BYLAWS OF THE
TEXAS MUSIC ADJUDICATORS ASSOCIATION, INC.
These Bylaws govern the affairs of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Inc., a nonprofit corporation (herein, the “TMAA”).
1.01.
The Corporation's principal office in Texas will be located at 842 Kings Forest Lane, Richmond, TX 77469. The Corporation may have such other offices, in Texas or elsewhere, as the Board of Directors may determine. The Board may change the location of any office of the Corporation.
1.02 Registered Office and Registered Agent
The Corporation will maintain a registered office and registered agent in Texas. The registered office may, but need not, be identical with the Corporation's principal office in Texas. The Board may change the registered office and the registered agent as permitted in the Texas Business Organizations Code.
ARTICLE 2 - MEMBERS
2.01 Categories of Membership
The Corporation will have three (3) categories of membership, being: Active Members, Provisional Members and Honorary Members. A description of the categories of membership is as follows:
A. ACTIVE MEMBERS
1. Qualification. In order to be considered for Active Member status in the corporation, all candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
a. Successful Teaching Component: Candidates must have at least five (5) years of University Interscholastic League music participation in the judging field in which they are applying. The Mariachi Division is currently phasing in this requirement which can be met in the 2022-2023 school year. See Membership Requirements on the website for further details.
b. Employment in Music Education Component: A candidate must be currently employed or retired from music education in the State of Texas, as either (1) a public school or college music educator, (2) a school music administrator, or (3) a professional musician.
c. Workshop Component: A candidate must have completed a TMAA judging workshop in the performance areas (concert band, choir, orchestra and/or marching band or mariachi) in which he or she is applying to judge within the last four calendar years including the year of application
d. Superior Performance Component:
i. Directors of public school music groups (grades 7-12): Lead or primary directors must have earned Division 1 ratings at UIL music evaluations/contests in three of the five years preceding the date of the candidate's application for membership in the area of application. (Concert Band membership requires a Division 1 in both Concert and Sight-Reading). Assistant or secondary directors of organizations who use the ratings of the groups to satisfy membership criteria must submit a letter of recommendation from the lead or primary director of the organization. This letter should provide specific examples to verify the assistant director’s involvement in the preparation for the evaluation/contest. Co-teaching does not usually satisfy the involvement needed.
ii. Primary conductors of college/university music organizations or public school music administrators must submit documentation attesting to five years of teaching experience and participation in UIL music evaluations/contests as the primary conductor of an ensemble in the area(s) of application (concert band, choir, orchestra, marching band and/or mariachi). All applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from current TMAA active members in the division of application. These letters must state qualifications of the candidate relating to their teaching and/or judging experiences. In addition, the university/college conductor or public school music administrators must have earned Division 1 ratings at UIL music evaluations/contests in three of the last five years prior to becoming a university/college director or public school administrator. (Concert Band membership requires a Division 1 in both Concert and Sight-Reading. Mariachi is currently phasing in this requirement which can be met in the 2022-20223 school year. (See Membership Requirements on the website for further details).
iii. Former directors who currently serve as educational consultants and are still actively involved in the profession must submit documentation attesting to five years of teaching experience and participation in UIL music evaluations/contests as the primary conductor of an ensemble in the area(s) of application (band, choir, orchestra, marching band or mariachi). They must also submit three letters of recommendation from directors with whom they are currently assisting. These letters must validate their position as an educational consultant who is still actively involved in the profession. In addition, they must have earned Division 1 ratings at UIL music evaluations/contests in three of the last five years prior to becoming a educational consultant. (Concert membership requires a Division 1 in both Concert & Sight-Reading.
e. Adjudicator/Clinician Component:
i. A candidate must have served as a UIL music contest adjudicator in his or her area(s) of application in at least two different UIL regions
within the five years prior to the candidate’s application for membership; or
ii. A candidate may satisfy the adjudicator/clinician component by combining service once as an adjudicator in a Texas UIL music contest and once as a clinician of a TMEA/ATSSB All-Region group in two different regions; or
iii. A candidate may satisfy the adjudicator/clinician component by serving at least once as a conductor of an All-State group in the area(s) of application within the five years prior to the candidate’s application for membership.
Conflict of Interest
All TMAA members must prevent any real or perceived conflict of interest between adjudication of a UIL evaluation/contest and any organization participating in that event. Refer to the UIL C & CR Section 1112: Adjudication for further clarification.
2. Retired Members. Active Members who have retired from positions in music education, music administration, or as professional musicians may continue their membership in TMAA, with the exception of those who pursue full time careers in areas that would be considered to be a conflict of interest. Retired Members shall conform to all other components required of Active Members.
3. Charter Members. Adjudicators whose names appear on the list of judges certified by the UIL at the time of adoption of the original TMAA constitution shall be known as Charter Members and have Active Member status subject to conforming to all other requirements of Active Membership. Original Charter Members do not pay fees to attend a judging workshop.
