District 2-S4 of the International Association of Lions Clubs Constitution and Bylaws

The name of this organization is The International Association of Lions Clubs, District 2-S4, a part of Multiple District 2, State of Texas, U.S.A., hereafter referred to as "District."

Article II: Authority

The International Association of Lions Clubs, hereinafter called Lions International, Constitution and By-Laws is hereby made a part of this document. Where conflict occurs the latest edition of Lions International Constitution and By-Laws shall take precedence.

Article III: Objective

To provide this District with an efficient organization for the purpose of advancing Lionism therein in accordance with objects of Lions International.

Article IV: Membership and Organization

The membership of this organization shall consist of all Lions Clubs within the boundaries of this District duly chartered by Lions International and in good standing.

Article V: District Officers

The officers of the District shall be the District's Governor, First Vice District Governor, Second Vice District Governor, Region Chairs, Zone Chairs, Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Treasurer, Chair District Governor's Honorary Committee, Directors of the Texas Lions Camp, and Trustees of Lions Eye Bank of Texas, and there shall be no salary paid to any officer.

Article VI: Revisions to District Constitution and By-Laws

The District Cabinet and/or any District 2-S4 club in good standing shall have the authority and it shall be its duty to recommend change (s) to this Constitution and By-Laws (including change(s) to the District's per capita tax), for good and just cause, in the best interest of Lionism within the District.

Procedures:

(1) Recommended change(s) to this District Constitution and By-Laws shall be placed in the hands of the District Governor's Office not later than thirty (30) days after that Cabinet Meeting at which the recommendation(s) receive the heretofore provided approval, but not less than thirty (30) days prior to the convening of the Annual District Convention.

(2) The District Governor shall then transmit said recommended change(s) to a, hereinafter provided, District Constitution and by-Laws Committee and to each Club in the District not later than thirty (30) days prior to the District Convention. The same shall be presented to the District Convention through a District Constitution and By-Laws Committee.

(3) All voting in this regard at the District Convention shall be by individual secret printed ballots.

(4) A tabulation of votes cast for and votes cast against the aforementioned recommended change(s) shall be made at the District Convention by a, hereinafter provided, District Election Committee (Art. IX, Sec. 8), and certified by the District Governor.

(5) A two-thirds (2/3) majority of the delegates or alternates, present in person, qualified and legally voting at the District Convention shall be required to change the provisions of this document. The decision of said majority shall be binding on all members, the District Cabinet, and all succeeding District Cabinets.

(6) Upon passage of said change(s) by the afore-mentioned majority the same shall become effective with the beginning of the next fiscal year.

Article VII: District Organization

Section 1. Organization

The District Organization shall be in accordance with Lions International Constitution and By-Laws without exception and the Lions International booklet entitled "District Governor's Organization" except as noted and/or expanded upon herein.

Section 2. Membership

The membership of District 2-S4 shall consist of all Lions Clubs and members thereof, within the established boundaries of the District which have been duly chartered by Lions International and are in good standing.

Section 3. District Governor

The District shall have a District Governor duly elected as provided herein and in accordance with Lions International Constitution and By-Laws.

(a) Qualifications

A candidate for the office of District Governor shall satisfy all requirements as set out in the Lions International Constitution and By-Laws and herein set out.

A candidate for the office of District Governor shall:

(1) Be an active member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in good standing in this District.

(2) Secure the endorsement of his/her Club or a majority of the Clubs in this District.

(3) Currently be serving as the First Vice District Governor in this District

(4) Only in the event of the current First Vice District Governor does not stand for election as District Governor, or if a vacancy in the position of First Vice District Governor exists at the time of the District Convention, any Club member who fulfills the qualifications for the office of Second Vice District Governor as set forth in these By-Laws or Constitution and who is currently serving, or has served (1) additional year as a member of the District Cabinet, shall fulfill the requirements of this section.

(5) If elected, attend the District Governors School at the International Convention immediately prior to taking office unless providentially hindered.

(b) Term of Office

The term of office for a District Governor shall be from the adjournment of the International Convention next succeeding his election to the adjournment of the next following International Convention as provided in the International Constitution and By-Laws.

(1) The District Governor is the chief executive of his District. He/she shall supervise the work and activities of the District. He/she shall perform all duties as set forth herein and, in the Lions International Constitution and By-Laws, and all such duties as may be required of him/her in the best interest of Lionism.

(2) The District Governor shall, by the time he/she takes office, divide the District into Areas, Regions, and divide each Region into Zones.

(3) The District Governor shall, by the time he/she takes office, appoint a Regional Chair for each Region and a Zone Chairman for each Zone within the district.

(4) The District Governor shall, by the time he/she takes office, appoint a District Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer hereinafter called Cabinet Secretary.

