Bylaws

Article I. Definitions and Interpretation

Section 1. Definitions.

As used in these bylaws:

“Organization” means College Republicans, the legal organization governed by these bylaws, including its operations under the names California College Republicans, CCR, CA College GOP, California Federation of College Republicans, College Republicans of California, or any other approved name or style.
“CCR” means the organization governed by these bylaws.
“BOD” or “Board of Directors” means the governing board of the organization, including voting members and non-voting or ex-officio members as specified in these bylaws.
“Voting member of the BOD” means a member of the Board of Directors who is entitled to vote on matters before the Board. Non-voting advisors, guests, committee representatives, and ex-officio participants shall not be voting members unless these bylaws expressly grant them a vote.
“House of Delegates” or “House” means the credentialed voting delegates assembled at an Annual Convention, special convention, or other duly called delegate meeting of the organization.
“Member” means a student member, alumni member, or associate member of the organization, as applicable under these bylaws.
“Student member” means a member who satisfies the student membership requirements in these bylaws.
“Alumni member” means a member who satisfies the alumni membership requirements in these bylaws.
“Associate member” means a member who may participate in limited events or activities but does not have voting rights unless expressly provided in these bylaws.
“Member in good standing” means a member who satisfies the applicable membership requirements, has paid any required dues, is not suspended, is not subject to unresolved credentialing defects, and has not otherwise lost good-standing status under these bylaws or rules adopted pursuant to them.
“Chapter” means a local College Republicans, California High School Republicans, alumni, or other recognized unit chartered or recognized under these bylaws.
“Chapter in good standing” means a chapter that is chartered or recognized by the organization, has submitted required governing documents, officer lists, membership lists, dues, and other required materials, and is not suspended, dechartered, or subject to unresolved credentialing defects.
“Chartered chapter” means a chapter whose charter has been granted or renewed under these bylaws.
“Written notice” means notice delivered by email to the recipient’s last known email address on file with the organization, or by another written method approved by the BOD.
“Majority vote” means more than half of the votes cast, excluding abstentions, unless these bylaws provide otherwise.
“Two-thirds vote,” “three-fourths vote,” “four-fifths vote,” or any similar fractional vote means at least that fraction of votes cast, excluding abstentions, unless these bylaws provide otherwise.
“Voting delegates present” means credentialed voting delegates present at a duly called meeting, convention, or session, including delegates participating through authorized electronic means when electronic participation is permitted by these bylaws.
“Present and voting” means present and casting an affirmative or negative vote. Abstentions are not counted as votes cast.
“Electronic meeting” means a meeting conducted by telephone, video conference, or other technology that allows simultaneous communication among participants, if permitted by these bylaws or by the body authorized to call the meeting.
“Electronic vote” means a vote conducted by electronic ballot, email, online form, video conference vote, or other reliable electronic method authorized by these bylaws or by the BOD.
“Due process” means, at minimum, written notice of the alleged violation or issue, a reasonable opportunity to respond, a fair decision by an authorized body, and any appeal rights provided by these bylaws.
“Governing documents” means these bylaws, any standing rules, committee charters, chapter chartering rules, convention rules, duly adopted resolutions or policies, and any other rule or document adopted under authority of these bylaws.
“Parliamentary authority” means the parliamentary authority adopted in these bylaws.
“Officer” means an officer of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, chapter, committee, or other body, as the context requires.
“Executive Committee” or “Executives” means the Executive Committee of the organization as established in these bylaws.
“Committee” means a standing, special, or temporary committee created by these bylaws, the BOD, the Chairman, or any other authority recognized in these bylaws.

Section 2. Notice and Delivery.

Unless a different method or deadline is required by these bylaws, written notice shall be deemed delivered when sent by email to the recipient’s last known email address on file with the organization.

The BOD may adopt reasonable rules for maintaining official contact information for members, chapters, delegates, officers, and committee members.

Section 3. Voting Rules.

Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws:

A. A majority vote shall be required to take action.
B. Abstentions shall not count as votes cast.
C. Blank ballots, invalid ballots, and spoiled ballots shall not count as votes cast.
D. Each voting member or voting delegate shall have one vote and may not vote by proxy unless these bylaws expressly allow proxy voting.
E. A tie vote shall fail.

Section 4. Conflicts with Inferior Rules.

These bylaws shall supersede any conflicting standing rule, committee charter, chapter rule, policy, resolution, procedure, or other inferior governing document of the organization.

Article II. Name, Marks, and Logo

Section 1. Legal Name and Approved Names.

The legal name of this organization shall be College Republicans.

The organization may also conduct public, political, branding, and communications activities under the names California College Republicans, CCR, CA College GOP, California Federation of College Republicans, College Republicans of California, and any other name or style approved by the Board of Directors.

For purposes of these bylaws, “College Republicans,” “California College Republicans,” “CCR,” “the organization,” and “the state organization” refer to this organization unless the context clearly provides otherwise.

Section 2. Ownership and Use of Marks.

The organization owns, controls, or is the authorized user of College Republicans™ in California, including any state-registered trademark, service mark, trade name, logo, branding, or related intellectual property held by or for the benefit of the organization.

No member, officer, chapter, affiliate, committee, campaign, outside organization, or other person may use College Republicans, California College Republicans, CCR, or any confusingly similar name, logo, or mark in a manner that falsely implies authorization, affiliation, endorsement, or official status without authorization from the organization.

Section 3. Chapter Use of Name and Marks.

A chartered chapter in good standing may use College Republicans and related marks solely for ordinary chapter activities and only while chartered or recognized by the organization under these bylaws.

A chapter that is not chartered, is dechartered, is suspended, or is no longer in good standing shall not hold itself out as an official College Republicans chapter and shall cease use of the name and related marks upon written notice from the organization, subject to any appeal or due-process rights provided in these bylaws.

Section 4. Protection of Name and Marks.

The Board of Directors may protect the organization’s names, marks, logos, branding, and goodwill, including by sending notices, requesting corrections, approving licenses or affiliation agreements, and authorizing legal action when necessary to prevent unauthorized or misleading use.

Nothing in this article prohibits fair reference to the organization for commentary, reporting, historical description, or other legally protected purposes.

Section 5. Logo and Branding.

The official logo of the organization may be changed by the House of Delegates every fifth year beginning in 2030, and only during such year. The logo may not be changed before 2030.

A proposal to change the official logo must be submitted to the Secretary in accordance with the amendment procedures in these bylaws. The House of Delegates shall consider only substantively new logo designs.

Color variations, formatting variations, digital adaptations, merchandise adaptations, and other non-substantive brand applications may be approved by the Board of Directors, the Communications Director, or any committee delegated such authority by the Board, provided that such variations do not replace the official logo.

Article III. Purpose and Objectives

Section 1. Purpose.

The organization shall support conservative principles, advance the interests of College Republicans in California, and carry out the objectives stated in these bylaws.

The Board of Directors and House of Delegates may adopt resolutions, policies, programs, and directives consistent with these bylaws to further the organization’s purpose and objectives.

