1. PDG Brian Menton
Trustee Bryn Styles

2. Composition Rotary’s Parliament One PDG rep from every district ~540
Chair
Past Rotary Presidents
Co-Chair
Vice chair
Parliamentarian
Trainer
Secretary
Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Members-at-large
President
President-elect
Other Board members
General Secretary
Rotary Foundation Trustee (elected by the Trustees)

3. Hard at Work

4. Legislation can be proposed by:
Proposed Legislation
Legislation can be proposed by:
Clubs
Districts
Rotary Board
The Council
RIBI General Council or the RIBI Conference
Legislation proposed by clubs must be endorsed by the district through a:
District conference
District resolutions meeting
Ballot-by-mail
Legislation can be proposed by a club, a district conference, the RI Board, the Council on Legislation, or the RIBI General Council or the RIBI Conference. Legislation proposed by a club must be endorsed by the clubs of the district at a district conference, district resolutions meeting, an RIBI district council, or through a ballot-by-mail in order to be presented to the Council. The RI Bylaws encourage districts to submit no more than five items of proposed legislation.

5. There are two types of legislation:
Enactments: seek to change RI’s constitutional documents
RI Constitution
RI Bylaws
Standard Rotary Club Constitution
Resolutions: requests of the RI Board - do not change RI’s constitutional documents
May also be submitted as petitions directly to the Board
Proposers of resolutions have been offered the opportunity to withdraw their resolution from the Council in order for it to be considered as soon as possible by the Board
Legislation can be submitted in two forms: enactments or resolutions. Proposed enactments seek to change RI’s constitutional documents (the RI Constitution, RI Bylaws, and the Standard Rotary Club Constitution), while proposed resolutions seek actions by the Council that do not amend the constitutional documents.
In order to be considered duly proposed to the 2016 Council, legislation must:
Have been delivered to Rotary by 31 December (RI Bylaws section )
comply with the requirements regarding who may propose legislation (RI Bylaws section );
meet the requirements regarding district endorsement (RI Bylaws section ); and
include a statement of purpose and effect, not to exceed 300 words.
However, the Board may submit urgent legislation through 31 December 2015.
As an alternative to submitting proposed resolutions, a club may submit a petition to the RI Board. The petition process allows clubs to bring issues of concern to the Board for consideration and possible action at its regular meetings. The RI Board hears petitions at every meeting, and clubs may receive a more rapid response through this action than by submitting a resolution to the Council. The Board has offered the proposers of resolutions the option of withdrawing their item from the Council, in order to have the Board give it advance consideration at one of its upcoming meetings.
Additional information on reading legislation can be found in the online Representative training course.

6. To allow for flexibility in club meetings and attendance.
PROPOSED ENACTMENT 16-21
To allow for flexibility in club meetings and attendance.
Clubs have the option to:
- Determine when and how often the club meets - Set applicable attendance requirements - Modify or eliminate termination policies for non- attendance
- minimum of 2 meetings per month
The Council on Legislation (COL) is the body of Rotarians authorized by the RI Constitution and Bylaws to amend the “constitutional documents” of RI.
The COL was created by the 1933 Convention to serve as an “advisory body” to assist with the review of annual convention enactments and resolutions and started as a plenary session at the convention. In it started meeting every other year. In 1972, it was decided that the COL would no longer be an advisory body and would serve as Rotary’s official legislative body. In 1974 it started meeting every 3rd year, in conjunction with the convention. In 1977, it started meeting independently of the convention in various locations, but has met in Chicago, Illinois, USA since 2001.

