Rules and Bylaws

Bylaw 1

Section I - Delegation of Powers

In accordance with Article V, Section I of the EPCYD constitution, the Executive Committee explicitly delegates the powers to create, amend, implement, and repeal Bylaws to the Rules & Procedures Committee.

Section II - Scope of Powers

The Rules & Procedures Committee shall have the powers to draft, modify, enforce, and remove bylaws, subject to the limitations outlined herein.

Section III - Supersession Clause

Notwithstanding the delegation of powers, The Executive Committee retains the powers to create, amend, implement, and repeal Bylaws. Any rules or procedures made, modified, or repealed by The Rules & Procedures Committee shall be subject to review by The Executive Committee.

Section IV - Supersession Process

Upon the decision to review or supersede any action made by The Rules & Procedures Committee, within twenty-four (24) hours of the decision being made, The Executive Committee shall provide written notice detailing the specific action being reviewed or superseded and the rationale for the decision.

The Rules & Procedures Committee shall comply with decisions made by The Executive Committee.

Bylaw 2

Section I - Enacting Bylaws by Rules & Procedures Committee

A. Proposal

Any member of the El Paso County Young Democrats may propose the committee create, amend, or repeal a Bylaw. The proposal must be submitted in writing to the Chair of The Rules Committee, detailing the proposed text and rationale behind it.

B. Review & Consideration

After a proposal has been officially submitted, the Rules & Procedures Committee shall review the proposal in adherence with the standing EPCYD Constitution and Bylaws. The Committee may request additional information or clarification from the proposing member if necessary. 

C. Public Comment Period

The rules committee shall publish the proposal to all members and shall provide a minimum of twenty-four (24) days for public comment and feedback. 

During this period, all public comments, suggestions, or objections must be submitted to the Chair of The Rules & Procedures Committee through the means provided by the Rules & Procedures Committee.

D. Evaluation & Modification Meeting

After the public comment period, the Rules & Procedures Committee shall evaluate all feedback and may modify the proposal accordingly. 

E. Committee Approval

Quorum, as defined by the EPCYD Constitution, must be present at any meeting to adopt a proposal as a Bylaw. A Bylaw proposal requires a majority vote of the members present to be adopted, or a two-thirds (⅔) vote to be amended or repealed.

F. Optional Executive Review Period

Any Bylaw adopted, amended, or repealed is subject to review by the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee may, within Twenty-four (24) days of the Bylaw’s adoption, amendment, or repeal, notify the Chair of the Rules & Procedures Committee of their intent to review or supersede the action.

Should the Executive Committee choose to review they shall, within ninety (90) days of the Bylaw’s adoption, amendment, or repeal, make a final decision in regard to their review. 

If the Executive Committee does not act within the prescribed timeframes, the Bylaw shall be considered approved and in effect.

G. Implementation & Documentation

Once approved, Bylaws shall be incorporated into the EPCYD Governing Documents and communicated to all members of The El Paso County Young Democrats.

The Rules & Procedures Committee shall maintain a record of all Bylaws, including but not limited to their adoption dates and any subsequent amendments or repeals.

Bylaw 3

Section 1: Establishment and Purpose

A Conflict Resolution Subcommittee (CRS), within the EPCYD Rules and Bylaw’s Committee, shall be established to handle complaints, disputes, or violations of the applicable EPCYD constitution, bylaws, rules, and code of conduct. The subcommittee shall operate impartially and transparently to resolve conflicts within the organization.

Section 2: Formation and Composition

The CRS shall consist of five (5) members, with the following structure to ensure neutrality and fairness:

Chair of the CRS: A neutral (unaffiliated with the submitted conflict) member from the EPCYD Rules and Bylaws Committee, who shall preside over all committee meetings and ensure adherence to established procedures. This member shall be the Chair of the Rules and Bylaws Committee or their designee. In the event that the complaint involves the committee as a whole, the complaint will be overseen by the full EPCYD Executive Committee less any involved members.

EPCYD Executive Leadership: The EPCYD Chair or a Vice Chair shall serve on the committee. Provided they are not the subject of, or involved in, the complaint. This seat may not be filled by a member filling any other role on the CRS.

One (1) Neutral Executive Committee Members: Appointed by the Chair of the CRS. These individuals must not have any prior involvement in the complaint under review.

Two (2) Neutral General Member: Appointed by the Chair of the CRS. A member from the general EPCYD membership, who is not involved in the matter under review.

Section 3: Complaint Submission

Any member of EPCYD in good standing may file a formal complaint by submitting a written request to the Rules and Bylaws Committee. Complaints must be filed within 30 days of the incident and must include:

A clear description of the issue.

Any supporting evidence or documentation.

Names of individuals involved.

The Rules and Bylaws Committee shall, upon full submission, acknowledge the complaint within five (5) business days and notify all parties involved of the pending formation of the CRS.

Section 4: Investigative Process

Upon receiving a complaint, the CRS shall:

Conduct an initial review to determine if the complaint falls within the scope of the EPCYD constitution, bylaws, and rules.

Interview all relevant parties and gather evidence.

Maintain strict confidentiality throughout the investigative process. No member outside the CRS shall be privy to the full investigation until final findings and decisions are published. Any member of the CRS found in violation shall be immediately replaced.

Issue a written decision with recommendations for resolution within 30 days of acknowledging the submission. This deadline may be extended by the CRS as deemed necessary for further review.

Section 5: Decision and Appeals

The CRS’s decision shall be communicated in writing to all relevant parties. If any party involved in the complaint disagrees with the resolution, they may submit an appeal to the EPCYD Executive Committee within ten (10) business days. The Executive Committee shall have the final authority within the organization to uphold or overturn the CRS’s decision.

Section 6: Conflict of Interest

Any member of the CRS or the Executive Committee with a direct or indirect interest in the complaint must recuse themselves from the proceedings. In such cases, an alternate neutral member shall be appointed to maintain the five-member structure. In the event that the CRS cannot be staffed with a full five members, the complaint shall be elevated to the Colorado Young Democrats.