(5) The District Governor shall appoint District Committees and designate the Chair thereof and such other officers deemed necessary for the furtherance of Lionism within the District.

(6) The District Governor shall make every effort to visit with each club in his/her District at a regular or special meeting of the Club or Clubs at least once during his/her year to further the cause of Lionism. These regular or special meetings shall not be held in conjunction with Zone meetings or any other District meetings. In the event he/she is unable to make this visit due to sickness or urgent business, he/she shall request the Vice Governor or Region Chair or a Past District Governor to make this visit in his behalf.

(7) The District Governor shall issue an official call for a District Convention, as hereinafter provided.

(8) The District Governor shall appoint Committees and designate the Chair thereof for the operation and function of the, hereinafter provided, District Convention. Such committees are hereinafter referred to as Convention Committees. Said appointments shall be made as follows:

The District Governor shall appoint, and he/she shall receive notification of acceptance, at least sixty (60) days prior to the District Convention, a Convention Nominating Committee of not more than five (5) members of different Lions Clubs within their District.

The District Governor shall appoint, and he/she shall receive notification of acceptance, at least sixty (60) days prior to the District Convention, a Convention Constitution and By-Laws Committee, provided that recommended revisions to the District, Multiple District 2, and/or International Constitution and By-Laws are to be presented at the District Convention. Said committee shall consist of not more than five (5) members of different Lions Clubs within the District.

The District Governor shall appoint all other Convention Committees such as: Credentials, Election International Conventions, Necrology, Parliamentary, Registration, Resolutions, Rules, Sargent-at-arms, and etc., at least fifteen (15) days prior to the District Convention.

(9) The District Governor has the authority, and it shall be his/her duty to remove from office any officer appointed by him who is derelict and negligent in his responsibility or for any other good and just cause in the best interest of Lionism.

(10) in the event of vacancy in any district office, except that of District Governor or Club President and Secretary, the District Governor has the authority, and it shall be his/her duty to fill such vacancy for the unexpired time thereof.

(11) As the retiring District Governor, he/she shall transmit to his successor all district files, financial records and all other records and communications pertinent to the functioning, organization and conducting of District business.

(d) Removal from Office

Any District Governor, who is negligent in his/her duties and responsibilities, or for any other good and just cause, may be removed from office by the following procedure in its entirety and sequence:

(1) A two-thirds vote for removal by the District Cabinet.

(2) A two-thirds vote for removal by the Board of Directors of the Clubs in the District.

(3) Submission of a petition to the Lions international stating full particulars.

The subsequent decision of Lions international Board of Directors shall be final.

In the event of a vacancy in the District Governor's Office for any reason for a period in excess of sixty (60) days, said vacancy shall be filled as outlined in the International Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 4 First Vice District Governor

The District shall have a First Vice District Governor duly elected as provided herein and in accordance with Lions International Constitution and By-Laws.

(a) Qualifications

A candidate for the office of First Vice District Governor shall satisfy all requirements as set out in the Lions International Constitution and By-Laws.

A candidate for the office of First Vice District Governor shall:

(1) Be an active member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in good standing in this District.

(2) Secure the endorsement of his/her Club or the majority of the Clubs in this District.

(3) Currently serving as the Second Vice District Governor in this District.

(4) Only in the event the current Second Vice District Governor does not stand for election as First Vice District Governor, or if a vacancy in the position of Second Vice District Governor exists at the time of the district convention, any club member who fulfills the qualifications for the office of the Second Vice District Governor as set forth in these By-Laws or Constitution and who is currently serving, or has served (1) additional year as a member of this District Cabinet, shall fulfill the requirements of this section.

(b) Term of Office

The term of office for a First Vice District Governor shall be the same as the District Governor.

The First Vice District Governor, subject to the supervision and direction of the District Governor, shall be chief administrative assistant to the District Governor. His/her specific responsibilities shall be to:

(1) Further the purposes of this association.

(2) Play an active role in membership development including extension of new clubs and leadership development within the District.

(3) Become familiar with the duties of District Governor so in the event of a vacancy in the office of District Governor, he/she will be better prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of said office.

(4) Perform such administrative duties as may be assigned by the District Governor.

(5) Perform such other functions and acts as may be required for him/her by the International Board of Directors and other directives.

(6) Actively participate in cabinet meetings and conduct meetings in the absence of the District Governor.

(7) Participate in Council of Governors meetings as appropriate.

(d) Removal from Office

Any First Vice District Governor who is negligent in his/her duties and responsibilities, or for any other good and just cause, may be removed from office by the following procedure in its entirety and sequence:

(1) A two-thirds vote for removal by the District Cabinet.

(2) Submission of a petition to Multiple District 2 Council stating full particulars.

(3) Submission of a petition to the Lions international stating full particulars.

