June 22, 2018:

Hello, we have a county executive meeting to change bylaws this Saturday morning and there are 3 items out of line with state rules. Can you please respond officially per RULE 1, (f), page 2 “Clarification” by State Chair.  Thank you for your help! Starr Finn SD 22, Precinct 22 Chairwoman

Rule 9, Page 6 Executive Committee Quorum – can you please confirm the quorum should not be changed by county bylaws.  The quorum is set for all counties. This is how it reads. 

Precinct Chair endorsements during contested primaries – Precinct Chairs in counties all over Texas are endorsing candidates.  The proposed bylaw is to censor Precinct Chairs from endorsing in Hill County.  Our governor recently endorsed a candidate running for Texas House in our county.  If the governor and other Republicans can endorse across the state, Precinct Chairs in Hill county should be able to endorse as well.  It is our freedom of speech. There is no state rule censoring Precinct Chairs. This was proposed by the county chair. Vetting is an important part of my job.

Rule No. 5 – Parliamentary Authority, Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised – the county chair is trying to change the bylaws to say we are “guided” by Robert’s Rules so we don’t have to hold to it.  I disagree and do not see this change in line with state rules.

Rule 9

There is no ambiguity in Rule 9.

  • The quorum to conduct statutory business is those members present.
  • The quorum to fill a vacancy is at least ¼ of the membership, but may be set higher through local rules. 
  • The quorum to conduct all other business is ¼ of the membership.

Precinct chair endorsements

There is no rule regarding precinct chair endorsements for me to clarify as state chair.  While there are disciplinary proceedings that can be conducted under Robert’s rules, there is nothing here for me to clarify.

Rule 5

There is no ambiguity in Rule 5.  Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised is the parliamentary authority on all matters not superseded by the US Constitution, Texas Constitution, statutes, RPT Rules, local bylaws, special rules of order or local standing rules.