4. Voting. Both Active and Provisional Members shall be eligible to vote. Each Member shall have one vote.
5. Maintaining Membership. An Active Member shall:
a. Adjudication/Clinician Requirement
i. adjudicate or be invited to adjudicate at least twice within the preceding five-year period; or
ii. serve as clinician-conductor for a TMEA/ATSSB All-Region ensemble at least twice within the preceding five-year period; or
iii. serve as an adjudicator once and as a clinician-conductor once within the preceding five-year period; or
iv. serve as a clinician-conductor of an All-State organization within the preceding five-year period.
b. Attend a TMAA judging workshop in each judging performance area(s) at least once during each five-year period which includes the current year.
c. Pay annual membership dues
d. Participate every year in the annual online General Business Process
B. PROVISIONAL MEMBERS.
Provisional Membership is earned by candidates who successfully complete components a-d of the requirements of Active Members and are awaiting the completion of the adjudicator/clinician component. Provisional Members pay annual dues and their names are listed on the TMEA website. Provisional Memberships remain in effect for five years. If Active Membership is not attained within the five year period, the candidate may reapply for Provisional Membership.
Conflict of Interest
All TMAA members must prevent any real or perceived conflict of interest between adjudication of a UIL evaluation/contest and any organization participating in that event. Refer to the UIL C & CR Section 1112: Adjudication for further clarification.
C. HONORARY MEMBERS.
Any person whom the TMAA wishes to honor or whose counsel is desired, and who by deeds or actions evidences abilities and profound interest commensurate with the highest standards of the TMAA, may be designated as an Honorary Member upon recommendation of the Board of Directors. Past Presidents will be designated as Honorary Members. Honorary Members are not required to pay annual dues.
Conflict of Interest
All TMAA members must prevent any real or perceived conflict of interest between adjudication of a UIL evaluation/contest and any organization participating in that event. Refer to the UIL C & CR Section 1112: Adjudication for further clarification.
2.02. Admitting Members and Renewing Membership
Persons may be admitted to membership in the Corporation by the Board or a committee designated by the Board (Committee on Standards of Adjudication and Performance Practices - CSAPP) to handle such matters. The Board or a Board-designated committee may adopt and amend application procedures and qualifications for membership in the Corporation. An affirmative vote of the majority of the Directors or a Board-designated committee present and voting is required for admitting any applicant who meets the membership qualifications then in effect. A member may renew membership by paying all required fees and dues in addition to meeting all other membership requirements.
2.03. Membership Fees and Dues
The Board may set and change the amount of an initiation fee, if any, and the annual dues payable to the Corporation by members of each membership category. Dues are payable by February 1st of each year.
2.04. Voting Rights
Each Active and Provisional Member is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the members.
2.05. Resolving Disputes
In any dispute between members relating to the Corporation's activities, all parties involved will cooperate in good faith to resolve the dispute. If the parties cannot resolve a dispute among themselves, they will cooperate to select one or more mediators to help resolve it. If no timely resolution of the dispute occurs through mediation, any party may demand binding arbitration as described in Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 171.001 only if the parties have met together with a mediator. This paragraph will apply to a dispute involving the Corporation as a party relating to the sanctioning, suspending, or expelling a member from the Corporation. The Board has discretion to authorize using corporate funds for mediating or arbitrating a dispute described in this paragraph.
2.06. Sanctioning, Suspending, or Terminating Members
The Board may impose reasonable sanctions on a member, or suspend or expel a member from the Corporation, for good cause. Good cause includes defaulting on an obligation to the Corporation to pay fees or dues for a period of thirty (30) days following delivery of notice of default, or a material and serious violation of the Corporation's articles of incorporation, bylaws, or rules, or of law. If necessary, the Board may delegate powers to a regular or ad hoc committee to conduct a hearing, make recommendations to the Board, or take action on the Board's behalf. If a hearing occurs, the Board or a committee designated by the Board to handle a matter involving sanctioning, suspension, or expulsion may not take any action against a member without giving the member adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard. To be deemed adequate, notice must be in writing and delivered at least fourteen (14) days before the hearing. But shorter notice may be deemed adequate if the Board or a committee designated by the Board to handle a matter involving sanctioning, suspension, or expulsion determines that the need for a timely hearing outweighs the prejudice caused to the member and if the notice states the need for a timely
hearing. If mailed, the notice will be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. A member may be represented by counsel at and before the hearing. The Board or a committee designated by the Board to handle a matter involving sanctioning, suspension, or expulsion may impose sanctions, suspend a member, or expel a member by vote of a majority of directors or a committee designated by the Board to handle a matter involving sanctioning, suspension, or expulsion who are present and voting.
2.07. Resignation
Any member may resign from the Corporation by submitting a written resignation (including email) to the secretary. The resignation need not be accepted by the Corporation to be effective. A member's resignation will not relieve him or her of any obligations to pay any dues, assessments, or other charges that had accrued and were unpaid before the effective date of the resignation.
2.08. Reinstatement
A former member may submit a written request for reinstatement of membership. The Board or a committee designated by the Board to handle the matter may reinstate membership on any reasonable terms that the Board or committee deems appropriate. Reinstatement for failure to pay dues or meet other membership requirements (ie. workshop attendance) may be determined by the Executive Secretary without further Board Involvement. This executive secretary authority may be overridden or revoked by a vote of the majority or the Board.
