What are Bylaws?

Purpose of Corporate Bylaws

Organizations utilize corporate bylaws to create the rules, regulations and guidelines that define how the business operates. Bylaws act as a governance document which covers corporate mechanics, such as officer elections and business meetings.Each organization is unique, so there is often some degree of customizability when creating bylaws. The intent is for a governing document that reflects the way the organization wants to run things. Bylaws also reduce any internal confusion, since they set out provisions that are in agreement with all those involved. This way, everyone understands how the organization is supposed to work, from communication protocols to employer-employee issues and voting procedures.

Key Components of Corporate Bylaws

The key components of corporate bylaws usually include:

• Purpose: the mission statement and purpose of the organization.
• Members: the right to members, rights of members, membership dues, and voting rights.
• Officers: the officers and their positions, duties, terms, and obligations.
• Meetings: the time, place and rules governing meetings of members and of directors.
• Directors: the qualifications, terms, duties, number, appointment, and removal of directors.
• Committees: committees, their duties, and authority to act for the organization.
• Finances: the rules governing how money is to be handled.
• Amendments: the process to amend the bylaws.

The bad news is, creating corporate bylaws can be a tedious process; the good news is, seeking help from a professional or a legal entity specializing in corporate law can help tailor the bylaws to the organization’s individual needs.

Amending Bylaws

Bylaws can be amended by vote of the Board of Directors, with a 100% vote or a majority at the time of voting. The proposed amendment must be sent with the date of the meeting in which it is proposed to be taken up. The amendment should be made in writing and delivered to the directors for discussion. It is important to note that in many cases, obtaining the approval of a majority of members is required in order to make the amendment official. In general, amendments to the bylaws only become effective once the organization’s members have approved them. This process should be included in the bylaws for convenience in making changes as needed.