In the event of a vacancy in the First Vice District Governor office, for any reason, for a period in excess of sixty (60) days, said vacancy will be filled by the Second Vice District Governor. On succession to the First Vice District Governor's office, the Second Vice District Governor's office will remain vacant and not filled until elections at the next District Convention.

Section 5. Second Vice District Governor

The District shall have a Second Vice District Governor duly elected as provided herein and in accordance with Lions International Constitution and By-Laws.

(a) Qualifications

A candidate for the office of Second Vice District Governor shall satisfy all requirements as provided herein and in accordance with Lions International Constitution and By-Laws.

(1) Be an active member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in good standing in this District.

(2) Secure the endorsement of his/her Club or the majority of the Clubs in this District.

(3) Have served or will have served at the time he/she takes the office as Second Vice District Governor:

(a) As President of a Lions Club for a full term or major portion thereof, and a member of the board of directors of a Lions Club for no less than two (2) additional years; and

(b) As Zone Chairperson or Region Chairperson or Cabinet Secretary and/or Treasurer for a full term or major portion thereof.

(b) Term of Office

The term of office for a Second Vice District Governor shall be the same as the District Governor.

The Second Vice District Governor is subject to the supervision and direction of the District Governor. His/her specific responsibilities shall be to:

(1) Further the purposes of this association.

(2) Actively participate and inspire other District officers to administer and promote effective membership and growth and new club organization.

(3) Perform such duties as may be assigned by the District Governor, including assisting the District Retention Chairperson.

(4) Perform such other functions and act as required by the policy of the association.

(5) Actively participate in cabinet meetings and conduct meetings in the absence of the District Governor and First Vice District Governor.

(6) Participate in the preparation of the District budget.

(7) Actively engage in all matters to be continued during the following year.

(8) At the request of the District Governor, supervise appropriate District committees and participate in the review of strengths and weaknesses of the District.

(d) Removal from Office

Any Second Vice District Governor who is negligent in his/her duties and responsibilities, or for any other good and just cause, may be removed from office by the following procedure in its entirety and sequence:

(1) A two-thirds vote for removal by the District Cabinet.

(2) Submission of a petition to Multiple District 2 Council stating full particulars.

(3) Submission of a petition to the Lions International stating full particulars.

In the event of a vacancy in the Second Vice District Governor office, for any reason, for a period in excess of sixty (60) days, said vacancy shall be recognized as such and shall not be filled until a new election is held at the District Convention.

Article VIII District Governor's Cabinet

Section 1. Membership

The membership of the District Governor's Cabinet, shall be the District Governor as the presiding officer, First Vice District Governor, Second Vice District Governor, Region Chairs, Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer, Zone Chairs, District Governor's Honorary Committee Chair, District Committee Chairs, District Directors of the Texas Lions Camp, and District Trustee of the Lions Eye Bank of Texas.

Provided, however, each respective District Governor shall have the authority to determine whether the position of Region Chair will be utilized during his/her term. If not so utilized, the position of Region Chair shall remain vacant during said Governor's term.

Section 2. Authority

The Cabinet shall function within the limits of the International Constitution and By-Laws and this document. The Cabinet shall be the Executive Body of the District, and as such, all corporate powers of the District expressed or implied, are vested in the Cabinet. A majority of the Cabinet members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 3. Duties and Responsibilities

(a) Purpose

The Cabinet's purpose is to supervise, coordinate and promote the general welfare of the Lions Club and the individual members thereof, and to assist the District Governor in performing the duties of the office.

The Cabinet shall act on behalf of and transact all business of the District in the best interest of the membership.

(b) Cabinet Meetings

The Cabinet shall meet at least four (4) times during the year (once each quarter) and/or as set by the District Governor. The first meeting shall be held within thirty (30) days after the adjournment of the preceding International Convention for the purpose of: approving the surety company from which a bond, as hereinafter provided, shall be secured; approving the depository for District funds; adopting a budget for the year; discussing matters and transacting business pertaining to the District.

No less than ten (10) days written notice of Cabinet meetings shall be given to each member by the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer. Special meetings of the Cabinet may be called at the discretion of the District Governor or shall be called by him upon the written request by a majority of the members thereof not less than five (5) days or more than ten (10) days written notice of special meetings of the Cabinet shall be given to each member thereof.

One (1) of said regular meetings may be held in conjunction with (immediately prior to) the District Convention as hereinafter provided.

The Cabinet shall require the posting of a surety bond in the amount of $10,000.00 minimum on the District Governor and the Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer. If this is not provided by Multiple District 2 or Lions International.