Section 2. Objectives.

The objectives of the organization are:

To represent the interests of College Republicans;
To contribute to the growth and influence of the Republican Party on college campuses in California;
To serve as a liaison among Republican college students, Republican campaigns, Republican Party organizations, and other allied organizations;
To work for the election of Republican nominees and endorsed Republican candidates for public office;
To train future leaders for service in local, state, and federal government; and
To promote good government at all levels.

Article IV. Membership and Chapters

Section 1. Classes of Membership.

The organization shall have three classes of individual membership:

A. Student members;
B. Alumni members; and
C. Associate members.

Only student members and alumni members shall have voting rights, and only as expressly provided in these bylaws.

Section 2. Student Members.

A student member of the organization must:

Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
Be either:
1. An active college student enrolled at least part-time within the previous one hundred twenty (120) days; or
2. A recent graduate of a college within the previous one hundred twenty (120) days;
Be a member of a chartered College Republicans chapter, or, if the student’s college does not have a chartered chapter, be approved for membership by the president of another chartered chapter, the Board of Directors, or the committee responsible for credentials or membership; and
Be a registered Republican, unless ineligible to register, in which case a written statement of intent to register Republican upon becoming eligible shall satisfy this requirement.

Section 3. Alumni Members.

An alumni member of the organization has the voting rights provided in these bylaws. An alumni member must:

Be one of the following:
1. A graduate of a California college who is approved for alumni membership by the College Republican Alumni Association, the Board of Directors, or the committee responsible for alumni membership; or
2. A graduate who was a member in good standing of a California College Republicans chapter, beginning with the graduating class of 2018;
Register as a member of the College Republican Alumni Association, if such registration is required by the organization or the Association’s governing documents; and
Be a registered Republican, unless ineligible to register, in which case a written statement of intent to register Republican upon becoming eligible shall satisfy this requirement.

Section 4. Associate Members.

An associate member may participate in limited events, programs, or activities of the organization but shall not have voting rights unless expressly provided in these bylaws.

Associate members may include:

Minors, high school students, and members of affiliated high school Republican organizations;
College-age adults not enrolled in college; and
Other interested Republicans or supporters approved under rules adopted by the Board of Directors.
A Party Advisor or other ex-officio officer, who shall have only the rights expressly granted to that position elsewhere in these bylaws.

Section 5. Members in Good Standing.

A member is in good standing if the member:

Satisfies the applicable membership requirements in these bylaws;
Has paid any dues or fees required for membership, if applicable;
Is not suspended;
Is not subject to unresolved credentialing defects; and
Has not otherwise lost good-standing status under these bylaws or rules adopted pursuant to them.

Section 6. Revocation or Suspension of Membership.

Membership may be suspended or revoked by the Internal Affairs Committee only for cause and only in accordance with the due-process requirements of these bylaws.

Cause may include:

Acts contrary to the purposes, bylaws, policies, procedures, or programs of the organization;
Failure to comply with applicable legal filing or reporting requirements where such failure affects the organization or a member chapter;
Fraud, misrepresentation, harassment, violence, theft, or other serious misconduct affecting the organization;
Loss of eligibility for the applicable class of membership; or
A written request from the member’s chapter, if supported by cause and reviewed under the due-process procedures of these bylaws.

Section 7. Chapters and Charters.

The Board of Directors, or any committee delegated such authority by the Board of Directors, shall have authority to set standards for chapter governing documents, charter applications, annual charter renewal, and chapter good standing.

The Board of Directors, or any committee delegated such authority, shall have authority to charter, renew, suspend, or revoke the charters of chapters, subject to the notice, cure, mediation, and due-process requirements of these bylaws.

Section 8. Chapter Chartering Process.

The Board of Directors or any committee delegated such authority shall publish annual chartering requirements and deadlines before the Annual Convention.

Before a chapter may be denied renewal, suspended, or dechartered for failure to satisfy chartering requirements, the organization shall provide written notice of the deficiency and a reasonable opportunity to cure, unless the Board of Directors or Executive Committee determines that emergency action is necessary to prevent fraud, legal risk, misuse of the organization’s name or marks, or serious harm to the organization.

Mediation with a member chapter is required before a chapter may be dechartered from the state organization, unless emergency action is authorized by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee.

Section 9. College Clubs.

A College Republicans chapter shall be considered chartered upon submission and approval of the following by the Board of Directors or any committee delegated such authority:

The constitution, bylaws, or other governing document of the chapter;
A complete list of the chapter’s officers or executives;
A complete list of the chapter’s general membership, including each member’s name, school email address, and registered voter address used to verify Republican registration, or, if not registered to vote, the member’s mailing address;
Evidence of the chapter’s registration as an on-campus student organization, if available; and
Any dues, forms, certifications, or additional materials required by these bylaws or rules adopted pursuant to them.

If a school restricts partisan chapters on campus, a chapter may be formed in the name of the city or community where the college is located to represent College Republicans at or near that institution.

Section 10. California High School Republicans Chapters (CAHSGOP).

A California High School Republicans chapter, also referred to as a CAHSGOP chapter, shall be considered chartered upon submission and approval of the following:

The constitution, bylaws, or other governing document of the chapter;
A complete list of the chapter’s officers, executives, or advisors;
A complete list of the chapter’s membership, including each member’s name and email address;
Evidence of the chapter’s registration as a student organization, if applicable; and
Any dues, forms, certifications, or additional materials required by these bylaws or rules adopted pursuant to them.

If a school restricts chapters on campus, a chapter may be formed in the name of the city or community where the high school or youth group is located.

Section 11. Alumni Clubs.

The College Republican Alumni Association may establish alumni units or clubs. An alumni unit or club shall be considered chartered upon submission and approval of the following:

The constitution, bylaws, or other governing document of the unit or club, if applicable;
A complete list of the unit’s or club’s officers or executives;
A complete list of the unit’s or club’s general membership, including each member’s name, email address, and registered voter address used to verify Republican registration, or, if not registered to vote, the member’s mailing address; and
Submission of dues, forms, certifications, or additional materials required by these bylaws or inferior governing documents.

Article V. Board of Directors

Section 1. Powers and Authority.

The Board of Directors, also referred to as the BOD or Board, shall be the governing body of the organization between meetings of the House of Delegates. The Board shall direct and supervise the organization and may exercise all powers necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the organization, except powers reserved to the House of Delegates or another body by these bylaws.

The Board shall have authority to adopt policies, rules, resolutions, and directives consistent with these bylaws; amend these bylaws only as expressly permitted; charter, recognize, suspend, or revoke chapters; set and collect dues, fees, and assessments; approve contracts, expenditures, and financial policies; contract with, hire, appoint, remove, or decline to renew an Executive Director or agency; endorse candidates and campaigns in accordance with these bylaws; and fill vacancies.

No officer, committee, chapter, member, or Executive may bind the organization to a contract, legal obligation, expenditure, or official position unless authorized by these bylaws, the Board, or Board policy.