7. PROPOSED ENACTMENT 16-21
Each year, reports indicate that 8-9 percent of member terminations are due to an inability to meet attendance requirements. Clubs are in the best position to understand and determine optimal financial and time commitments for current and prospective members in their communities that will allow them to retain the quality and value of Rotary membership.
COL preparations begin three years before the COL meets. Starting in year one, districts begin choosing their representatives and alternate representatives. The selections were due to Rotary by 30 June Year one is also when Rotary begins sending information to districts about proposing legislation.
Year two’s emphasis is on legislation. Proposed legislation was due to Rotary by 31 December Over 330 items were submitted for the Council. Once submitted, the general secretary formats legislation and prepares it for review by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and RI Board. The general secretary also prepares a financial impact statement for each item of legislation. During this year, Rotary also updates COL training materials, sends informational mailings to representatives, translates proposed legislation, and plans the logistics of the meeting.
Year three is the year of the COL. Legislation is finalized and sent to representatives, Rotary senior leaders and districts governors. Clubs, districts, and the RI Board also have the opportunity to submit statements of support and opposition on legislation. The RI Board may submit emergency legislation to the COL through 31 December Representatives book their travel arrangements and the COL takes place in April 2016.

8. Result
For – 392
Against – 82
Carried

9. To allow for flexibility in membership and classification.
PROPOSED ENACTMENT 16-36
To allow for flexibility in membership and classification.
This enactment would provide each Rotary club the flexibility to remove or modify the membership classification system in their club bylaws and to modify some of the provisions regarding membership. This enactment gives clubs the flexibility to retain the classification system as it currently exists, eliminate it entirely for the purposes of membership qualification, or revise it to be either more or less stringent.
COL preparations begin three years before the COL meets. Starting in year one, districts begin choosing their representatives and alternate representatives. The selections were due to Rotary by 30 June Year one is also when Rotary begins sending information to districts about proposing legislation.
Year two’s emphasis is on legislation. Proposed legislation was due to Rotary by 31 December Over 330 items were submitted for the Council. Once submitted, the general secretary formats legislation and prepares it for review by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and RI Board. The general secretary also prepares a financial impact statement for each item of legislation. During this year, Rotary also updates COL training materials, sends informational mailings to representatives, translates proposed legislation, and plans the logistics of the meeting.
Year three is the year of the COL. Legislation is finalized and sent to representatives, Rotary senior leaders and districts governors. Clubs, districts, and the RI Board also have the opportunity to submit statements of support and opposition on legislation. The RI Board may submit emergency legislation to the COL through 31 December Representatives book their travel arrangements and the COL takes place in April 2016.

10. PROPOSED ENACTMENT 16-36
Individual clubs are in the best position to determine if the classification system helps or hinders membership attraction and retention in the community it serves. If a club chooses to disregard this additional flexibility, the existing constitutional rules and requirements will remain in effect for that club.
COL preparations begin three years before the COL meets. Starting in year one, districts begin choosing their representatives and alternate representatives. The selections were due to Rotary by 30 June Year one is also when Rotary begins sending information to districts about proposing legislation.
Year two’s emphasis is on legislation. Proposed legislation was due to Rotary by 31 December Over 330 items were submitted for the Council. Once submitted, the general secretary formats legislation and prepares it for review by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and RI Board. The general secretary also prepares a financial impact statement for each item of legislation. During this year, Rotary also updates COL training materials, sends informational mailings to representatives, translates proposed legislation, and plans the logistics of the meeting.
Year three is the year of the COL. Legislation is finalized and sent to representatives, Rotary senior leaders and districts governors. Clubs, districts, and the RI Board also have the opportunity to submit statements of support and opposition on legislation. The RI Board may submit emergency legislation to the COL through 31 December Representatives book their travel arrangements and the COL takes place in April 2016.

11. Result
For – 386
Against – 75
Carried

12. Revise the Wording for Membership
engaged as a proprietor, partner, corporate officer, or manager of any worthy and recognized business or profession; or
holding any important position in any worthy and recognized business or profession or any branch or agency thereof and have executive capacity with discretionary authority; or
having retired from any position listed in sub-subsection (1) or (2) of this subsection; or
being a community leader who has demonstrated through personal involvement in community affairs a commitment to service and the Object of Rotary; or
having the status of Rotary Foundation alumnus as defined by the board; or
having interrupted employment or having never worked in order to care for children or to assist the spouse in their work

13. Proposed Enactment 16-38 To revise the provisions for membership
A club shall be composed of adult persons who demonstrate good character, integrity, and leadership; possess good reputation within their business, profession, and/or community; and are willing to serve in their community and/or around the world.