2.09. Transferring Membership
Membership in the Corporation is not transferable or assignable. Membership terminates when the Corporation dissolves or a member dies. Membership is not a property right that may be transferred after a member dies.
2.10. Waiving Interest in Corporate Property
The Corporation owns all real and personal property, including all improvements located on the property, acquired by the Corporation. A member has no interest in specific property of the Corporation. Each member waives the right to require partition of all or part of the Corporation's property.
ARTICLE 3.
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
3.01. Annual Meeting
The General Business Process will be online in January of each year. Through the online process, members will elect directors, CSAPP members, and transact any other business that may be needed.
3.02. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the members may be called by the president, the Board, or not less than one-sixth of the voting members. These special meetings may be held through an online process.
3.03. Place of Meeting
The Board may designate any place, inside or outside Texas, including an online process,as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting called by the Board.
3.04. Notice of Activities
Written notice (including email) of any general membership activity will be delivered to each member entitled to vote not less than 5--nor more than 30--days before the date of the activity. The record date for determining the members entitled to notice of any activity of members will be established by the Board according to Article 1396--2.11A of the Revised Civil Statutes. After fixing the record date, the Board, members entitled to notice of any activity of members will be notified (usually by email). Notice will be given by or at the direction of the president or secretary, or the officers or persons calling the activity. If all of the members meet and consent to holding an activity, any corporate action may be taken at the activity regardless of lack of proper notice.
3.05. Eligibility to Vote at Members' Meetings
A member in good standing is entitled to vote at an activity of the members of the corporation. A member in good standing is one who has paid all required fees and dues, met all membership requirements, and is not suspended as of the activity date. The record date for determining the members entitled to vote at any meeting of members will be established by the Board according to Article 1396--2.11A of the Revised Civil Statutes. After a record date is fixed, any member entitled to vote at the activity is entitled to access other members in good standing through the membership directory on the TMAA website. The member or the member's agent or attorney may make the inspection of TMAA member records by written request at a reasonable time and at the member's expense.
3.06. Quorum
Members holding one-tenth of the votes that may be cast at an activity who attend the activity in person, through an online process, or by proxy will constitute a quorum at an activity of members. The members present or participating at a duly called or held activity at which a quorum is present may continue to transact business, even if enough members leave so that less than a quorum remains. However, no action may be approved without the vote of at least a majority of the number of members required for a quorum. If a quorum is not present at any time during an activity, a majority of the members who are present may adjourn and reconvene the activity once without further notice.
3.07. Actions of Membership
The membership will try to act by consensus. However, if a consensus is not available on a matter or proposal, the vote of a majority of voting members in good standing, present or participating, and entitled to vote at an activity at which a quorum is present, is enough to constitute the act of the membership unless law or the bylaws require a greater number. Voting will be by online ballot.
ARTICLE 4
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Management of Corporation
4.01. The Board will manage corporate affairs.
4.02. Number, Qualifications, and Tenure of Directors
The number of directors will be a number determined by the Board that is not less than five and not greater than nine. Directors will be members of the Corporation and will serve as the Officers of the Corporation. The Immediate Past-President, President, and President-Elect will serve two (2) year terms. The Vice Presidents will serve four (4) year terms. Each director will hold office until a successor is duly elected. A director may not succeed himself or herself in the same office. Directors holding Places 1, 2 and 3 shall be elected to two year terms in odd-numbered years. Directors holding Places 4 and 5 shall be elected to four years terms on odd numbered years. The Director holding Place 6, 7 and 8 shall be elected to four year terms in even-numbered years.
Commencing on the date of the first annual meeting of this Corporation, the Members shall elect directors to Places 1-8 as follows:
1. Place 1: Immediate Past President
2. Place 2: President
3. Place 3: President Elect
4. Place 4: Vice President – Concert Band
5. Place 5: Vice President – Orchestra
6. Place 6: Vice President – Vocal
7. Place 7: Vice President – Marching Band
8. Place 8: Vice President - Mariachi
The Corporation's officers will be an immediate past president, president, president elect, five (5) vice presidents, and a secretary/treasurer. The Board may create additional officer positions, define the authority and duties of each such position, and the Members may elect or appoint persons to fill the positions.
4.03 Nominating Directors
Prior to the annual online General Business Activity, all members will be given the opportunity to nominate possible candidates for director positions or other positions as needed. Each year, a nominating committee will be designated by the President Elect to consider possible nominees and make nominations for each election of directors or other positions as needed. The nomination shall be to a specific Place on the Board (i.e., Place 3 as President Elect). The secretary will publish the slate of candidates in the Annual Newsletter and include biographical information about each candidate in the online ballot.
4.04. Electing Directors
A person who meets the qualifications for director and who has been duly nominated may be elected as a director. Directors will be elected to the particular Place for which such person has been nominated by the vote of the membership (i.e., Place 3 for President Elect). Each director will hold office until a successor is elected and qualifies. A director may not be elected to succeed himself or herself in the same office. Directors will be elected through the annual online business activity.
