Standing rules contain details about the day-to-day operations of a PTA. These rules have no mandatory wording and contain content dictated by your PTA’s specific needs. For PTAs who want to adopt new or amend existing standing rules, Texas PTA has provided Sample Standing Rules to assist you with the process.

Adopting New or Amending Existing Standing Rules

• Download a copy of your Bylaws from Texas PTA. Use the Bylaws Snapshot Worksheet as a guide. It lists the only editable sections of your Bylaws. Councils will need to request their copy of Bylaws by contacting Leader Engagement: leaderengagement@txpta.org.
• Form a committee of experienced and knowledgeable members who understand the inner-workings of your PTA. The committee will review your PTA’s Standing Rules and propose any desired changes to your executive board and PTA membership. 
• It is important to review both the bylaws and standing rules together to ensure that no conflicts are created with any new proposals. Provide each committee member with a copy of the:

a.  Sample Standing Rules

b.  Standing Rules Checklist

c.  the current bylaws
d.  current standing rules
e.  any recommendations from the executive board and membership

• As the committee develops new standing rules, or considers amendments to the existing standing rules, they should decide if:

a.  They meet the needs of the Local PTA
b.  Their intent is clear
c.  They are not in conflict with nor repeat any item in the bylaws
d.  They follow Texas PTA procedures and guidelines

• If the committee recommends new standing rules or amendments to existing standing rules, your PTA membership must approve the new or amended standing rules in their entirety at a membership meeting.

a.  With proper notice, new standing rules and amendments to existing standing rules may be adopted with a majority vote in the affirmative.
b.  Without notice given, new standing rules and amendments to existing standing rules may be adopted by a 2/3 vote in the affirmative.

• Submit your Standing Rules to Texas PTA for approval after the membership has approved the new standing rules or amendments to existing standing rules.

You will need the following:

• Meeting minutes from the membership meeting showing that proper notice was given and that members approved new standing rules or amendments to existing standing rules. The secretary should include the report of the bylaws and standing rules review committee meeting in the minutes so that both the Texas PTA bylaws reviewer and standing rules reviewer can read through and review the proposed amendments.
• Standing Rules submitted in MICROSOFT WORD. Any other format will be returned to the submitter and not reviewed until resubmitted in a Word document.

Please note: The new or amended standing rules are not effective until your PTA receives a stamped, approved copy that is signed by the Texas PTA President back from the Texas PTA State Office.

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