14. Result
For – 426
Against – 85
Carried

15. To increase per capita dues. - Proposer: RI Board of Directors
PROPOSED ENACTMENT 16-99
To increase per capita dues.
- Proposer: RI Board of Directors
Current per capita dues are US$55 per year. Per capita dues were approved by the 2013 Council on Legislation to increase to US$56 per year for This enactment would increase per capita dues to US$60 per year in , US$64 per year in , and US$68 per year in and thereafter.
The Council on Legislation (COL) is the body of Rotarians authorized by the RI Constitution and Bylaws to amend the “constitutional documents” of RI.
The COL was created by the 1933 Convention to serve as an “advisory body” to assist with the review of annual convention enactments and resolutions and started as a plenary session at the convention. In it started meeting every other year. In 1972, it was decided that the COL would no longer be an advisory body and would serve as Rotary’s official legislative body. In 1974 it started meeting every 3rd year, in conjunction with the convention. In 1977, it started meeting independently of the convention in various locations, but has met in Chicago, Illinois, USA since 2001.

16. PROPOSED ENACTMENT 16-99
Membership dues are the primary source of financing for Rotary International's operations. Revenues from dues support essential services that are vital to the continued success of Rotary International
The Council on Legislation (COL) is the body of Rotarians authorized by the RI Constitution and Bylaws to amend the “constitutional documents” of RI.
The COL was created by the 1933 Convention to serve as an “advisory body” to assist with the review of annual convention enactments and resolutions and started as a plenary session at the convention. In it started meeting every other year. In 1972, it was decided that the COL would no longer be an advisory body and would serve as Rotary’s official legislative body. In 1974 it started meeting every 3rd year, in conjunction with the convention. In 1977, it started meeting independently of the convention in various locations, but has met in Chicago, Illinois, USA since 2001.

17. Result
For – 317
Against – 197
Carried

18. Proposed Resolution
To request the RI Board to consider providing all district conferences with a video message from the RI president.
Because it is impossible for the RI president to address all conferences in person, an alternative could be found in a uniform video message by the RI president which will be available to all districts. The message should get a prominent place in the district’s program.

19. Result
For –
Against -

20. Proposed Resolution
To request the RI Board to consider making the Council on Legislation more efficient, less costly and more technologically oriented.
The expenses for the Council on Legislation in fiscal year 2013 were US $3 million. This resolution could result in a decrease in expenses if the technology solution costs less than an in-person meeting.

21. To provide that each club pays dues for a minimum of 10 members.
PROPOSED ENACTMENT
To provide that each club pays dues for a minimum of 10 members.
Proposer(s):
Board of Directors of RI
District 3040, India
This proposal would amend the RI Bylaws to require that each club shall pay for a minimum of 10 members. The ten member minimum RI dues payment was removed from the Bylaws in Currently clubs pay RI per capita dues for the exact number of members certified by the club president and secretary in their club report.
The Council on Legislation (COL) is the body of Rotarians authorized by the RI Constitution and Bylaws to amend the “constitutional documents” of RI.
The COL was created by the 1933 Convention to serve as an “advisory body” to assist with the review of annual convention enactments and resolutions and started as a plenary session at the convention. In it started meeting every other year. In 1972, it was decided that the COL would no longer be an advisory body and would serve as Rotary’s official legislative body. In 1974 it started meeting every 3rd year, in conjunction with the convention. In 1977, it started meeting independently of the convention in various locations, but has met in Chicago, Illinois, USA since 2001.

