Board sends bylaw language on political activity back to governance committee

At a Board of Governors meeting, members debated a proposed bylaw amendment that would limit political activity restrictions for governors and officers. Chair Governor Kevin Faye said two governance items were before the board, including a bylaw change addressing political activity. "We had, actually 2 proposals in front of us," he said, introducing the items.

Governor Aronson raised the central objection, saying the phrase "otherwise in the public domain" is so broad that it could prevent governors from speaking "in our capacities as governors" without implying they speak for the WSBA. "Things in the public domain could be construed very broadly," Aronson said, urging narrower wording that focuses on supporting or opposing candidates, ballot measures, or matters pending before the legislature.

Members conducted a straw poll. Governor Anne and others indicated support for striking the broad phrase while keeping references to candidates, measures submitted to voters, and legislative matters. EG Nevy and other participants recommended not drafting final language at the table and advised sending the draft back to the governance committee for revision. One member suggested adding language to cover items "pending before a legislative or rulemaking body," to ensure court rule proposals are included.

Rather than adopt language immediately, the board agreed to return the draft to the governance committee for revision consistent with the straw poll and to bring a revised version back for a second/final read in March. Chair Kevin Faye noted there was no urgency to adopt the bylaw amendment that day.

The board did not take a formal recorded vote on the bylaw amendment; the action is to send the draft back to committee for clarification and redrafting.