4.05. Vacancies
The Board will fill any vacancy in the Board and any director position to be filled due to an increase in the number of directors. A vacancy is filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even if it is less than a quorum of the Board, or if it is a sole remaining director. A director selected to fill a vacancy will serve for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office.
4.06. Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the Board may be held without notice other than these Bylaws. These meetings may be in-person or online.
4.07. Regular Meetings
The Board may provide for regular meetings by resolution stating the time and place of such meetings. The meetings may be held inside or outside Texas, as well as online, and will be held at the Corporation's registered office in Texas if the resolution does not specify the location of the meetings. No notice of regular Board meetings is required other than a Board resolution stating the time and place of the meetings.
4.08. Special Meetings
Special Board meetings may be called by, or at the request of, the president or any two directors. A person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board may fix any place within Texas as the place for holding a special meeting or the meeting may be held online. The person or persons calling a special meeting will inform the secretary of the corporation of the information to be included in the notice of the meeting. The secretary of the Corporation will give notice to the directors as these Bylaws require.
4.09. Notice
Written or printed notice of any special meeting of the Board will be delivered to each director not less than five (5), days before the date of the meeting. The notice will state the place, day, and time of the meeting; who called it; and the purpose or purposes for which it is called.
4.10. Quorum
A majority of the number of directors then in office constitutes a quorum for transacting business at any Board meeting. The directors present, or attending online, at a duly called or held meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to transact business even if enough directors leave the meeting so that less than a quorum remains. However, no action may be approved without the vote of at least a majority of the number of directors required for a quorum. If a quorum is never present at any time during a meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn and reconvene the meeting once without further notice.
4.11. Duties of Directors
Directors will discharge their duties, including any duties as committee members, in good faith, with ordinary care, and in a manner they reasonably believe to be in the Corporation's best interest. In this context, the term ''ordinary care'' means the care that ordinarily prudent persons in similar positions would exercise under similar circumstances. In discharging any duty imposed or power conferred on directors, directors may, in good faith, rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, concerning the Corporation or another person that has been prepared or presented by a variety of persons, including officers and employees of the Corporation, professional advisors or experts such as accountants or legal counsel. A director is not relying in good faith if he or she has knowledge concerning a matter in question that renders reliance unwarranted. Directors are not deemed to have the duties of trustees of a trust with respect to the Corporation or with respect to any property held or administered by the Corporation, including property that may be subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or transferor of the property.
4.12. Duty To Avoid Improper Distributions
Directors who vote for or assent to improper distributions are jointly and severally liable to the Corporation for the value of improperly distributed assets, to the extent that, as a result of the improper distribution or distributions, the corporation lacks sufficient assets to pay its debts, obligations, and liabilities. Any distribution made when the Corporation is insolvent, other than in payment of corporate debts, or any distribution that would render the Corporation insolvent, is an improper distribution. A distribution made during liquidation without payment and discharge of or provision for payment and discharge of all known debts, obligations, and liabilities is also improper. Directors present at a Board meeting at which the improper action is taken are presumed to have assented, unless they dissent in writing. The written dissent must be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before adjournment of the meeting in question or mailed to the secretary by registered mail immediately after adjournment. A director is not liable if, in voting for or assenting to a distribution, the director (1) relies in good faith and with ordinary care on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, prepared or presented by one or more officers or employees of the Corporation; legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the director reasonably believes are within the person's professional or expert competence; or a committee of the Board of which the director is not a member; (2) while acting in good faith and with ordinary care, considers the Corporation's assets to be at least that of their book value; or (3)
in determining whether the Corporation made adequate provision for paying, satisfying, or discharging all of its liabilities and obligations, relied in good faith and with ordinary care on financial statements or other information concerning a person who was or became contractually obligated to satisfy or discharge some or all of these liabilities or obligations. Furthermore, directors are protected from liability if, in exercising ordinary care, they acted in good faith and in reliance on the written opinion of an attorney for the Corporation. Directors held liable for an improper distribution are entitled to contribution from persons who accepted or received the improper distributions knowing they were improper. Contribution is in proportion to the amount received by each such person.
4.13. Delegating Duties
Directors may select advisors and delegate duties and responsibilities to them, such as the full power to buy or otherwise acquire stocks, bonds, securities, and other investments on the Corporation's behalf; and to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the Corporation's assets and properties at a time and for a consideration that the advisor deems appropriate. The directors have no liability for actions taken or omitted by the advisor if the Board acts in good faith and with ordinary care in selecting the advisor. The Board may remove or replace the advisor at any time and without any cause whatsoever.
4.14. Interested Directors
Contracts or transactions between directors, officers, or members who have a financial interest in the matter are not void or voidable solely for that reason. Nor are they void or voidable solely because the director, officer, or member is present at or participates in the meeting that authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because the interested party's votes are counted for the purpose. However, every director with any personal interest in the transaction must disclose all material facts concerning the transaction, including all potential personal benefit and potential conflicts of interest, to the other members of the Board or other group authorizing the transaction. The transaction must be approved by a majority of the uninterested directors or other group with the authority to authorize the transaction.