Section 2. Composition.

The membership of the Board of Directors shall be composed of the following elected positions: two at-large student representatives; one student regional representative from each region established in these bylaws; and three at-large alumni representatives. The BOD shall also include these ex-officio members:
1. The Party Advisor. He shall be a person who works or volunteers with, for, or as a representative of the state or a county Republican party. He shall be nominated by the Chairman and confirmed by majority vote of the Board.
2. The Parliamentarian. The Parliamentarian shall advise the Chairman, Board, and House of Delegates on parliamentary procedure, interpretation of governing documents, motions, votes, and meeting procedure. The Parliamentarian may be appointed by the Chairman and shall serve at the pleasure of the Chairman unless otherwise provided by these bylaws.
3. Chairman of the College Republican Alumni Association. The chairman of this committee is selected by the methods prescribed in its committee charter. If no charter or other provision exists, the Chairman of the BOD may appoint a Chair.
4. Executive Committee officers listed in these bylaws.
5. The Immediate Past Chairman of the BOD;

Section 3. Elected Board Positions and Regions.

Elected Board positions shall be elected at the Annual Convention or other duly called meeting of the House of Delegates, as provided in these bylaws. Elected Board members shall represent the membership or region from which they are elected, inform members in their regions or constituencies about the affairs of the organization, and carry out the duties assigned by these bylaws, governing documents, and applicable law. The following are elected positions of the organization:

Student member positions. Student member positions are elected by and from student members only, and consist of the following:
1. Two at-large representatives;
2. One representative from each region of the organization. A region must contain at least one chapter in order to elect a Regional representative. If a region does not have at least one chapter, the Chairman may appoint a Regional representative from that region, with consent from the BOD, to aid in establishing chapters. The regions are as follows:
  1. Northern. Amador, Alpine, Lake, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Sierra, Glenn, Butte, Plumas, Tehama, Lassen, Shasta, Modoc, Mendocino, Del Norte, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Trinity, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and San Joaquín counties.
  2. Bay Area. Solano, Sonoma, Napa, San Francisco, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
  3. Central Coast. Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
  4. Central Valley. Kern, Kings, Tulare, Inyo, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Tuolumne, Mono, Mariposa, Stanislaus, and Calaveras Counties.
  5. Southern. San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside counties and the City of Pomona.
  6. Los Angeles. Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, minus the City of Pomona.
  7. San Diego. San Diego and Imperial counties.
Alumni member positions. Alumni member positions are elected by and from alumni members only, and consist of the following:
1. Three at-large representatives;

Section 4. Qualifications for Board Office.

To be eligible for election or appointment to the Board, a person must be a member in good standing of the membership class from which the person is elected or appointed, satisfy all qualifications for the position, and not be suspended or otherwise disqualified from office under these bylaws.
A Regional Representative must attend school in, reside in, or otherwise be approved under credentialing rules as a member of the region the person seeks to represent.
No person shall be eligible to serve as Chairman unless that person is a student member in good standing and a voting member of the Board at the time of election as Chairman.

Section 5. Election of Chairman and Other Board Officers.

Chairman. The Chairman shall be elected by the Board from among eligible voting members of the Board after the Board is elected and seated. The procedure for electing the Chairman shall be:
1. Notice. Candidates for Chairman must declare their intent to run for Chairman no later than thirty (30) days before the election of the Board, unless the deadline is waived by a majority vote of the Board.
2. Procedure. The outgoing Chairman shall preside over the election of a new Chairman. The new Chairman shall be elected by majority vote of the voting members of the Board. If no candidate receives a majority vote, the candidate receiving the fewest votes shall be eliminated and additional ballots shall be conducted until a candidate receives a majority vote. If no Chairman is elected, the Immediate Past Chairman shall act as temporary Chairman until a successor is elected, unless the Board selects another temporary presiding officer by majority vote.
3. Upon election and swearing-in as Chairman, the Chairman’s previous elected Board position may be considered vacant and may be filled in accordance with these bylaws.
Vice Chairman. After election, the Chairman shall appoint a Vice Chairman from among the voting members of the Board, subject to confirmation by majority vote of the Board.
Secretary. The Chairman shall nominate a Secretary, subject to confirmation by majority vote of the Board.
Treasurer. The organization may contract with an external professional treasurer or financial professional to maintain financial records, process financial reports, and assist with compliance. If the Board determines that an external professional treasurer is impracticable, the Chairman shall nominate a Treasurer, subject to confirmation by majority vote of the Board.
National Committeeman. The Chairman shall nominate a representative to the national College Republicans organization, subject to confirmation by majority vote of the Board, if such representative is required or permitted. The Chairman may appoint a Parliamentarian as provided in these bylaws.

Section 6. Duties of Board Officers.

A. Chairman. The Chairman shall preside over meetings of the Board and House of Delegates unless another presiding officer is appointed or required; serve as the principal officer of the Board; work with the Executive Committee to coordinate the organization’s activities; execute contracts and official documents when authorized by these bylaws, the Board, or Board policy; appoint committee chairs and members as authorized by these bylaws; serve as an ex-officio member of all committees; coordinate with the Executive Director and other officers regarding external relations and state party affairs; and serve as a delegate to the California Republican Party, along with the Executive Director, if permitted by applicable party rules. The Chairman may appoint any additional California Republican Party delegates available to the organization, if permitted by applicable party rules and these bylaws. The Chairman may pardon or commute disciplinary sanctions imposed by the Board or Internal Affairs Committee, except sanctions against the Chairman, unless these bylaws provide otherwise.

B. Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall act for the Chairman in the Chairman’s absence, incapacity, resignation, removal, or vacancy until a successor is chosen as provided in these bylaws; assist the Chairman; oversee committee operations as assigned by the Chairman or Board; serve as an ex-officio member of all committees; and report committee progress to the Board when a committee chair is absent or unable to report.

C. Secretary. The Secretary shall record or cause to be recorded the minutes of Board meetings and conventions; maintain the official records of the organization, including minutes, governing documents, resolutions, policies, committee charters, proposed and adopted amendments, and the current Board roster; send notices and calls to meetings and conventions unless another officer is designated by the Board; and serve as Historian unless another person is appointed.

D. Treasurer or Financial Officer. The Treasurer, external professional treasurer, or other financial officer designated by the Board shall collect, receive, deposit, and record funds; collect dues and fees; maintain accurate financial records; provide financial reports to the Board at intervals set by the Board; and carry out any additional financial duties required by these bylaws, Board policy, or applicable law. The Board may adopt financial policies governing spending authority, reimbursement procedures, banking access, reporting deadlines, audits or reviews, and approval thresholds for contracts and expenditures.

Section 7. Terms and Term Limits.

Term Length. Elected Board members and Board officers shall serve terms beginning at the close of the convention or meeting at which they are elected or appointed and ending at the close of the next Annual Convention, unless they resign, are removed, become ineligible, or a successor is elected or appointed.
Term Limits. Board members and officers, except for the Chairman, may serve more than one term unless otherwise provided in these bylaws. The Chairman shall not be elected to more than two terms. If a Chairman ascends to office and serves for a partial term before election to a full term, the Chairman remains eligible to be elected to two full terms.

