SANTA CLARA COUNTY CHAPTER, California Grand Jurors’ Association
- The name of the organization shall be Santa Clara County Chapter (the “Chapter”) of the California Grand Jurors’ Association (“CGJA”). The Chapter is joined with the CGJA in promoting the purposes stated in the CGJA Articles of Incorporation and shall advance the goals and objectives of CGJA, particularly within Santa Clara County.
B. The Chapter is a subordinate of CGJA and is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
C. The Chapter, as part of CGJA, a 501(c)(3) organization, shall not sponsor or propose legislation without the approval of the CGJA Board of Directors and shall be bound by the advocacy positions of CGJA.
D. The property of the Chapter is irrevocably dedicated to charitable or educational purposes and no part of the net earnings of the Chapter shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, officers or other persons, except that the Chapter shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause hereof.
E. The Chapter’s policies and rules shall not include any provision that threatens the tax-exempt position of the Chapter or CGJA, nor omit any provision required to maintain the tax-exempt status.
F. Upon the dissolution of the Chapter, its assets shall be distributed to CGJA for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future tax code.
ARTICLE I. OFFICE
The principal office of the Chapter for the transaction of business is located with the President of the Chapter or at such other place in the Chapter’s county as may be designated by the members.
ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE
The Chapter accepts the following purposes of CGJA as part of its own purposes.
• To provide the public with information and educational materials and activities on the California Civil Grand Jury system that will help increase public awareness of the valuable role the grand jury plays in our democratic system of government;
• To promote training and orientation of all new grand jurors throughout the state;
• To promote adequate funding, office and meeting facilities, and other support as typically required by grand juries to fulfill their lawful duties;
• To promote the preservation of all grand jury reports both in counties of origin and in a centralized state archival repository accessible to all;
• To advocate publication of all grand jury reports and official responses to those reports in a public newspaper or other medium for community-wide distribution to educate the public about grand jury investigative findings and recommendations and the official reactions to them;
• To advocate that social studies and history classes and texts in California secondary schools contain comprehensive information regarding the role of the grand jury in California;
• To publish a statewide informational newsletter to provide current comprehensive information on activities regarding the grand jury;
• To sponsor an annual statewide conference of grand jurors and others interested in matters pertaining to the preservation and enhancement of the California Grand Jury institution;
• To work toward the preservation and enhancement of the grand jury system by studying issues or legislation that specifically pertains to the grand jury and to make recommendations based on nonpartisan analysis to the appropriate body or legislature;
• To undertake any other efforts consistent with the foregoing that will increase the public knowledge of the grand jury system and the contributions it has made and continues to make to California’s citizenry and toward good government.
ARTICLE 3. GOVERNING RULES AND POLICIES
The Chapter is organized within the structure of its own bylaws and policies, which shall not conflict with CGJA’s bylaws and policies.
The Chapter’s members in good standing (as defined below) shall elect the Chapter president, secretary and treasurer, who together will form the Chapter’s Board of Directors.
One of these officers shall be designated as the contact person with CGJA and responsible to report any changes of the Chapter’s bylaws or rules to the CGJA President. The Chapter shall notify the Chair of CGJA’s Membership Relations Committee whenever any officer or the designated contact person changes.
The Chapter shall provide a list of all paid employees of the Chapter to the CGJA President and advise the President of any changes to that list.
ARTICLE 4. MEMBERS
Section 1: MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall consist of voting members and such other non-voting class(es) of members as the Chapter shall determine.
All voting members of the Chapter must be members in good standing with the Chapter.
The Chapter shall at all times maintain a minimum of five members who are also members in good standing of CGJA in order to maintain its status as a CGJA chapter with tax-exempt status. The Chapter shall immediately notify CGJA if at any time it has fewer than five Chapter members who are also members in good standing of CGJA.
Section 2: QUALIFICATION
A voting member is an individual who is serving or has served on a regular Grand Jury per the California Penal Code, Sections 888 and 901, or who has served as a district attorney, county counsel, or judge as a legal advisor to a grand jury per California Penal Code Section 934(a) and has joined the Chapter and maintained his or her membership. A voting member must be in good standing in the Chapter having complied with the Chapter’s requirements for membership, including the payment of any dues and attending at least two meetings in the past year.
Section 3: MEMBERSHIP DUES AND MEMBERSHIP LIST
The annual membership dues and other fees of this organization shall be established by the Chapter. A member is in good standing only when dues are current. Annual dues shall be for the period July 1 through June 30. Those members whose dues are not paid within 90 days of July 1, shall be notified that dues are in arrears. If dues are not paid within 30 days of such notification, the member shall be dropped from the membership unless the Chapter extends the time for payment.