(d) Minutes and Records

The Cabinet shall require that accurate records of each and all Cabinet meetings and all District proceedings, including District Convention, shall be kept and that minutes of said meetings and/or proceedings, including financial reports, shall be presented to the District Convention, shall be transmitted by the Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer to the District Governor, each member of the Cabinet, Lions International and the State Office within fifteen (15) days after each meeting and that copies of same shall be given to the succeeding District Governor and Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer.

(e) District Revenue

The Cabinet shall require: that all monies collected as District Revenue and all other monies deposited with or transmitted through the District for any reason shall be deposited in an approved depository of the District; and that said monies shall be disbursed as payments or withdrawals only by check signed by the Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer and countersigned by the District Governor. And all disbursements shall be approved by the Cabinet. In the event that, for any reason, the Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer and/or the District Governor cannot sign a check, a notarized attestment by a majority of the Cabinet shall be sufficient to release the monies or provide for another signatory or signatories.

(f) District Convention

The Cabinet shall provide for a District Convention annually. The Cabinet shall have the absolute power to change at any time, for the good and sufficient reasons, without any liability to the District or State, the city or place of holding the District Convention.

The District Governor's expenses in conjunction with the District Convention shall be considered a District Administrative expense. Reimbursement for said expenses shall be in accordance with the Rule of Audit of Lions International or District.

(g) Lions District 2-S4 International Convention Fund

The Cabinet shall provide for a District International Convention Fund annually for the purpose of reimbursement of authorized expenses incurred in attending the Lions International Convention by the District Governor, Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer and District Governor Elect in accordance with the Rules of Audit of Lions International District 2-S4.

(h) State Conference

The Cabinet shall be responsible for providing for and coordinating any District functions at the State Conference. The Cabinet shall, when requested by the Executive Committee of the Council of Governors, assist in every way in providing for, organizing and coordinating the State Conference held in its District.

(i) International Convention

The Cabinet shall be responsible for gifts and favors for the International convention as requested by the District Governor.

The Cabinet shall provide for the expenses of the District Governor Elect in conjunction with his attending the International Convention and District Governor's School at same, unless otherwise provided by Lions International. Said expenses, if required, shall be considered a District 2-S4 International Convention Fund expense and reimbursement for same, by the District shall be in accordance with the Rules of Audit of Lions International or the District.

The Cabinet shall provide for the expenses of the District Governor in conjunction with his/her attending the International Convention. Said expenses shall be considered a District 2-S4 International Convention Fund expense and reimbursement for same, by the District, shall be in accordance with the Rule of Audit of Lions International or the District.

Every consideration should be given by the Cabinet to at least provide in part for the expenses of the Cabinet Secretary in conjunction with his/her attending the International and District Convention. If provided, said expenses shall be considered District 2-S4 International Convention Fund expense and District Convention expense, respectively, and reimbursement for same, by the District, shall be in accordance with the Rules of Audit of Lions International or the District.

(j) Financial Reports and Audits

The Cabinet shall receive from the Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer financial reports at each Cabinet meeting and shall make provisions for an annual audit (more frequently if required) of the books and accounts of the District. Said Audit(s) shall be made by a competent accountant, shall have a current permit to practice accounting and shall show all receipts and disbursements made by the District during the fiscal year. A copy of said audit(s) shall be furnished to all District Officers, the District Governor Elect, his/her Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer, the State Office and Lions International and shall be submitted to the District Convention for its information.

The Cabinet shall provide for the transfer of all records of the District including cancelled checks, bank statements, records book, account book, etc., to the succeeding District Governor and his Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer at the first District Cabinet Meeting following the International Convention.

(k) Surplus and Unbudgeted Funds

The Cabinet shall provide in the District Administrative budget an amount not less than five percent (5%) nor more than 10 percent (10%) of the total annual District Administrative per capita tax, which shall be designed as a special unbudgeted fund. Said fund shall be retained intact and transferred to the succeeding District Governor to provide District Administrative operating expenses between the beginning of the fiscal year and receipt of first semi-annual per capita taxes from the clubs in the District.

Article IX District Convention

Section 1. Provisions and Purpose

There shall be a District Convention held annually. The District Convention shall elect a District Governor, First Vice Governor, and Second Vice District Governor to serve the next year; elect a Director of the Texas Lions Camp to serve for the next two (2) years; elect a Trustee of the Lions Eye Bank of Texas to serve for the next two (2) years; elect a candidate (if) proposed for nomination for an International Office; elect a host club and a host city for the next annual District Convention; vote on proposed changes (as presented) to the provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws; vote on all matters of statewide business (as presented); and conduct such District business as may require District action.

Section 2. Time

The District Convention shall be held at a time set by the District Governor; but, in any instance it shall be held not later than one week before the State Conference (except when the State Conference is held in the District then, the District Convention may be held in conjunction with or the immediately preceding days, but no later than thirty (30) days before the International Convention. The District Governor shall issue an official call for the annual District Convention not earlier than ninety (90) days nor later than thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for holding same.