Section 8. Vacancies.

Definition. A vacancy exists when a Board position or Board office is unfilled due to death, resignation, removal, loss of eligibility, failure to elect, or declaration of vacancy under these bylaws.
Declaring a Vacancy. The Chairman may declare a Board seat vacant if it meets the definition of a vacancy or if a Board member fails to attend three (3) consecutive duly called Board meetings without excuse or is inactive and unresponsive to attempts to contact them for thirty (30) days or more. The affected Board member shall receive written notice of the vacancy.
Filling a Vacancy. Vacancies on the Board shall be filled by majority vote of the Board unless otherwise provided in these bylaws. A person filling a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. In the case of a vacancy in the office of Chairman, the Vice Chairman shall become Chairman. If the Vice Chairman is unable, unwilling, or ineligible to serve, the line of succession shall be Secretary, Treasurer, and then the longest-serving voting member of the Board who is willing and eligible to serve, unless the Board opts to elect a new Chairman under provisions of these bylaws.

Section 9. Meetings and Electronic Board Action.

The Chairman, Vice Chairman, or any two (2) officers may call meetings of the Board. Meetings may be held in person, by telephone, video conference, or any other method allowing simultaneous communication among participating members. Meetings may be conducted as:

Regular Meetings. These shall require at least three (3) days’ written notice and shall include a proposed agenda and the minutes from the prior meeting, if available.
Emergency Meetings. These shall be called with at least twenty-four (24) hours’ written notice when urgent action is necessary. Business at an emergency meeting shall be limited to the purpose stated in the notice unless the Board consents to additional business by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.
Electronic Votes. The Board may also take action without a meeting by electronic vote, including by group chat poll, email, online form, or another written electronic method approved by the Board, provided that the vote is limited to one clearly stated main motion. An electronic vote without a meeting shall be valid only if:
1. All voting members of the Board receive written notice of the exact motion, the voting deadline, and the method for voting. The voting period shall remain open for seventy-two (72) hours unless all voting members have voted before that time or a majority is reached.
2. For an electronic vote without a meeting to constitute Board action, a majority of all voting members of the Board must cast votes, and the motion must receive the number of affirmative votes required for that action under these bylaws. Abstentions and failures to respond shall not count as votes cast.
3. It is not used for impeachment, membership revocation, chapter dechartering, or any other matter requiring debate, hearing, due process, or a higher voting threshold, unless these bylaws expressly allow it.
4. The Secretary records any electronic action in the minutes of the next Board meeting.

Section 10. Quorum and Voting.

Quorum. One-third (1/3) of the voting members of the Board shall constitute quorum for ordinary business. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, Board action shall require a majority vote of those present and voting.
Votes and Proxies. Each voting member of the Board shall have one vote. Proxy voting shall not be permitted unless expressly authorized by these bylaws.

Section 11. Conflicts of Interest.

A Board member, officer, Executive, committee member, or other agent of the organization shall disclose any personal, financial, employment, contractual, romantic, or other conflict of interest relating to a matter before the organization.

A person with a conflict of interest may be required to recuse from discussion, deliberation, voting, access to confidential information, or other participation in the matter by majority vote of the Board or by rules adopted by the Board.

Article VI. Executive Committee

Section 1. Purpose and Authority.

The Executive Committee, also referred to as the Executives, shall administer the day-to-day operations of the organization under the authority of the Board of Directors.

The Executive Committee shall be responsible for implementing Board policy, supervising organizational operations, supporting chapters and members, coordinating committees, maintaining compliance with governing documents, and carrying out duties assigned by these bylaws, the Board, or the Executive Director.

The Executive Committee shall oversee the organization’s internal compliance, human resources, ethics, disclosures, workplace and volunteer conduct, internal investigations, member services, chapter support, and Internal Affairs functions, subject to the due-process rights and appeal procedures provided in these bylaws.

No Executive may bind the organization to a contract, expenditure, legal obligation, or official position except as authorized by these bylaws, the Board, the Executive Director within delegated authority, or Board policy.

Section 2. Composition.

The Executive Committee shall consist of:

A. The Executive Director;
B. The Communications Director;
C. The Membership Director;
D. The Human Resources Director, also referred to as the HR Director;
E. The Fundraising Director; and
F. Any other Executives, staff, contractors, interns, or assistants appointed, hired, contracted, or assigned by the Executive Director under authority granted by the Board.

Executives may be unpaid officers, contractors, employees, volunteers, or interns as determined by the Board, the Executive Director, applicable contracts, and applicable law.

Section 3. Executive Director.

The Executive Director shall be the chief administrative officer of the organization and shall supervise the day-to-day operations of the organization under the authority of the Board.

The Executive Director shall have authority to:

Manage the Executive Committee and supervise Executives, staff, contractors, volunteers, and interns;
Appoint, hire, contract with, remove, or reassign Executive Committee members and other administrative staff, subject to these bylaws, Board policy, and any applicable contract;
Implement Board policies, directives, programs, and strategic priorities;
Oversee legal, ethical, human resources, compliance, and internal governance functions of the organization;
Supervise the HR Director, Membership Director, and Internal Affairs functions to ensure that complaints, disputes, disclosures, discipline, investigations, and compliance matters are handled consistently with these bylaws;
Coordinate with the Chairman and Board regarding organizational strategy, external relations, and relations with Republican Party organizations;
Maintain or supervise the maintenance of the organization’s property, accounts, passwords, records, platforms, and administrative systems;
Coordinate statewide recruitment, chapter communication, campaign deployments, events, conventions, and speaker recruitment unless otherwise assigned by the Board;
Develop and implement fundraising, operational, compliance, and team-building strategies;
Work with the Treasurer or financial officer to ensure financial goals, reporting, and compliance standards are met;
Assign convention votes and assist with credentialing in accordance with official rosters and these bylaws; and
Serve as a delegate to the California Republican Party, if permitted by applicable party rules.

The Executive Director may execute contracts and official documents on behalf of the organization only as authorized by these bylaws, Board policy, contract terms, or Board approval.

Section 4. Human Resources, Compliance, and Internal Affairs.

The Executive Committee shall oversee the organization’s human resources, internal compliance, ethics, disclosures, disputes, investigations, workplace or volunteer conduct, and officer and chapter compliance functions.

The HR Director shall chair the Internal Affairs Committee unless another Executive is selected by the Executive Director due to vacancy, conflict of interest, recusal, incapacity, or operational need.