22. PROPOSED ENACTMENT
New clubs are required to have a minimum of 20 charter members. However, once chartered, clubs are not required to maintain a minimum number of members. There are approximately 9,000 clubs worldwide that are currently below the charter level of 20 members, and of these, over 1,100 clubs with fewer than 10 members. This enactment may motivate clubs below the proposed minimum to grow their membership.
The Council on Legislation (COL) is the body of Rotarians authorized by the RI Constitution and Bylaws to amend the “constitutional documents” of RI.
The COL was created by the 1933 Convention to serve as an “advisory body” to assist with the review of annual convention enactments and resolutions and started as a plenary session at the convention. In it started meeting every other year. In 1972, it was decided that the COL would no longer be an advisory body and would serve as Rotary’s official legislative body. In 1974 it started meeting every 3rd year, in conjunction with the convention. In 1977, it started meeting independently of the convention in various locations, but has met in Chicago, Illinois, USA since 2001.

23. PROPOSED ENACTMENT 16-81
To authorize the RI Board to suspend or terminate a club for litigation-related actions and to amend the provisions for repeated election complaints from a district.
- Proposer: RI Board of Directors
This enactment would amend the RI Bylaws to allow the RI Board to take action when a club or Rotarian sues RI or The Rotary Foundation prior to exhausting the remedies provided for in the RI Bylaws for disputing elections.
The Council on Legislation (COL) is the body of Rotarians authorized by the RI Constitution and Bylaws to amend the “constitutional documents” of RI.
The COL was created by the 1933 Convention to serve as an “advisory body” to assist with the review of annual convention enactments and resolutions and started as a plenary session at the convention. In it started meeting every other year. In 1972, it was decided that the COL would no longer be an advisory body and would serve as Rotary’s official legislative body. In 1974 it started meeting every 3rd year, in conjunction with the convention. In 1977, it started meeting independently of the convention in various locations, but has met in Chicago, Illinois, USA since 2001.

24. PROPOSED ENACTMENT 16-81
To authorize the RI Board to suspend or terminate a club for litigation-related actions and to amend the provisions for repeated election complaints from a district.
- Proposer: RI Board of Directors
This enactment would amend the RI Bylaws to allow the RI Board to take action when a club or Rotarian sues RI or The Rotary Foundation prior to exhausting the remedies provided for in the RI Bylaws for disputing elections.
The Council on Legislation (COL) is the body of Rotarians authorized by the RI Constitution and Bylaws to amend the “constitutional documents” of RI.
The COL was created by the 1933 Convention to serve as an “advisory body” to assist with the review of annual convention enactments and resolutions and started as a plenary session at the convention. In it started meeting every other year. In 1972, it was decided that the COL would no longer be an advisory body and would serve as Rotary’s official legislative body. In 1974 it started meeting every 3rd year, in conjunction with the convention. In 1977, it started meeting independently of the convention in various locations, but has met in Chicago, Illinois, USA since 2001.

25. PROPOSED ENACTMENT 16-81
The RI Bylaws provide a fair internal process for clubs and Rotarians to follow if they allege that there have been irregularities in an election for Rotary office.
This legislation provides that the Board may suspend or terminate a club that either sues Rotary or maintains in its membership an individual that sues Rotary prior to completing the election review procedures.
The Council on Legislation (COL) is the body of Rotarians authorized by the RI Constitution and Bylaws to amend the “constitutional documents” of RI.
The COL was created by the 1933 Convention to serve as an “advisory body” to assist with the review of annual convention enactments and resolutions and started as a plenary session at the convention. In it started meeting every other year. In 1972, it was decided that the COL would no longer be an advisory body and would serve as Rotary’s official legislative body. In 1974 it started meeting every 3rd year, in conjunction with the convention. In 1977, it started meeting independently of the convention in various locations, but has met in Chicago, Illinois, USA since 2001.

26. Other Discussion?