ARTICLE I
MISSION
| 1.1 | Intent. The intent of these bylaws is to provide for clear and orderly organization of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Governors Coalition (hereinafter referred to as the “Coalition”). |
| 1.2 | Purpose. The Coalition will be guided by four core principles. |
| 1.2.1 | Improved communication between federal and state officials on OCS issues. |
| 1.2.2 | Improved understanding of potential resources and opportunities adjacent to the various coastal states. |
| 1.2.3 | Improved understanding of the impact those resources could have on local, state and federal revenues. |
| 1.2.4 | Improved management and stewardship of coastal resources related to coastal and ocean activities. |
ARTICLE II
LEADERSHIP
| 2.1 | Chairmanship Eligibility. Any current member of the Coalition in good standing who has at least two years remaining in his or her term as governor of a member state may be elected to serve as Chairman. |
| 2.2 | Chairmanship Designation. The Chair of the Coalition will be elected by a consensus vote by all voting members of the Coalition. |
| 2.3 | Chairmanship Term. The Chairman shall serve a two-year term. If he or she is unable to complete the term, a special election for a new Chairman will be held within 30-calendar days of a written resignation from the Chairman. |
| 2.4 | Responsibilities of Chairman: The duties of the Chairman shall include the following: |
| 2.4.1 | Representation of the Coalition at designated meetings, in official communications and in any contracts that the Coalition pursues. |
| 2.4.2 | Supervision or delegation to appropriate staff of all day-to-day management activities of the Coalition. |
| 2.4.3 | Delegation of other powers to other Member states as necessary. |
| 2.5 | Vice Chairmanship Eligibility. Any current member of the Coalition in good standing who has at least two years remaining in his or her term as governor of a member state may be elected to serve as Vice Chairman. |
| 2.6 | Vice Chairmanship Designation. The Vice Chair of the Coalition will be elected by a consensus vote by all voting members of the Coalition. |
| 2.7 | Vice Chairmanship Term. The Vice Chairman may serve in the position for up to two years and can serve a successive term as Chairman if elected. If he or she is unable to complete the term, a special election for a new Vice Chairman will be held within 30-calendar days of a written resignation from the Vice Chairman. |
| 2.8 | Responsibilities of Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman shall assist in any and all duties of the Chairman as directed by the Chairman. |
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
| 3.1 | Membership Eligibility. Any governor of a U.S. state or chief executive of a recognized U.S. territory whose state or territory is bordered or surrounded by a saltwater body of water is eligible to join the Coalition. |
| 3.2 | Membership Finalization. Each governor must confirm his or her intent to join the Coalition by sending the Chairman a letter accepting membership. The Chairman will then affirm the governor’s accession to the group within 30 calendar days. |
| 3.3 | Membership Voting Rights. Each member in good standing is entitled to one vote. |
| 3.4 | Governor Designee. A member is able to designate one or more persons from his or her staff to participate and manage the governor’s membership in the Coalition. The member must identify these staff to the Chairman. |
| 3.5 | Membership Responsibilities. To remain a member in good standing, a member and/or his or her staff must participate in a majority of announced meetings. If a member fails to participate in a majority of meetings within the calendar year, the Chairman must give the member a notice of his violation and determine whether probation of voting rights is appropriate. |
| 3.6 | Membership Withdrawal. If a governor determines that he or she no longer wishes to participate in the Coalition, he may resign by letter to the Chairman. The Chairman must acknowledge acceptance of the resignation within 30 calendar days. |
ARTICLE IV
MEETINGS
| 4.1 | Annual Meetings. The governors and their designees will meet in person at a location of the Chairman’s choosing at least annually. |
| 4.2 | Regular Meetings. The designees of the Coalition will hold a conference call monthly, unless an annual meeting or special circumstance prohibits a regular meeting. These exceptions will be at the discretion of the Chairman. |
| 4.3 | Meeting Notice. The Chairman shall give notice to all members and designees of a meeting by electronic mail no less than one week prior to the meeting. |
| 4.4 | Voting. During a meeting, the Chairman may call a vote if a quorum of members is present. |
ARTICLE V
FINANCES
| 5.1 | Dues. Each member must authorize $1,000 in expenditures annually for his or her participation in the Coalition. |
| 5.2 | Expenditures. The Chairman may utilize dues to pay for annual meetings, website maintenance, and other needs as determined by the Chairman. If a single expense exceeds $500, the Chairman must seek approval by a majority vote of the Coalition. |
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS
| The bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed or new bylaws may be adopted only by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the membership unless otherwise stipulated herein. |
ARTICLE VII
PARTICIPATION OF NON-VOTING MEMBERS OR ENTITIES
| The Coalition may permit non-voting entities, such as prospective members, non-governmental organizations, and others, to participate in Coalition functions at the discretion of the Chairman. If the relationship is to exceed 30 calendar days, the entity must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding that stipulates terms of the relationship. The MOU must be approved by the Chairman. |