4.15. Actions of Board of Directors
The Board will try to act by consensus. However, if a consensus is not available, the vote of a majority of directors present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present is enough to constitute the act of the Board, unless the act of a greater number is required by law or by some other provision of these Bylaws. A director who is present at a meeting and abstains from a vote is considered to be present and voting for the purpose of determining the Board's decision. For the purpose of determining the decision of the Board, a director who is represented by proxy in a vote is considered present.
4.16. Compensation
Directors may not receive salaries for their services. The Board may adopt a resolution providing for paying directors a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for attending each Board meeting. A director may serve the Corporation in any other capacity and receive compensation for those services. Any compensation that the Corporation pays to a director will be reasonable and commensurate with the services performed.
4.17. Removing Directors
The members may vote to remove a director at any time, without cause. A meeting to consider removing a director may be called and noticed following the procedures provided in these Bylaws for a special meeting of the members of the corporation. The notice of the meeting will state that the issue of possibly removing the director will be on the agenda.
At the meeting, the director may present evidence of why he or she should not be removed and ay be represented by an attorney at and before the meeting. Also, at the meeting, the Corporation will consider possible arrangements for resolving the problems that are in the mutual interest of the Corporation and the director. A director may be removed by the affirmative vote of fifty-one (51) percent of the members.
ARTICLE 5
COMMITTEES
5.01. Establishing Committees
The Board may adopt a resolution establishing one or more committees delegating specified authority to a committee, and appointing or removing members of a committee. A committee will include at least one director and may include persons who are not directors. If the Board delegates any of its management authority to a committee, the majority of the committee will consist of directors. The Board may also delegate to the president its power to
appoint and remove members of a committee that has not been delegated any management authority of the Board. The Board may establish qualifications for membership on a committee. Establishing a committee or delegating authority to it will not relieve the Board, or any individual director, of any responsibility imposed by these Bylaws or otherwise imposed by law.
No committee has the authority of the Board to:
(a) Amend the articles of incorporation.
(b) Adopt a plan of merger or of consolidation with another corporation.
(c) Authorize the sale, lease, exchange, or mortgage of all or substantially all of the Corporation's property and assets.
(d) Authorize voluntary dissolution of the Corporation.
(e) Revoke proceedings for voluntary dissolution of the Corporation.
(f) Adopt a plan for distributing the Corporation's assets.
(g) Amend, alter, or repeal these Bylaws.
(h) Elect, appoint, or remove a member of a committee or a director or officer of the Corporation
(i) Approve any transaction to which the Corporation is a party and that involves a potential conflict of interest as defined in paragraph 6.04, below.
(j) Take any action outside the scope of authority delegated to it by the Board.
(k) Take final action on a matter requiring membership approval.
5.02. Authorization of Specific Committees
The following committees are authorized: Nominating Committee and Committee on Standards of Adjudication and Performance Practices. The Board will define the activities and scope of authority of each committee by resolution.
5.03. Term of Office
Each committee member will continue to serve on the committee until the next annual members' meeting and until a successor is elected or appointed. However, a committee member's term may end earlier if the committee is terminated, or if the member dies, ceases to qualify, resigns, or is removed as a member. A vacancy on a committee may be filled by an appointment or election made in the same manner as an original appointment or election. A person appointed or elected to fill a vacancy on a committee will serve for the unexpired portion of the terminated committee member's term.
5.04. Chair and Vice-Chair
One member of each committee will be designated as the committee chair, and another member of each committee will be designated as the vice-chair. The chair and vice-chair will be appointed by the president. The chair will call and preside at all meetings of the committee. When the chair is absent, cannot act, or refuses to act, the vice-chair will perform the chair's duties. When a vice-chair acts for the chair, the vice-chair has all the powers of--and is subject to all the restrictions on--the chair.
5.05. Notice of Meetings
Written or printed notice of a committee meeting will be delivered to each member of a committee not less than seven (7) before the date of the meeting. The notice will state the place, day, and time of the meeting, and the purpose or purposes for which it is called.
5.06. Quorum
One-half of the number of committee members constitutes a quorum for transacting business at any meeting of the committee. The committee members present at a duly called or held meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to transact business even if enough committee members leave the meeting so that less than a quorum remains. However, no action may be approved without the vote of at least a majority of the number of committee members required for a quorum. If a quorum is never present at any time during a meeting, the chair may adjourn and reconvene the meeting once without further notice.
5.07. Actions of Committees
Committees will try to take action by consensus. However, if a consensus is not available, the vote of a majority of committee members present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present is enough to constitute the act of the committee unless the act of a greater number is required by statute or by some other provision of these Bylaws. A committee member who is present at a meeting and abstains from a vote is considered to be present and voting for the purpose of determining the act of the committee.
5.08. Proxies
A committee member may not vote by proxy.
5.09. Compensation
Committee members may not receive salaries for their services. The Board may adopt a resolution providing for paying committee members a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for attending each meeting of the committee. A committee member may serve the Corporation in any other capacity and receive compensation for those services. Any compensation that the Corporation pays to a committee member will be reasonable and commensurate with the services performed.
