ByLaws
CHAPTER BY-LAWS AS APPROVED 23 FEBRUARY 2005
BYLAWS
Florida Chapter American Fisheries Society
Section 1 – Name and Objectives
The name of this organization shall be the Florida Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, hereinafter referred to as the Chapter.
The objectives of the Chapter shall be those of the American Fisheries Society as set forth in Article I of the Constitution, and to encourage the exchange of information by members of the Society residing within the state of Florida.
Section 2 – Membership
The membership of the Chapter shall be composed of those American Fisheries Society members in good standing residing in Florida.
Section 3 – Meetings
The Chapter shall hold at least one meeting annually at a time and place designated by the Executive Committee. The program and presentation of papers shall be the responsibility of the Program Committee.
Section 4 – Officers
The officers of the Chapter shall consist of a President, President-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer, and the Student Subunit President.
Officers shall be elected at the annual meeting. The Secretary-Treasurer may hold office for a period longer than one year, but the term of the other officers shall be one year. In case of a vacated position, the Executive Committee shall appoint a qualified replacement to fill an unexpired term.
In the event of a cancellation of an annual meeting, the officers and the members of any committees shall continue to serve until the next scheduled meeting.
Section 5 – Duties of Officers
The President of the Chapter shall preside at all meetings, serve as the Chairman of the Executive Committee, represent the Chapter on the Executive Committee of the Southern Division and at the American Fisheries Society meetings, and make appointments and perform other duties and functions as are authorized.
The President-Elect shall be Chairman of the Program Committee and shall assume the duties of the President if the latter is unable to act.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep the official records of the Chapter, collect and be custodian of any funds collected or allotted to the Chapter. The Secretary-Treasurer shall disburse funds as authorized by the Executive Committee or the membership, and submit a record of receipts and disbursements at the annual Chapter meeting.
Section 6 – Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the Chapter shall consist of the elected officers, the immediate Past President, and the President of the Student Subunit of the Florida Chapter. The Committee is authorized to act for the Chapter between meetings and to perform appropriate duties and functions.
Section 7 – Chapter Committees
Committees and the Chairmen of Committees, except as listed in Section 5 of these Bylaws, shall be appointed by the President.
The terms of office for members of Chapter Committees shall end upon the discharge of the duties for which they were appointed, or at the next annual meeting of the Chapter, whichever comes first.
Section 8 – Voting and Quorum
Decisions at meetings of the Chapter shall be in accordance with the Constitution of the American Fisheries Society.
A quorum at any meeting for the transaction of official business shall be 20 members. Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws or the Constitution of the Society, meetings are conducted according to the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 9 – Registration and Dues
The Executive Committee may assess each registrant attending an annual meeting of the Chapter a registration fee necessary to cover the costs of the meeting and Chapter activities. Dues may be collected at the Chapter annual meeting. Dues from student members of the Florida Chapter will be split 50% between the Chapter and the Student Subunit.
Section 10 – Bylaws, Rules, and Procedures
1. The Bylaws are the defining document for the Chapter and take precedence over all other rules and procedures. The Bylaws cannot be suspended and cannot be changed without prior notice to members.
A. The Bylaws may be amended by a 2/3 majority of Active Members choosing to vote, provided that the proposed amendment(s) are circulated in writing to the membership at least 30 days prior to voting.
B. In accordance with the Society Constitution, an adopted amendment shall be reviewed by the Society�s Constitutional Consultant for conformity with the Constitution, Rules and Procedures of the Society. The Constitutional Consultant presents the adopted amendment to the Society Governing Board for approval.
C. Amendments take effect when the Chapter receives written notice of their approval by the Governing Board from the Executive Director.
2. Rules are the next highest level of documentation of Chapter operations. They are generally established to facilitate the conduct of Unit business, and to describe duties and responsibilities of officers and committees. They may be suspended or amended as follows.
A. The Rules may be suspended during an Executive Committee meeting until the next annual or special Unit meeting by a 2/3 majority of the Executive Committee.
B. The Rules may be suspended for the duration of a meeting by a 2/3 majority of Active Members voting at an annual or special Chapter meeting.
C. The Rules may be amended by a simple majority of Active Members voting at an annual or special Unit meeting.
3. Procedures are the lowest level of documentation of Unit operations. They are generally established to provide continuity in the conduct of Unit business. The Procedures may be suspended or amended by a simple majority vote of the Executive Committee.
**END OF BYLAWS**