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WSBA board holds first reading to align committee eligibility with membership classes
Summary
The Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors held a first reading of proposed bylaw amendments to allow inactive, pro bono and honorary members to serve on WSBA committees and to clarify whether those members may serve as committee chairs or vice chairs; no action was taken at the first reading.
The Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors held a first reading of proposed amendments to the WSBA bylaws to align committee eligibility rules with recently revised membership categories, Chief Garcia said at the meeting. The item was presented as a technical correction and no action was taken at the first reading.
Chief Garcia, who presented the item, said the proposed amendments would bring Article 9 (committees) into alignment with changes earlier adopted to Article 3 (membership). “Essentially, we are proposing a bylaw amendment to correct an oversight. It's on for first read, so no action today,” Chief Garcia said. He added the draft language would allow inactive, pro bono and honorary members to serve on WSBA committees and also proposes language permitting those members to serve as chair and vice chair.
The board discussed whether committee chairs and vice chairs should be limited to active members. Governor Price said she agreed that honorary and pro bono members should be eligible to serve as chairs, noting some sections and committees have difficulty finding volunteers. “They're having trouble just finding people to serve. So I think it's a great idea,” Governor Price said. Governor Fay called the amendment “almost in the nature of a technical amendment” and asked whether a second reading was required.
Executive Director Nevett responded that the bylaws require a first and second reading for bylaw amendments, but that the item could be placed on the consent calendar when it returns for second reading. “I believe we're required to do a first and second reading for a bylaw, but we could put it on the consent calendar when it comes back,” Nevett said.
The board also sought clarification on what “inactive” status means. Chief Garcia explained that inactive members retain a Washington license but are not practicing law in the state and may maintain inactive status for reasons such as maintaining a license in another state or to obtain a reduced licensing fee. “Inactive members…are essentially not practicing law in Washington State. So they are not using their license to practice law, but they are choosing to maintain their license,” Chief Garcia said.
No motion, vote or formal adoption took place during the first reading. Board members indicated the item would be revised if needed and returned for a second reading, with the possibility of placement on the consent calendar if no substantive objections are raised.
The first reading was procedural: it introduced clarifying language to make committee eligibility consistent with previously approved membership changes and invited additional comment before a required second reading.