5.10. Rules
Each committee may adopt its own rules, consistent with these Bylaws or with other rules that may be adopted by the Board.
ARTICLE 6
TRANSACTIONS OF CORPORATION
6.01. Contracts
The Board may authorize any officer or agent of the Corporation to enter into a contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of, and on behalf of, the Corporation. This authority may be limited to a specific contract or instrument, or it may extend to any number and type of possible contracts and instruments.
6.02. Deposits
All the Corporation's funds will be deposited to the credit of the Corporation in banks, trust companies, or other depositaries by the Executive Secretary, with Board approval.
6.03. Gifts
The Board may accept, on the Corporation's behalf, any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the Corporation. The Board may make gifts and give charitable contributions not prohibited by these Bylaws, the articles of incorporation, state law, and provisions set out in federal tax law that must be complied with to maintain the Corporation's federal and state tax status.
6.04. Potential Conflicts of Interest
The Corporation may not make any loan to a director or officer of the Corporation. A member, director, officer, or committee member of the Corporation may lend money to--and otherwise transact business with--the Corporation except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws, the articles of incorporation, and applicable law. Such a person transacting business with the Corporation has the same rights and obligations relating to those matters as other persons transacting business with the Corporation. The Corporation may not borrow money from--or otherwise transact business with--a member, director, officer, or committee member of the Corporation unless the transaction is described fully in a legally binding instrument and is in the
Corporation's best interests. The Corporation may not borrow money from--or otherwise transact business with--a member, director, officer, or committee member of the Corporation without full disclosure of all relevant facts and without the Board's or the members' approval, not including the vote of any person having a personal interest in the transaction.
6.05. Prohibited Acts
As long as the Corporation exists, and except with the Board's or the members' prior approval, no member, director, officer, or committee member of the Corporation may:
(a) Do any act in violation of these Bylaws or a binding obligation of the Corporation.
(b) Do any act with the intention of harming the Corporation or any of its operations.
(c) Do any act that would make it impossible or unnecessarily difficult to carry on the Corporation's intended or ordinary business.
(d) Receive an improper personal benefit from the operation of the Corporation.
(e) Use the Corporation's assets, directly or indirectly, for any purpose other than carrying on the Corporation's business.
(f) Wrongfully transfer or dispose of Corporation property, including intangible property such as good will.
(g) Use the Corporation's name (or any substantially similar name) or any trademark or trade name adopted by the Corporation, except on behalf of the Corporation in the ordinary course of its business.
(h) Disclose any of the Corporation's business practices, trade secrets, or any other information not generally known to the business community to any person not authorized to receive it.
ARTICLE 7
BOOKS AND RECORDS
7.01. Required Books and Records
The Corporation will keep correct and complete books and records of account. The books and records include:
(a) A file-endorsed copy of all documents filed with the Texas Secretary of State relating to the Corporation, including but not limited to the articles of incorporation, and any articles of amendment, restated articles, articles of merger, articles of consolidation, and statement of change of registered office or registered agent.
(b) A copy of all bylaws, including these Bylaws, and any amended versions or amendments to them.
(c) Minutes of the proceedings of the members, Board, and committees having any of the authority of the Board.
(d) A list of the names and addresses of the members, directors, officers, and any committee members of the Corporation.
(e) A financial statement showing the Corporation's assets, liabilities, and net worth at the end of the three (3) most recent fiscal years.
(f) A financial statement showing the Corporation's income and expenses for the three (3) most recent fiscal years.
(g) All rulings, letters, and other documents relating to the Corporation's federal, state, and local tax status.
(h) The Corporation's federal, state, and local tax information or income-tax returns for each of the Corporation's three (3) most recent tax years.
7.02. Inspection and Copying
Any member, director, officer, or committee member of the Corporation may inspect and receive copies of all the corporate books and records required to be kept under the bylaws. Such a person may, by written request, inspect or receive copies if he or she has a proper purpose related to his or her interest in the Corporation. He or she may do so through his or her attorney or other duly authorized representative. The inspection may take place at a reasonable time, no later than ten (10) working days after the Corporation receives a proper written request. The Board may establish reasonable copying fees, which may cover the cost of materials and labor but may not exceed $0.50 cents per page. The Corporation will provide requested copies of books or records no later than ten (10) working days after receiving a formal written request.
7.03. Audits
Any member may have an audit conducted of the Corporation's books. That member bears the expense of the audit unless the members vote to authorize payment of audit expenses. The member requesting the audit may select the accounting firm to conduct it. A member may not exercise these rights so as to subject the Corporation to an audit more than once in any fiscal year.
ARTICLE 8
FISCAL YEAR
The Corporation's fiscal year of the Corporation will begin on the first day of January and end on the last day in December in each year.
ARTICLE 9
INDEMNIFICATION
9.01. When Indemnification Is Required, Permitted, and Prohibited
(a) The Corporation will indemnify a director, officer, member, committee member, employee, or agent of the Corporation who was, is, or may be named defendant or respondent in any proceeding as a result of his or her actions or omissions within the scope of his or her official capacity in the Corporation. For the purposes of this article, an agent includes one who is or was serving at the Corporation's request as a director, officer, partner, venturer, proprietor, trustee, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, trust, employee-benefit plan, or other enterprise.