Section 3. Administration

The District Governor and his/her Cabinet shall have full supervision over all phases of the Convention and all members of the Cabinet shall be officers of the Convention.

Section 4. Program

There shall be a printed program of Convention sessions and events stating time and place and occurrence. Said program shall be the order of the day for the Convention.

Section 5. Nominations and Proposals

Each endorsement (nomination), resolution and/or proposal to be acted upon the District Convention shall first be presented in writing to the applicable District Convention Committee no later than thirty (30) days prior to the convening day of the District Convention. In the event the Convention convenes with no pre-endorsed (pre-nominated) candidate: then and only then, nominations from the floor of the duly notified District Convention Assembly shall be the order of the day.

(a) District Governor

The Convention Nominating Committee shall receive the written endorsement (nomination) of any member, who satisfies the qualifications as herein stated for the office of District Governor. Nominations for the office of District Governor shall NOT be made from the floor of the District Convention except as herein provided.

(b) First and Second Vice District Governors

The Convention Nominating Committee shall receive the written endorsements (nominations) of any member, who satisfies the qualifications as herein stated for the offices of First Vice District Governor and Second Vice District Governor. Nominations for the offices of First Vice District Governor and Second Vice District Governor shall NOT be made from the floor of the District Convention except as herein provided.

The nominating Committee shall receive the written nomination (endorsed by the majority of the members of the nominee’s club) of any member for the office of Director of Texas Lions Camp. All nominees shall be members in good standing in a Lions Club within the District likewise in good standing.

(d) Trustee of Lions Eye Bank of Texas

Section 5 (c) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(e) Host Club and Host City for the District Convention

The nominating committee shall receive all invitations in writing from cities and clubs in the District desiring to host the District Convention the following year. All clubs so nominated shall be clubs in good standing.

(f) Nomination and Motion Speeches

Nomination and seconding speeches shall be limited to one (1) each, which shall be limited to five (5) minutes and (3) minutes respectively for each candidate.

(g) International Candidates

The Nominating Committee shall receive from the State Office, as heretofore prescribed, all presentations (resolutions) of State candidates for an International Office. The Nominating Committee shall report the resolution to the district Convention assembly in fullest detail.

Section 6. Arrangements

The Host Club shall be responsible for making all arrangements for the convention including lodging, meeting rooms, banquet, luncheon, facilities, entertainment, gifts for the guests, etc., under supervision of the District Governor and his/her Cabinet. The District Governor shall make arrangements for guest speakers.

Section 7. Delegates

Each chartered club in good standing shall be entitled at its District Convention to one delegate and one alternate for each ten (10) members or major fraction thereof in accordance with Lions International Constitution and By-Laws.

Each Past District Governor, Past International Director and Past International President who is a member of a Club in the District shall have full delegate status independent of the Club delegate quotas herein specified.

Section 8 Elections

All elections shall be in accordance with Lions International Constitution and By-Laws and this document.

(a) Each certified delegate present in person shall be entitled to cast one vote of his/her choice on each office to be filled by, and one vote of his/her choice on each question submitted to, the Convention.

(b) A majority of the certified delegates present in person at any session shall constitute a quorum.

(c) The election shall be by secret printed ballot, or such other method of secret balloting as may be determined by the District Cabinet.

(d) There shall be no "Write-In" votes cast for any office.

(e) A plurality vote shall be necessary to elect. In the Cast of a tie vote for any office, the candidates receiving the tie votes shall cast lots before the Election Committee or the District Cabinet in the absence of the Election Committee within one hour after the election shall have declared a tie. If any such candidate shall fail to appear within said hour, a member of the representative committee shall cast a lot for him. The candidate to who the lot shall fall shall be declared elected. The type of lot to be cast shall be determined by the respective committee.

(f) Proxy voting is strictly prohibited.

(g) In the event there is only one candidate for an office, the ballot shall provide a "yes" and a "no" vote. A majority of "yes" votes shall elect. In the event the majority of votes are "no," then and only then, can nominations be made from the floor of a duly notified Convention Assembly. Procedures as heretofore and hereinafter provided in all respect shall apply except that the candidates name need not appear on a printed ballot.

(h) In the event the Convention fails to elect a qualified District Governor or if the District Governor-Elect dies or refuses to take such office prior to the day his/her term would otherwise begin, then in any such event the District shall have a District Governor appointed by the International Board of Directors.

(i) In the event the Convention fails to elect a qualified Vice District Governor, or if the Vice District Governor dies or refuses to take office prior to the day his/her term would otherwise begin, then in such event the office will be filled by the Second Vice District Governor-Elect.

