what to do in their committees moving forward, and we’ll get this herd of cats finally walking in the same direction.

This is something that is sorely needed, either with in official leader ship board bylaws thing or just something we should traditionally do. My experience is that is it isn’t written, it doesn’t get done.