The HR Director shall:

Receive, process, and investigate internal complaints, disputes, disclosures, and conduct issues;
Chair and supervise Internal Affairs Committee proceedings;
Help enforce compliance with these bylaws, governing documents, ethics rules, standards of conduct, and due-process requirements;
Advise the Executive Director and Board on disciplinary, HR, compliance, and internal governance matters;
Maintain or supervise confidential records of complaints, investigations, disclosures, sanctions, recusals, and Internal Affairs actions;
Mediate disputes between members, chapters, officers, committees, or Executives when appropriate;
Recommend corrective action, discipline, suspension, or other remedies as authorized by these bylaws; and
Ensure that matters involving discipline, removal, suspension, membership revocation, or chapter status comply with due-process and appeal procedures provided in these bylaws.

If the HR Director has a conflict of interest in a matter, the Executive Director may assign the matter to another disinterested Executive or officer. If the Executive Director has a conflict of interest, the matter shall be supervised by the Chairman, Vice Chairman, or another disinterested officer designated by the Board.

Section 5. Membership Director.

The Membership Director shall oversee member recruitment, member engagement, chapter support, talent identification, resource access, and member opportunity programs.

The Membership Director shall:

Assist with statewide recruitment and member engagement;
Identify, recruit, and develop talent for chapters, committees, campaigns, internships, jobs, scholarships, and leadership opportunities;
Check in with members, chapter leaders, Board members, and regional representatives to assess needs and improve participation;
Help ensure that members, chapters, committees, and Board members have access to organizational resources, documents, training materials, contacts, and support;
Serve as a liaison between members and outside organizations, campaigns, Republican Party organizations, partner groups, employers, alumni, and allied organizations;
Maintain or assist with membership records, chapter rosters, and member contact information in coordination with the Executive Director and Credentials Committee;
Assist the Board, Credentials Committee, and Executive Director with credentialing chapters and members;
Ensure that governing documents and other member-facing resources are reasonably accessible;
Oversee the Jobs Committee or similar member-opportunity committee; and
Help connect members with jobs, internships, fellowships, scholarships, trainings, mentorships, and professional opportunities.

The Membership Director shall coordinate with the HR Director when a membership matter involves discipline, misconduct, disputes, suspension, removal, or other Internal Affairs issues.

Section 6. Communications Director.

The Communications Director shall oversee public communications, media relations, press releases, official statements, digital messaging, branding, and other communications functions assigned by the Executive Director or Board.

The Communications Director shall work with the Executive Director, Chairman, and Board to ensure that public communications are consistent with the organization’s policies, priorities, and approved positions.

Section 7. Fundraising Director.

The Fundraising Director shall plan and execute fundraising programs for the organization, including email, text, call, digital, event-based, donor, and other fundraising campaigns.

The Fundraising Director shall work with the Executive Director and Treasurer or financial officer to ensure that fundraising activity is properly recorded, reported, and conducted in accordance with applicable financial policies and legal requirements.

Section 8. Committees Under Executive Supervision.

The Executive Committee may supervise committees related to operations, membership, communications, fundraising, jobs, internships, scholarships, compliance, HR, and internal affairs, subject to these bylaws and Board policy.

Section 9. Reports and Board Coordination.

The Executive Committee shall prepare reports, recommendations, and proposed actions for consideration by the Board.

The Executive Director shall work with the Chairman to prepare proposed Board agendas. Any voting member of the Board may request that an item be placed on a Board agenda, subject to reasonable agenda procedures adopted by the Board.

The Executive Committee shall report to the Board on operations, compliance, membership, fundraising, communications, chapter status, jobs and opportunities, Internal Affairs, and other matters as requested by the Board.

Section 10. Term, Removal, and Vacancies.

Executives shall serve until resignation, removal, appointment or confirmation of a successor, expiration of contract, or loss of eligibility.

Except for the Executive Director, vacancies in Executive Committee positions may be filled by the Executive Director. The Executive Director may remove, reassign, or replace Executives, staff, contractors, interns, or assistants under the Executive Director’s supervision, subject to these bylaws, Board policy, and applicable contracts.

Removal of the Executive Director requires a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board of Directors.

A vacancy in the office of Executive Director, or in an agency contracted to perform the functions of the Executive Director, shall be filled by the Board.

Article VII. Committees

Section 1. Purpose and Oversight.

Committees shall assist the Board of Directors and Executive Committee in carrying out the work of the organization.

Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws or in a committee charter, committees shall operate under the oversight of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Committee chairs and members may be appointed, removed, or replaced as provided in these bylaws, by Board policy, or by the committee’s charter. If no other provision in these bylaws, committee charters, or policies exist for appointing committee members and chairs, the Chairman shall have the right to fill these positions.

The Board of Directors may create, modify, suspend, or dissolve committees by majority vote, except for standing committees established by these bylaws.

Section 2. Committee Charters and Rules.

The Board of Directors may adopt committee charters, standing rules, or policies governing committee membership, duties, reporting, voting, confidentiality, records, ands procedures.

A committee charter may provide for internal election of officers, appointment of members, committee-specific qualifications, or additional duties, provided that the charter does not conflict with these bylaws.

Section 3. Standing Committees.

The following shall be the standing committees of the organization:

A. Press and Publications Committee. The Press and Publications Committee shall be chaired by the Communications Director and assist with press releases, public statements, publications, digital content, branding, and other communications matters as requested.

B. Fundraising Committee. The Fundraising Committee shall be jointly-chaired by the Fundraising Director and Treasurer, and shall assist in raising funds for the organization, developing donor relationships, organizing fundraising campaigns, and identifying new sources of financial support.

C. Credentials Committee. The Credentials Committee shall assist with membership and chapter credentialing, maintain or review rosters, help process chapter chartering materials, and organize credentialing materials for Convention. The Credentials Committee shall work with the Membership Director, Executive Director, and Board of Directors to verify delegate eligibility and chapter status in accordance with these bylaws.

D. Events Committee. The Events Committee shall plan and support activism events, campus events, speakers, trainings, conventions, and other in-person or online events as assigned by the Executive Committee or Board of Directors.

E. Internal Affairs Committee. The Internal Affairs Committee shall operate under the supervision of the HR Director and Executive Director, subject to the authority of the Board of Directors and the due-process requirements of these bylaws. The HR Director shall chair the Internal Affairs Committee unless another disinterested Executive or officer is selected under these bylaws due to vacancy, conflict of interest, recusal, incapacity, or operational need. The Internal Affairs Committee shall:

Receive, investigate, mediate, and report on internal complaints, disputes, disclosures, ethics matters, HR matters, and alleged violations of governing documents;
Recommend corrective action, discipline, suspension, removal, or other remedies as authorized by these bylaws. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, final disciplinary action by the Internal Affairs Committee may be appealed to the Board of Directors within seven (7) days of written notice of the decision, and the Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the decision by majority vote, excluding any conflicted or disciplined member;
Keep appropriate confidential records of complaints, investigations, disclosures, recusals, findings, and actions;
Receive required disclosures of workplace, officer, or organizational conflicts, including workplace or romantic relationships involving officers or Executives;
Investigate, report, and recommend measures concerning mistreatment of members or chapters by school administrators;
Perform other HR, compliance, dispute-resolution, and internal-governance duties assigned by these bylaws, the HR Director, the Executive Director, or the Board;
Have the power to, by majority vote, and subject to the due-process protections of these bylaws, place a member, Executive, officer, or Board member under interim suspension from office or organizational privileges for a period not to exceed twelve (12) weeks during an investigation involving alleged gross negligence, misconduct, violation of law, violation of these bylaws, or conduct materially harmful to the organization. Unless otherwise specified by the Committee, interim suspension may include suspension from voting, deliberation, title-based authority, access to confidential materials, and other privileges of office. Interim suspension shall not constitute impeachment, removal, vacancy, or final discipline. The subject of an interim suspension shall receive written notice stating the grounds for suspension. The suspension may be appealed to the Board of Directors, excluding the suspended person, and overturned by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