(j) In the event the Convention fails to elect a qualified Second Vice District Governor, or if the Second Vice District Governor dies or refuses to take office prior to the day his/her term would otherwise begin, then in such event, the office will remain vacant.

(k) The decision of the majority on all questions, except as otherwise provided herein, shall be binding upon all members.

Article X: Revenue

(District, State, Texas Lions Camp, and other deemed advisable by the District Cabinet.)

Section 1. Collection

It shall be the duty and responsibility of the District Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer to collect and disburse the revenue as hereinafter and heretofore provided.

Section 2. District Administrative Fund

(a) Provision and Amount

To provide a District Administrative Fund, a semi-annual per capita tax of not less than one dollar and fifty-five cents ($1.55) semi-annually, or three dollars and ten cents ($3.10) annually, shall be levied on each member thereof. In addition, there will be a two dollar ($2.00) semi-annual, four dollar ($4.00) annual subscription fee for the district Media/Technology/Communication fund levied on each member thereof. Said tax and subscription fee shall be remitted by each club in the District to its respective Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer hereinafter provided.

(b) Billing

Each club in the District shall be billed by the District Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer not sooner than sixty (60) days nor later than thirty (30) days prior to the due date as hereinafter provided.

Said tax shall be based upon the membership of the club as shown by its membership reports of June and December respectively.

(d) Due Date

Said tax shall be paid semi-annually by each club as soon as possible after billing but not later than September 10th and March 10th respectively of each fiscal year.

(e) New and Reorganized Clubs

Newly organized and reorganized clubs shall pay pro-rate semi-annual per capita tax beginning the first day of the month following that which the club is chartered or reorganized. Said tax shall be due and payable not later than the first day of the second month following that in which the club is chartered or reorganized.

Section 3. District Convention Fund

(a) Provision and Amount

To provide a District Convention Fund, a semi-annual per capita tax of not less than forty-eight cents ($.48) or ninety-six cents ($.96) annually shall be levied on each member thereof. Said tax shall be remitted by each club in the District to its respective Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer as set out in Section 2, (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this article.

Section 4. Multiple District 2 Administrative Fund

(a) Provision and Amount

To provide a State Administrative Fund, a semi-annual per capita tax of three dollars and fifty cents ($3.50) and seven dollars ($7.00) annually shall be levied on each club for each member thereof. Said tax shall be remitted by each club in the District to their respective Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer as hereinafter provided.

(b) Billing

Section 2 (b) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

Section 2 (c) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(d) Due Date

Section 2 (d) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(e) New and Reorganized Clubs

Section 2 (e) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(f) Remittance to State

Said tax shall be remitted by the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer to the Council Treasurer bi-annually, not later than November 15th and May 15th respectively of each fiscal year. The Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer shall remit only that amount collected from the clubs. A statement of delinquent clubs, if such exist, shall accompany said remittance.

Section 5. Promote Texas Fund

(a) Purpose, Provision and Amount

To provide monies whereby Texas Lionism may be publicized, there shall be a Promote Texas Fund. Said fund shall be used: to promote good will among the Lions of other States and Countries; to exalt Texas Lionism to the general public both within and without the State; in support of the promotion of a State Candidate for International Office, for any good and just cause, at the discretion of the Council of Governors in pursuance of these and/or related goals.

To provide said fund, a semi-annual per capita tax of twenty-five cents ($.25) and fifty cents ($.50) annually shall be levied on each member thereof. Said tax shall be remitted by each club in the District to their respective Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer as hereinafter provided.

(b) Billing

Section 2 (b) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

Section 2 (c) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(d) Due Date

Section 2 (d) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(e) New and Reorganized Clubs

Section 2 (e) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(f) Remittance to State

Section 4 (f) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

Section 6. Texas Lions Camp Fund

(a) Provision and Amount

To provide a "Texas Lions Camp Fund," a semi-annual per capita tax of ten dollars and fifty cents twenty-one ($21.00) annually shall be levied on each club member. Said tax shall be remitted by each club in the District to their respective Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer as hereinafter provided.

(b) Billing

Section 2 (b) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

Section 2 (c) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(d) Due Date

Section 2 (d) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(e) New and Reorganized Clubs

Section 2 (e) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(f) Remittance to the Texas Lions Camp

Said tax shall be remitted semi-annually by the District Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer to Kerrville office not later than November 15th and May 15th respectively of each fiscal year. The Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer shall remit only amount collected from the clubs unless directed by his District Governor. Concurrent with this remittance the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer shall report delinquent clubs to the Lions Camp Directors and clubs concerned.

Section 7. Lions District 2-S4 International Convention Fund.

(a) Provisions and Amount

To provide for a Lions District 2-S4 International Convention Fund a semi-annual per capita tax of not less than thirty-seven cents ($0.37), seventy-four cents ($0.74) annually shall be levied on each member thereof. Said tax shall be remitted by each club in the District to its respective Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer as set out in Section2, (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this article.