(b) The Corporation will indemnify a person only if he or she acted in good faith and reasonably believed that his or her conduct was in the Corporation's best interests. In case of a criminal proceeding, the person may be indemnified only if he or she had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. The Corporation will not indemnify a person who is found liable to the Corporation or is found liable to another on the basis of improperly receiving a personal benefit from the Corporation. A person is conclusively considered to have been found liable in relation to any claim, issue, or matter if the person has been adjudged liable by a court of competent jurisdiction and all appeals have been exhausted. Termination of a proceeding by
judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or on a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent does not necessarily preclude indemnification by the Corporation.
(c) The Corporation will pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a director, officer, member, committee member, employee, or agent of the Corporation in connection with the person's appearance as a witness or other participation in a proceeding involving or affecting the Corporation when the person is not a named defendant or respondent in the proceeding.
(d) In addition to the situations otherwise described in this paragraph, the Corporation may indemnify a director, officer, member, committee member, employee, or agent of the Corporation to the extent permitted by law. However, the Corporation will not indemnify any person in any situation in which indemnification is prohibited by paragraph 9.01(a), above.
(e) The corporation may advance expenses incurred or to be incurred in the defense of a proceeding to a person who might be eventually be entitled to indemnification, even though there has been no final disposition of the proceeding. Advancement of expenses may occur only when the procedural conditions specified in paragraph 9.03(c), below, have been satisfied. Furthermore, the Corporation will never advance expenses to a person before final disposition of a proceeding if the person is a named defendant or respondent in an proceeding brought by the Corporation or one or more members or if the person is alleged to have improperly received a personal benefit or committed other willful or intentional misconduct.
9.02. Extent and Nature of Indemnity
The indemnity permitted under these Bylaws includes indemnity against judgments, penalties, (including excise and similar taxes), fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses (including attorney's fees) actually incurred in connection with the proceeding. If the proceeding was brought by or on behalf of the Corporation, the indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses actually incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding.
9.03. Procedures Relating to Indemnification Payments
(a) Before the Corporation may pay any indemnification expenses (including attorney's fees), the Corporation must specifically determine that indemnification is permissible, authorize indemnification, and determine that expenses to be reimbursed are reasonable, except as provided in subparagraph (c), below. The Corporation may make these determinations and decisions by any one of the following procedures:
(i) Majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who, at the time of the vote, are not named defendants or respondents in the proceeding.
(ii) If such a quorum cannot be obtained, by a majority vote of a committee of the Board, designated to act in the matter by a majority vote of all directors, consisting solely of two or more directors who at the time of the vote are not named defendants or respondents in the proceeding.
(iii) Determination by special legal counsel selected by the Board by the same vote as provided in subsubparagraphs (i) or (ii), above, or if such a quorum cannot be obtained and such a committee cannot be established, by a majority vote of all directors.
(iv) Majority vote of members, excluding directors or other members who are named defendants or respondents in the proceeding.
(b) The Corporation will authorize indemnification and determine that expenses to be reimbursed are reasonable in the same manner that it determines whether indemnification is permissible. If special legal counsel determines that indemnification is permissible, authorization of indemnification and determination of reasonableness of expenses will be made as specified by subparagraph (a)(iii), above, governing selection of special legal counsel. A provision contained in the articles of incorporation, or a resolution of members or the Board that requires the indemnification permitted by paragraph 9.01, above, constitutes sufficient authorization of indemnification even though the provision may not have been adopted or authorized in the same manner as the determination that indemnification is permissible.
(c) The Corporation will advance expenses before final disposition of a proceeding only after it determines that the facts then known would not preclude indemnification. The determination that the facts then known to those making the determination would not preclude indemnification and authorization of payment will be made in the same manner as a determination that indemnification is permissible under subparagraph (a), above. In addition to this determination, the Corporation may advance expenses only after it receives a written affirmation and undertaking from the person to receive the advance. The person's written affirmation will state that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification under these Bylaws. The written undertaking will provide for repayment of the amounts advanced by the Corporation if it is ultimately determined that the person has not met
the requirements for indemnification. The undertaking will be an unlimited general obligation of the person, but it need not be secured and may be accepted without reference to financial ability to repay.
(d) Any indemnification or advance of expenses will be reported in writing to the Corporation's members. The report will be made with or before the notice or waiver of notice of the next membership meeting, or with or before the next submission to members of a consent to action without a meeting. In any case, the report will be sent within the 12-month period immediately following the date of the indemnification or advance.
ARTICLE 10
NOTICES
10.01. Notice by Mail or Email
Any notice required or permitted by these Bylaws to be given to a member, director, officer, or member of a committee of the Corporation may be given by mail or email. If mailed, a notice is deemed delivered when deposited in the mail addressed to the person at his or her address as it appears on the corporate records, with postage prepaid. A person may change his or her address in the corporate records by giving written notice of the change to the secretary of the corporation.