F. Intelligence and External Relations Committee. The Intelligence and External Relations Committee shall advise the Board and Executive Committee on relations with unaffiliated chapters, outside organizations, allied groups, and external coalitions. The Committee may initiate interorganizational projects, keep records of joint legislation or agreements, monitor external conflicts involving the organization, and report on recommended resolutions.

G. California College Republican Alumni Association. The California College Republican Alumni Association shall serve as a bridge between active College Republicans and alumni members of the organization. The Association shall build and maintain an alumni network, encourage alumni social events, promote alumni support and donor loyalty, and perform other duties assigned by its charter, the Executive Committee, or the Board of Directors. The Association shall be composed of alumni members. Its officers shall be selected and vacancies filled as provided in its committee charter.

H. Rules Committee. The Rules Committee shall consider proposed amendments to these bylaws and other governing documents as provided in these bylaws. The Rules Committee shall have no more than four (4) members in addition to the chair, unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Directors or House of Delegates.

I. California High School Republicans Committee. The California High School Republicans Committee, also referred to as CAHSGOP, shall represent high-school-age students and include them as affiliate or associate members in accordance with these bylaws and its committee charter.

J. Jobs and Opportunities Committee. The Jobs and Opportunities Committee shall be chaired by and operate under the supervision of the Membership Director. The Committee shall help connect members with jobs, internships, fellowships, scholarships, mentorships, trainings, campaign opportunities, and professional-development opportunities. It may work with alumni, campaigns, Republican Party organizations, employers, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and allied groups to identify and share opportunities with members.

Section 4. Special Committees.

The Board of Directors, Chairman, or Executive Director may create special or temporary committees to carry out specific projects, events, investigations, or administrative needs, unless otherwise prohibited by these bylaws.

A special committee shall expire upon completion of its assigned task, expiration of its stated term, or dissolution by the authority that created it, unless continued by the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Records and Reporting.

Each committee shall maintain records appropriate to its duties and shall report to the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, or supervising Executive as requested.

Committees handling confidential, disciplinary, HR, legal, credentialing, financial, or membership information shall protect such information and disclose it only as authorized by these bylaws, Board policy, the Executive Director, the HR Director, or applicable law.

Article VIII. Annual Convention and House of Delegates

Section 1. Annual Convention.

The organization shall hold an Annual Convention, also referred to as the House of Delegates, once each year to elect Board members, consider amendments, receive reports, and conduct other business properly brought before it.

The Annual Convention shall be presided over by the Chairman or another presiding officer appointed under these bylaws. The Annual Convention shall be held in Las Vegas between March and August unless the Board, by a three-fourths (3/4) vote, approves a different date, location, or format.

Section 2. Sessions and Delegates.

The Annual Convention may conduct business in a General Session, Student Session, and Alumni Session.

A. General Session. Associate members and guests may attend as non-voting delegates or observers if permitted by convention rules. Voting delegates of the General Session shall be:

Student members who purchase registration for the Convention, are listed on a submitted chapter membership list, and satisfy any student-identification requirements adopted under these bylaws;
Voting members of the Board of Directors; and
Alumni members who purchase registration for the Convention, unless otherwise provided by these bylaws or convention rules.

B. Student Session. Voting delegates of the Student Session shall be student members who purchase registration for the Convention, are listed on a submitted chapter membership list, and satisfy any student-identification requirements adopted under these bylaws.

C. Alumni Session. Voting delegates of the Alumni Session shall be alumni members who purchase registration for the Convention and satisfy any credentialing requirements adopted under these bylaws.

Section 3. Business of Sessions.

The General Session may consider reports on the status of the organization, bylaw amendments, endorsements, resolutions, and other business properly brought before it.

The Student Session shall elect student member positions and may consider other student-member business properly referred to it.

The Alumni Session shall elect alumni member positions and may consider other alumni-member business properly referred to it.

Section 4. Call to Convention.

The Board of Directors shall issue the Call to Convention at least ninety (90) days before the Annual Convention. The Call shall be delivered to the general membership to the extent reasonably possible and shall include:

A. The date, time, and place of the Annual Convention;
B. Registration costs for delegates and guests, including late-registration costs if applicable;
C. Accommodation information, including cost if available;
D. Documents required for credentialing members and chapters;
E. Deadlines for convention materials;
F. Requirements and deadlines for running for elected office;
G. Contact information for the Secretary;
H. Contact information for the Convention Director or other persons responsible for convention questions;
I. The time and place of the General Session, Student Session, and Alumni Session; and
J. Contact information for the Credentials Committee.

Section 5. Credentials.

The Credentials Committee shall publish credentialing guidelines for confirming delegate status, chapter status, and voting eligibility.

A preliminary Credentials Report shall be made available before the adoption of the final Credentials Report. Challenges to delegate status, chapter status, or voting eligibility must be submitted in writing under procedures adopted by the Credentials Committee.

The Credentials Committee shall rule on credentialing challenges before the final Credentials Report is adopted, unless the Convention refers or resolves a challenge by vote.

The Credentials Report, once adopted by the Convention, shall determine the voting delegates for the Convention.

Section 6. Notice of Candidacy.

A person seeking elected office at Convention must submit written notice of candidacy to the Secretary and Board of Directors no later than sixty (60) days before the start of General Session.

A person who fails to submit timely notice shall not be eligible for elected office at that Convention unless the deadline is waived by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the delegates in the applicable session.

Section 7. Election of Board Positions.

At-large student positions shall be elected by voting delegates of the Student Session. At-large alumni positions shall be elected by voting delegates of the Alumni Session.

Regional Representatives shall be elected only by voting student delegates from chapters within the region the candidate seeks to represent.

If more than one qualified candidate seeks an at-large or regional office, voting shall be conducted by ballot, counted rising vote, roll call vote, or another reliable method approved by the presiding officer or convention rules.

If no candidate receives a majority of votes cast, an immediate runoff shall be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes.

Section 8. Electronic or Alternative Convention.

The Annual Convention may be held in person, electronically, or by hybrid means if approved by the Board of Directors.

An electronic or hybrid Convention must allow participating delegates to hear, speak, vote, and participate substantially at the same time, or through another reliable method approved by the Board that protects delegate authentication, voting integrity, and equal access.