Section 8. District MD-2 State Convention Fund

(a) Provision and Amount

To provide a District MD-2 State Convention Fund for the funding of the MD-2 State Convention held in our District when required by the State Constitution, a semi-annual per capita tax of not less than fifteen cents ($.15) and thirty cents ($0.30) annually shall be levied on each Club for each member thereof. Said tax shall be remitted by each club in the District to their respective Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer as hereinafter provided.

If there should be a surplus in the Fund at the conclusion of any State Convention held in the District, that surplus will be transferred to the District Administrative Fund.

(b) Billing

Section 2 (b) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

Section 2 (c) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(d) Due Date

Section 2 (d) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

(e) New and Reorganized Clubs

Section 2 (e) of this article shall apply in its entirety.

Article XI: Adoption

This constitution and by-laws shall become in full force and effect with the beginning of the next fiscal year after same has been adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the delegates at the District Convention.

Article XII: Amendments and Revisions

This Constitution may be amended or revised only in accordance with the procedure outlined in Article VI of this Constitution.

Article XIII: Nepotism

During the term of the District Governor, persons related to the District Governor in the manner described herein shall be disqualified from serving as Cabinet Secretary or Cabinet Treasurer.

The disqualified persons would include parent, spouse, child, brother, sister, niece, nephew, aunt, or uncle of the District Governor.

Bylaws

Article I: Duties and Responsibilities

Section 1. District Governor

The duties of the District Governor shall be as provided herein and in Lions District 2-S4 organization and procedures. He/she shall represent his District at the regular and special meetings of the Council of Governors and at the Annual State Conference. The District Governor shall preside at all meetings of the District Cabinet. In the event such provisions are not made, the Cabinet may be resolution, appoint one of its members to chair the Cabinet meeting.

Section 2 First and Second Vice District Governors

The duties of the First and Second Vice District Governors shall be provided herein and in Lions District 2-S4 Organization and procedures.

The First Vice District Governor shall represent the District at Vice District Governor's meetings held in conjunction with the Council of Governors meetings. He/she shall introduce the District Governor at all meetings of the Cabinet and in the Governor's absence, preside over same.

In the absence of the First Vice District Governor, the Second Vice District Governor shall introduce the District Governor at all meetings of the Cabinet, and in the Governor's and First Vice District Governor's absence, preside over the same.

Section 3. Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer

The duties of the Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer shall be as provided in Lions District 2-S4 Organization and Procedures. He/she shall assist the District Governor and the Cabinet in conducting the business of the District and shall perform such duties as are specified or implied in the Constitution and By-Laws of this Organization, or as may be assigned to him time to time by the Cabinet.

He/she shall sign all notices and documents issued by the District, keep the accounts, receive all monies paid to the District, and make an annual report to the Cabinet at the meeting of the Cabinet immediately preceding the District Convention, and at such other times as said Cabinet may require.

He/she shall keep his accounts, books, and records available at all times for the inspection of the Cabinet, the District Governor, and any auditors named by the Cabinet.

Section 4. Region Chair

The duties of the Region Chair shall be as provided in Lions District 2-S4 Organization and Procedures. He/she shall be a member of the District Governor's Cabinet and shall attend the regular and special meeting and deliberations of the Cabinet.

Section 5. Zone Chair

The duties of the Zone Chair shall be as provided in Lions District 2-S4 Organization and Procedures. It shall be the deliberative and assisting body to the District Governor in the formulation of administrative plans and policies affecting the welfare of Lionism within the District.

Section 6 District Governor's Advisory Committee

The duties of the District Governor's Advisory Committee shall be as provided for in Lions District 2-S4 Organization and Procedures. They shall serve as an advisory body from its Zone to the District Governor and his/her Cabinet and represents all of the clubs in the Zones in this capacity.

Section 7. District Governor's Honorary Committee

The chief mission of this committee shall be to promote harmony throughout the District. In this connection, the members of this committee shall be known as "Ambassadors of good will."

Section 8. Director of Texas Lions Camp

The duties of the District Director of the Texas Lions Camp shall be as provided in the Lions District 2-S4 Organization and Procedures. He/she shall be a member of the District Governor's Cabinet and shall attend the regular and special meetings and deliberations of the Cabinet and the Texas Lions Camp.

Section 9. Trustee of the Lions Eye Bank of Texas

The duties of the Trustee of the Lions Eye Bank of Texas shall be as provided in the Lions District 2-S4 Organization and Procedures. He/she shall be a member of the District Governor's Cabinet and shall attend the regular and special meetings and deliberations of the Cabinet and the Lions Eye Bank of Texas.