10.02. Signed Waiver of Notice
Whenever any notice is required by law or under the articles of incorporation or these Bylaws, a written waiver signed by the person entitled to receive such notice is considered the equivalent to giving the required notice. A waiver of notice is effective whether signed before or after the time stated in the notice being waived.
10.03. Waiving Notice by Attendance
A person's attendance at a meeting constitutes waiver of notice of the meeting unless the person attends for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting was not lawfully called or convened.
ARTICLE 11
SPECIAL PROCEDURES CONCERNING MEETINGS
Meeting by Telephone
11.01. The Board of Directors, and any committee of the Corporation may hold a meeting by telephone conference-call procedures. In all meetings held by telephone, matters must be arranged in such a manner that all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other; the notice of a meeting by telephone conference must state the fact that the meeting will be held by telephone as well as all other matters required to be included in the notice; and a person's
participating in a conference-call meeting constitutes his or her presence at the meeting.
Decision Without Meeting
11.02. Any decision required or permitted to be made at a meeting of the members, Board, or any committee of the Corporation may be made without a meeting. A decision without a meeting may be made if a written consent to the decision is signed by all the persons entitled to vote on the matter. The original signed consents will be placed in the Corporation minute book and kept with the corporate records. Furthermore, in accordance with the articles of incorporation, action may be taken without a meeting when there are signed written consents by the number of members, directors, or committee members whose votes would be necessary to take action at a meeting at which all such persons entitled to vote were present and voted. Each written consent must be signed and bear the date of signature of the person signing it. A telegram, telex, cablegram, or similar transmission by a member, director, or committee member, or a photographic, facsimile, or similar reproduction of a signed writing, will be treated as an original being signed by the member, director, or committee member. Consents must be delivered to the Corporation. A consent signed by fewer than all members, directors, or committee members is not effective to take the intended action unless the required number of consents are delivered to the Corporation within 60 days after the date that the earliest-dated consent was delivered to the Corporation. Delivery must be made by hand, or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. The delivery may be made to the Corporation's registered office, registered agent, principal place of business, transfer agent, registrar, exchange agent, or an officer or agent having custody of books in which the relevant proceedings are recorded. If the delivery is made to the Corporation's principal place of business, the consent must be addressed to the president or principal executive officer. The Corporation will give prompt notice of the action taken to persons who do not sign consents. If the action taken requires documents to be filed with the secretary of state, the filed documents will indicate that these written consent procedures were followed to authorize the action and filing.
ARTICLE 12
AMENDING BYLAWS
These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, and new bylaws may be adopted either by the membership or the Board of Directors. The notice of any meeting at which these Bylaws are altered, amended, or repealed, or at which new bylaws are adopted will include the text of the proposed bylaw provisions as well as the text of any existing provisions proposed to be altered, amended, or repealed. Alternatively, the notice may include a fair summary of those provisions.
The following types of bylaw amendments may be adopted only by the members:
(a) Setting or changing the authorized number of directors.
(b) Changing from a fixed number to a variable number of directors or vice versa.
(c) Increasing or extending the directors' terms.
(d) Increasing the quorum for membership meetings.
(e) Repealing, restricting, creating, expanding, or otherwise changing the members' proxy rights.
(f) Authorizing or prohibiting cumulative voting.
ARTICLE 13
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Legal Authorities Governing Construction of Bylaws
13.01. These Bylaws will be construed under Texas law. All references in these Bylaws to statutes, regulations, or other sources of legal authority will refer to the authorities cited, or their successors, as they may be amended from time to time.
Legal Construction
13.02. To the greatest extent possible, these Bylaws shall be construed to conform to all legal requirements and all requirements for obtaining and maintaining all tax exemptions that may be available to nonprofit corporations. If any bylaw provision is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect any other provision, and the bylaws will be construed as if they had not included the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision.
Headings
13.03. The headings used in the bylaws are for convenience and may not be considered in construing the bylaws.
Number
13.04. All singular words include the plural, and all plural words include the singular.
Seal
13.05. The Board of Directors may provide for a corporate seal. Such a seal would consist of two concentric circles containing the words ''TEXAS MUSIC ADJUDICATORS ASSOCIATION, INC.'', ''Texas,'' in one circle and the word ''Incorporated'' together with the date of incorporation in the other circle.
Power of Attorney
13.06. A person may execute any instrument related to the Corporation by means of a power of attorney if an original executed copy of the power of attorney is provided to the secretary to be kept with the corporate records.
Parties Bound
13.07. The bylaws will bind and inure to the benefit of the members, directors, officers, committee members, employees, and agents of the Corporation and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and assigns except as the bylaws otherwise provide.
CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY
I certify that I am the duly elected and acting secretary of TEXAS MUSIC ADJUDICATORS ASSOCIATION, INC. and that these Bylaws constitute the Corporation's Bylaws. These Bylaws were duly adopted at a meeting of the Board of Directors held on
_______________________________ [date].
By: ____________________________
Name: __________________________
Title: Secretary of Corporation