Standing rules outline the procedures of the organization that are not included in the bylaws and must not restate or conflict with the bylaws. Some examples of the differences are:
- Bylaws state when the meetings of the association and executive board are held.
- Standing Rules tell where and what time these meetings are held.
- Bylaws give the primary responsibilities of officers and chairmen.
- Standing Rules give the specifics.
For example, if the Bylaws state that the first vice president is responsible for the program, then the Standing Rules should list the specific responsibilities of each committee and the various chairmen, who work with the vice president under the first vice president’s title.
If the organization has supplies and/or equipment, the Standing Rules should state who is responsible for them and where they would be kept.
Standing Rules might also list:
- Who has the responsibility for securing the retiring president’s pin and its inscription.
- If there is to be an installation of officers, who is responsible for selecting the installing officers and when the installation should take place.
- Assets of the association; popcorn machine, computer equipment; cell phone; office supplies.
In short, Bylaws are hard and fast rules that may be amended only with thirty days’ prior written notice to the membership.
Standing Rules are the details of monthly PTA work that may be changed from administration to administration or from meeting to meeting. They require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote without notice and a majority vote with 30 days notice to adopt or amend. Standing Rules must accompany bylaws when submitted to the California State PTA parliamentarian for approval.