Article IX. Removal, Discipline, and Vacancies in Leadership

Section 1. Grounds for Removal or Discipline.

A voting member of the Board of Directors may be removed or otherwise disciplined for cause. Cause includes violation of these bylaws or other governing documents, violation of law, neglect of duty, failure to perform the duties of office, misuse of organization property or authority, misconduct, or conduct that materially harms the reputation, operations, or mission of the organization.

Section 2. Initiating Removal.

A removal proceeding may be initiated by:

A written petition signed by at least one-third (1/3) of the voting members of the Board;
A majority vote of the Internal Affairs Committee; or
A written petition signed by at least thirty (30) members of the organization.

The written charge shall identify the Board member, state the grounds for removal, and briefly describe the facts supporting the charge.

Section 3. Notice and Opportunity to Respond.

The Board member charged shall receive written notice of the charge at least seven (7) days before the vote on removal, unless the Board determines by two-thirds (2/3) vote that urgent circumstances require shorter notice.

The charged Board member shall have a reasonable opportunity to respond in writing and to speak before the body voting on removal. The charged Board member may not preside over the proceeding.

Section 4. Removal by the Board.

The Board of Directors may remove a Board member for cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members of the Board then in office, excluding the charged Board member.

Removal by the Board shall be effective immediately unless the motion provides otherwise.

Section 5. Removal by the House of Delegates.

The House of Delegates may remove a Board member for cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting delegates present and voting in the applicable session or in General Session, as appropriate under these bylaws.

Section 6. Interim Suspension.

Interim suspension of Board members shall be governed by the Internal Affairs Committee provisions of these bylaws and any additional due-process protections in this article.

Section 7. Sanctions Other Than Removal.

Instead of removal, the Board or House of Delegates may impose lesser sanctions, including warning, censure, loss of committee assignment, temporary suspension of privileges, required corrective action, or referral to Internal Affairs.

Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, lesser sanctions require a majority vote of the body imposing the sanction.

Section 8. Vacancies.

A Board vacancy created by removal, resignation, death, loss of eligibility, or other cause shall be filled as provided in the Board of Directors article.

A vacancy in the Executive Committee shall be filled as provided in the Executive Committee article.

Article X. Endorsements

Section 1. Authority to Endorse.

The organization may endorse, decline to endorse, or revoke endorsements of candidates for public office, campaigns, and ballot measures.

Endorsements may be issued by the Board of Directors or the House of Delegates. The House of Delegates may overrule, revoke, or modify an endorsement issued by the Board of Directors.

Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, endorsement decisions require a majority vote of the body making the endorsement.

Section 2. Restrictions on Endorsements.

The organization is not bound by endorsements issued by the California Republican Party, any county Republican Party, or any other organization unless adopted under this article. The organization and its member chapters shall not endorse:

A Democrat, independent, third-party candidate, or non-Republican candidate for partisan office unless no Republican is running;
A Democrat, independent, third-party candidate, or non-Republican candidate for nonpartisan office if a Republican endorsed by the organization is running; or
The explicit defeat of a Republican in a Republican-versus-Democrat, Republican-versus-independent, or Republican-versus-third-party race.

Section 3. Chairman Endorsements.

The Chairman may issue endorsements on behalf of the organization only when authorized by the Board of Directors, by these bylaws, or by a policy adopted by the Board.

An endorsement issued by the Chairman may be overruled, revoked, or modified by the Board of Directors or House of Delegates.

The Chairman may endorse in a personal capacity or by title only if the endorsement does not conflict with an endorsement of the organization and clearly states that it is not an endorsement by the organization, unless organizational authorization has been granted.

Section 4. Automatic General Election Endorsements.

The Republican nominee for a general election shall be automatically endorsed by the organization after the primary election, unless:

A. The general election is a Republican-versus-Republican race;
B. The Board of Directors or House of Delegates votes not to endorse;
C. The candidate is ineligible for endorsement under these bylaws; or
D. The endorsement would conflict with applicable law, party rules, or governing documents.

Section 5. Gap-Filling Endorsements.

If the organization has not endorsed in a state or local race at least forty-five (45) days before an election, the Chairman and Executive Committee may approve endorsements to fill endorsement gaps by adopting recommendations from the California Republican Party, Republican county central committees, Republican Party organizations, conservative organizations, or other allied organizations.

Gap-filling endorsements may be approved only if consistent with the restrictions in this article. Any gap-filling endorsement may be overruled, revoked, or modified by the Board of Directors or House of Delegates.

Section 6. Revocation of Endorsements.

An endorsement may be revoked by the body that issued it, by the Board of Directors, or by the House of Delegates. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, revocation requires a majority vote.

Article XI. Affiliations

Section 1. Affiliations.

The organization is voluntarily affiliated with the Republican Party and may maintain charters, affiliations, or working relationships with the California Republican Party, College Republicans of America, county Republican parties, and other Republican or conservative organizations as approved by the Board of Directors.

Nothing in this article shall require the organization to adopt the endorsement, policy, position, or decision of any affiliated organization unless required by these bylaws, applicable chartering rules, or a decision of the Board of Directors or House of Delegates.

Article XII. Governing Authority, Parliamentary Authority, and Arbitration

Section 1. Governing Authority.

The organization shall be governed by applicable federal, state, and local law; these bylaws; duly adopted standing rules, policies, committee charters, and other governing documents; and the parliamentary authority adopted in this article.

In the event of a conflict, applicable law shall control, followed by these bylaws, then other governing documents adopted under these bylaws, then the parliamentary authority.

Section 2. Parliamentary Authority.

The current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, also referred to as RONR, shall govern parliamentary questions not addressed by applicable law, these bylaws, or other governing documents of the organization.

Section 3. Arbitration.

No member, chapter, officer, committee, or Executive may submit a dispute to arbitration unless all internal remedies and appeals available under these bylaws have first been exhausted, unless the Board of Directors waives this requirement by majority vote.

The following authorities may be used for arbitration or external adjudication in the following order of priority:

A. Fortuna Arbitration;
B. Any national organization designated by these bylaws or other governing documents; and
C. The California Republican Party.

Only one method of arbitration or external adjudication may be used for the same dispute. The next authority in the order of priority may be approached only if the preceding authority states in writing that it is unable or unwilling to hear the dispute, or fails to act within a timeline set by the Board of Directors. The timeline set by the Board shall be no less than ten (10) days and no more than thirty (30) days.

A resulting arbitrator’s award, decision, or injunction may be enforced in any court having jurisdiction.

Article XIII. Rights of Members and Chapters

Section 1. Due Process and Access.

No member, associate member, officer, Executive, or chapter shall be deprived of membership, office, charter status, voting rights, organizational privileges, or other rights under these bylaws without due process.

Due process shall include, at minimum, written notice of the issue or alleged violation, a reasonable opportunity to respond, review by the appropriate body, and any appeal rights provided in these bylaws.

No member shall be compelled in an internal disciplinary matter to provide testimony against themselves. Refusal to provide testimony may not alone be treated as an admission of wrongdoing.

