ACB 2024 Standing Rules

ACB 2024 Standing Rules

Adopted by the ACB Board of Directors, April 30, 2024

Preamble

The Standing Rules for debate and voting at the ACB Conference and Convention are updated yearly and are designed to promote the fairest process for debate and the most efficient use of members' time during the General Sessions. Great effort is expended to publish the Election materials of candidates, proposed Resolutions, and proposed Amendments to the ACB Constitution and Bylaws well in advance of the General Sessions at which they will be acted upon. Zoom sessions are scheduled for answering questions and discussion of items up for voting during the convention sessions. Notice to members of the dates, times, and approximate content for each Zoom meeting are broadcasted via various media. These sessions are a great place to have your questions answered and suggest amended language for the item under discussion. In the interest of an informed electorate and an efficient use of all of our time at the Convention, it is strongly encouraged that members familiarize themselves with the issues under discussion, either by attending or listening to the recordings of the discussion sessions.

A. At the outset of debate on any issue before the convention, there shall be a period not to exceed ten (10) minutes devoted exclusively to questions and other points of clarification about the issue being debated. Speakers shall be limited to one minute, with no more than five speakers recognized, and a speaker shall be limited to asking about their point of clarification and shall not discuss the merits of the issue.

B. Debate on the merits of the issue shall begin at the conclusion of the ten-minute period for points of clarification. When the initial debate period begins, in the case of a resolution, the maker of that resolution shall be given an opportunity to address the assembly on the merits of the resolution.

C. Each debatable issue before the convention shall be limited to approximately twenty (20) minutes with a two-minute time limit per speaker, alternating between supporting speakers, including the maker of the resolution if they speak pursuant to subsection (b), and opposing speakers, unless a majority of the members agree to extend debate for an additional period of time. A member who does not seek recognition for purposes of debate at the beginning of a debate period shall not be eligible for debate during that debate period. The chair shall, during any debate period, immediately close debate when an equal number of speakers, have debated each side and no additional speakers have sought the floor.

D. Speakers shall not be recognized for purposes of seeking points of clarification during a debate period. Each member is respectfully urged to speak directly to the issue before the assembly and avoid unnecessary and time-consuming dialogue. No member will be recognized a second time to debate until all who wish to debate have been recognized.

E. Motions to close debate will not be recognized by the chair during the first debate period. After the first debate period, properly moved motions such as “I call for the question” or “I move the previous question” will be handled by the chair and voted on by the assembly.

F. At the beginning of the first 20-minute debate period, the chair shall define for the body what constitutes a point of order (or other parliamentary inquiry) and shall signify how a member can be recognized for the purpose of making a point of order (or other parliamentary inquiry). Any time in which a point of order is being considered shall not be deducted from the debate period.

2.

A. Except as provided in subsection (b), an amendment to a resolution or constitution or bylaw amendment may not be offered on the floor unless; 1. in the case of a resolution, the language for the proposed amendment has been provided to the chair of the Resolutions Committee prior to the opening of the session in which that resolution is scheduled to be debated, and 2. In the case of an amendment to a constitution or bylaw amendment, the language for the proposed amendment has been provided to the chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee prior to the opening of the session in which that constitution or bylaw amendment is scheduled to be debated.

B. Notwithstanding subsection (A), if, in the opinion of the convention chair, the amendment being proposed is non-substantive or clarifying in nature, the amendment may be proposed and adopted by unanimous consent.

C. Voting on an amendment to a proposed Resolution or Constitution or Bylaw Amendment shall occur by standing vote only. It shall not, therefore, be in order to seek a record vote on such an amendment.

1. The parliamentarian will act as timekeeper.

2. Recognition to speak will be given to those members who properly address the chair either using the “raise hand” feature of the Zoom internet meeting client program or while standing at a microphone in the convention hall and giving their names and affiliation.

3. Nominating and seconding speeches shall be limited to five minutes per candidate with the speaking time allocated according to the candidate's wishes. A person nominated for an office more than once shall be limited to one minute.

4. When no candidate for office receives a majority vote, the election shall be between the top two candidates. Affiliate votes will be reported in whole or half numbers. In all uncontested elections as verified after three calls for additional nominations, the chair may declare the candidate elected by acclamation. “Write in” candidacies are not permitted.

7.

A. Once a voice vote has been taken on a resolution, in accordance with Section C of Article III of the American Council of the Blind Constitution, and the chair has announced the result of that vote, the chair shall ask whether anyone voting in the minority objects to the vote, except that, if less than twenty-five (25) members have voted in the minority, the chair may immediately determine that no record vote is required. If at least twenty-five (25) members voting in the minority using the “raise hand” feature of the Zoom internet meeting client program or, if in the convention hall, by standing or using raised hands, object to the result, then a record vote on the resolution shall be required. B. After debate has ceased on a resolution and it is subsequently determined that a record vote is required, no further amendments may be proposed.

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