Article II: Committees

Section 1. Special District Committees

From time to time each District Governor shall appoint such special District Committees as recommended by Lions International and as may be necessary in his judgment.

Section 2.

Each District Governor shall designate the Chair of each committee appointed by his/her Chair and shall have power to fill all vacancies in any committee so appointed.

Article III: Mid-Winter Conference

A Mid-Winter Conference of this District shall be held each year at a time and place as determined by the District Governor.

Article IV: District Convention

A convention of this District shall be held each year at a place as determined by the preceding convention and shall be conducted as provided in Lions District 2-S4 Organization and Procedures.

Article V: All District Functions

Only sales of District and State Pins, raffle tickets for the District International Convention Fund, and merchandise, and/or raffle tickets sold by the Host Club to defray cost of the meeting shall be permitted on the premises. Additional items may be sold only if approved by a majority of Cabinet at the Cabinet meeting prior to this meeting.

Article VI: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of this District shall be from July 1st through June 30th, inclusive, of each year.

Article VII: Expense Reimbursements

The expense reimbursements shall be determined as is provided in the Rules of Audit of Lions International or District 2-S4.

Article VIII: Rules of Order

Roberts Rules of Order shall govern all parliamentary procedure except as otherwise provided.

Article IX: Amendments

These by-laws may be amended or revised only in accordance with the procedure outlined in Article VI of the Constitution.

Rules of Audit

Governing Reimbursement of Expenses as Applicable

1. To Lions International Convention

2. Other Expenditures - First and Second Vice District Governors

The First and Second Vice District Governors may be reimbursed for expenses approved by the Cabinet in the District budget. Monthly reports, with proper receipts, will be submitted to the District Governor for reimbursement.

A. Authorized Recipients

"Recipients" as hereinafter referred to are as follow:

District Governor: The District Governor shall be entitled to 100% of the hereinafter Authorized Expenditures.
The Cabinet Secretary - Treasurer shall be entitled to 100% of the hereinafter Authorized Expenditures. If these positions are filled by two different persons, each shall be entitled to 50% of the hereinafter Authorized Expenditures.
District Governor - Elect: The District Governor - Elect shall be entitled to $500 for travel expense of Partner -in-Service if travel is outside of the United States and the need exists.

B. Authorized Expenditures

Transportation: Expense reimbursement will be the current mileage allowance given District Governors by Lions International, per mile, for round trip, shortest distance, from the recipient's home to the nearest departure airport and from the arrival airport to the "Texas Delegation Hotel" at the Convention City.
Also, commercial flight, round trip single coach advance purchase fare from the nearest departure airport to the recipient's home to the Convention City. If recipient chooses not to fly to the Convention City, the mileage that will be allowed shall be actual, shortest distance, round trip mileage, or the cash equivalent of commercial flight, round trip, single coach advanced purchase fare, whichever is smaller.
Hotel Room: One (1) room for each recipient for each authorized day. Reimbursement per day shall be made on the basis of the deposit per room as shown on Lions International Convention. Official hotel Reservation Form as applicable.
Meals: $25.00 per authorized day for each recipient as applicable.
Registration Fee: One Adult Registration for each recipient.
Texas Breakfast: One Ticket for each recipient.
Miscellaneous: $10 per authorized day for each recipient as applicable.
Days: Hotel room, meals, and miscellaneous expenses shall be authorized for a maximum of five (5) days during the Lions International Convention.

C. Reimbursements

Advanced Reimbursement: (1.B 1 & 4): Each recipient shall present his Registration Fee receipt and Air Flight Reservation, or other proof of intent to attend the Lions International Convention, to the Cabinet Secretary at the 4th Cabinet Meeting and upon approval of the Cabinet, shall receive the authorized transportation and registration fee allowance as applicable.
Balance of Authorized Expenses (1.B 2,3,5,6 & 7): Each recipient shall present his Hotel Room receipt from the Lions International Convention to the Cabinet Secretary at the 1st Cabinet Meeting following said Convention and upon approval by the Cabinet, shall receive the authorized reimbursement as applicable.
Vouchers: Appropriate vouchers will be executed and signed by each recipient prior to receiving the above authorized reimbursement.
Total Allowable Expense:
- a. The total amount of reimbursable expenses allowed shall not exceed the Lions District 2-S4 International Convention Fund Balance.
- b. In the event the balance in the Lions District 2-S4 International Convention Fund is insufficient to cover all reimbursable expenses, the preference expenses shall be of those authorized recipients in the following order: (1) District Governor, (2) Cabinet Secretary – Treasurer, if two different persons, (2) Cabinet Secretary, (3) Cabinet Treasurer.
- c. Only those authorized recipients shall receive reimbursement of authorized expenses as each incurs in attending the Lions International Convention.