Members shall have the right to observe election procedures as permitted by these bylaws, convention rules, and credentialing procedures.

Members and chapters shall have equal access, to the best of the organization’s ability, to materials, governing documents, legal resources, training, and other resources made available by the organization.

No member shall be denied reasonable access to communicate with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, or appropriate officers without due process or a reasonable rule adopted under these bylaws.

Section 2. Protection Against Retroactive Rules.

No member, officer, Executive, committee, or chapter shall be disciplined or deprived of rights based on a retroactive rule, requirement, policy, or standard that changes the consequences of conduct after the conduct occurred.

Actions based on retroactive application may be reviewed and struck down by the Internal Affairs Committee, the Board of Directors, or the House of Delegates, as applicable.

This section may be amended only by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the House of Delegates and supersedes any conflicting amendment requirement in these bylaws.

Section 3. Right to Seek Redress.

No member, associate member, officer, Executive, committee, or chapter shall be deprived of the right to seek redress for violations of these bylaws or other governing documents.

Requests for redress shall be submitted under procedures adopted by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, HR Director, Internal Affairs Committee, or other appropriate body under these bylaws.

Section 4. Right to Chapter Endorsements.

Member chapters may endorse candidates, campaigns, or ballot measures separately from the organization, subject to these bylaws and any applicable chapter governing documents.

Member chapters shall not endorse a Democrat, independent, third-party candidate, or non-Republican candidate for partisan office unless no Republican is running. Member chapters shall not endorse the explicit defeat of a Republican in a Republican-versus-Democrat, Republican-versus-independent, or Republican-versus-third-party race.

Any alleged violation of this section shall be reviewed under the due-process procedures of these bylaws.

Section 5. Right to Free Speech.

No member or member chapter shall be denied the right to free speech within the organization, subject to reasonable rules of order, decorum, confidentiality, official communications, and conduct adopted under these bylaws.

Speech or conduct may be subject to discipline only under due process and only when it involves:

Unauthorized statements made on behalf of the organization;
Knowingly false or materially misleading statements about the organization, its officers, chapters, members, or affiliated Republican Party organizations;
Harassment, threats, intimidation, or targeted personal attacks;
Vulgar, obscene, or sexually explicit language or material in official organization spaces or communications;
Promotion or endorsement of Democrats or non-Republican candidates in violation of these bylaws;
Personal attacks based on race, sex, religion, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or other protected status, made with malicious or harmful intent; or
Disclosure of confidential, legal, HR, disciplinary, credentialing, financial, or membership information without authorization.

Section 6. Right to Governing Documents.

Members shall have the right to review these bylaws and other governing documents of the organization, subject to reasonable confidentiality protections for legal, HR, disciplinary, financial, credentialing, or private membership records.

The Executive Committee shall ensure that current governing documents are reasonably accessible to members.

Section 7. Right of Chapters to Refuse State Events.

No chapter shall be required to host, sponsor, promote, or place its name on an official state organization event occurring on its campus or in its community without the chapter’s consent.

A chapter’s refusal under this section shall not prevent the state organization from holding, sponsoring, or promoting an event under the state organization’s own name, provided that the chapter is not represented as a host or sponsor without consent.

Article XIV. Legal Representation and Legal Authority

Section 1. Legal Authority of the Organization.

The Board of Directors shall have ultimate authority to determine whether the organization will initiate, defend, support, fund, settle, or decline any legal matter involving the organization, its name, its marks, its officers, its committees, its chapters, or its members acting in an official capacity.

Section 2. Legal Representation for Chapters.

Any legal representative secured by the organization for a member chapter, or placed in contact with a member chapter by the organization for a College Republican-related legal matter, shall be answerable to the Board of Directors with respect to whether the organization will support, fund, or continue involvement in the matter.

A member chapter may not bind the organization to legal action, legal expense, settlement, public legal position, or legal representation without authorization from the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Legal Action on Behalf of Chapters or Members.

For member chapters whose constitutions or bylaws recognize the supremacy of these bylaws, the organization may, with approval of the Board of Directors, pursue legal action on behalf of such chapter or its willing members in a College Republican-related legal matter.

The organization may use the name, likeness, chapter name, or related identifying information of a member chapter or willing member in such legal action only to the extent authorized by the Board of Directors and permitted by law.

Section 4. Risk and Control.

When the organization authorizes legal action on behalf of a chapter or willing member, the organization shall assume responsibility for the legal risk, expense, and strategic control of the matter to the extent approved by the Board of Directors.

No officer, committee, chapter, member, or legal representative may represent that the organization has authorized legal action unless such authorization has been approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Counsel.

The Board of Directors may retain, consult, or terminate legal counsel for the organization. Legal counsel retained for the organization shall represent the organization as an entity and not any individual officer, member, chapter, or committee unless expressly approved by the Board of Directors and permitted by applicable rules of professional responsibility.

Article XV. Amendments

Section 1. Amendment Authority.

These bylaws may be amended by the House of Delegates or by the Board of Directors only as provided in this article.

No amendment may conflict with applicable law, superior chartering requirements, or the legal rights of the organization.

Section 2. Board Amendments.

The Board of Directors may amend these bylaws only after the proposed amendment has been referred to and reported by the Rules Committee.

A proposed amendment reported favorably by the Rules Committee may be adopted by a majority vote of voting Board Members present and voting.

A proposed amendment reported neutrally, reported unfavorably, or not reported by the Rules Committee may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of voting Board Members present and voting, unless a higher threshold is required by these bylaws.

The Board may not amend provisions affecting:

This article or amendment powers;
Terms of office or term limits;
Finances, dues, or financial authority;
The legal name, approved names, trademarks, marks, or logo of the organization;
Rights of members or chapters; or
Any provision that expressly requires action by the House of Delegates.

Section 3. House of Delegates Amendments.

A proposed amendment reported favorably by the Rules Committee may be adopted by a majority vote of voting delegates present and voting.

A proposed amendment reported neutrally, reported unfavorably, or not reported by the Rules Committee may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of voting delegates present and voting.

Section 4. Notice and Submission.

A proposed amendment to be considered by the House of Delegates must be submitted at least twenty (20) days before the day on which voting is to occur.

A proposed amendment to be considered by the Board of Directors must be submitted at least three (3) days before the day on which voting is to occur.

The Secretary shall make proposed amendments available to members of the body voting on the amendment.

A proposed amendment may be submitted by any registered convention delegate, voting member of the Board, Executive, committee chair, or member of the Rules Committee, unless otherwise provided in these bylaws.

Section 5. Form of Amendments.

A proposed amendment should identify the article and section affected and provide the proposed text to be added, amended, or deleted.

The Rules Committee may recommend technical corrections, substitute language, or conforming changes, provided that the substance of the amendment is not changed without the sponsor’s consent or approval of the body considering the amendment.

Section 6. Effective Date.

Unless otherwise stated in the amendment, an adopted amendment shall take effect immediately upon adoption.