The Chapter shall maintain and provide a list of the names of its voting members with address, phone number, and email information to the CGJA Membership Relations Committee each year during the month of July.
The Chapter shall not allow its membership list containing the names and addresses of each voting Chapter member to be used, in whole or in part, by any person for any purpose not reasonably related to a member’s interest as a member.
Section 4: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF VOTING MEMBERS
The Chapter voting members shall have all other of the rights conferred upon members in accordance with the California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporations Law.
Section 5: MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
a. Regular membership meetings
Regular meetings of the membership shall be held at such time and place as may be designated by the Chapter but typically will take place once a month.
b. Annual membership meeting
The annual membership meeting shall be held within 90 days of June 1 for the purpose of electing directors and transacting such other business as may be provided in the meeting notice.
Notice of the annual membership meeting shall be provided electronically not less than 10 days before the meeting.
A quorum for the transaction of business at the annual membership meeting shall consist of 15% of the voting members (members in good standing).
ARTICLE 5. OFFICERS
Section 1: NUMBER
The Chapter shall have no fewer than four (4) officers – president, co-president or vice president, secretary and treasurer – and they collectively shall serve as the Chapter’s Board of Directors. An Officer/Director must be a member of the Chapter in good standing.
Section 2: POWERS
Subject to the provisions of CGJA’s Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws, the activities and affairs of the Chapter shall be conducted by the Board.
Section 3: DUTIES
It shall be the duty of the Directors to take actions needed to establish a program of activity for the Chapter. The Directors as a body will establish meeting times for the Chapter. The Directors will maintain ties with the Membership Relations Committee of CGJA. It shall be the responsibility of the Directors to perform any and all duties required of them by law and by these Bylaws.
Section 4: ELECTION OF OFFICERS/DIRECTORS
Officers are elected at the Chapter annual membership meeting. And member in good standing may nominate any other member in good standing, with the agreement of the nominee.
Section 5: TERM OF OFFICE
Each Officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualifies. The term of office will be two (2) years, ending at the close of the annual membership meeting, or until a successor is elected. An Officer/Director may serve no more than three (3) consecutive two-year terms. Such a person will be eligible to serve again as an Officer/Director after a period of one year.
Section 6: PLACE OF BOARD MEETINGS
Board meetings shall be held at a designated place by resolution of the Board. Meetings may be held by conference call or videoconference if the Board elects to do so.
Section 7: REGULAR BOARD/CHAPTER MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the Chapter/Board shall be held no less than two (2) times per year. Times and places of the meetings shall be set by the Board.
Section 8: SPECIAL BOARD/CHAPTER MEETINGS
Special meetings of the Chapter/Board may be called by any of the officers. The purpose of a special meeting is to address important business matters that require action before the next regular meeting.
Section 9: NOTICE OF BOARD MEETINGS
Chapter members will be electronically notified of all regular and special meetings no fewer than seven (7) days before the meeting.
Section 10: QUORUM FOR BOARD MEETINGS
A majority of the Chapter officers shall constitute a quorum.
Section 11: CONDUCT OF BOARD MEETINGS
Meetings of the Board shall be presided over by the Chapter President or, in his or her absence, by the Chapter Vice President or by a chairperson pro tem chosen by a majority of the members present at the meeting. The Secretary of the Chapter shall act as secretary of the meetings.
ARTICLE 6. OFFICERS
Section 1: QUALIFICATIONS, ELECTION, AND TERM OF OFFICE
Any elected member in good standing may serve as an officer of the Chapter. Officers shall be elected by the Chapter’s members in good standing. Officers serve a term of two (2) years or until his or her successor is elected. The Chapter shall notify the chair of the CGJA Membership Relations Committee whenever new officers are elected or appointed.
Section 2: RESIGNATION
Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President or Secretary of the Chapter. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later date specified therein and unless otherwise specified, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 3: VACANCIES
Any midterm vacancy on the Board caused by death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise shall be filled by the Board. In the event of a midterm vacancy in any office other than that of President, such officer vacancy shall be filled by the President with concurrence by the Board.
Section 4: COMPENSATION
Officers shall serve without compensation. Officers may be allowed and paid their actual and necessary expenses incurred in fulfilling their duties.
Section 5: DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT
The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter. He or she shall supervise and manage the affairs of the Chapter and the activities of the officers and act as liaison to CGJA. The President shall perform all duties incident to the office as may be required by the Chapter. He or she shall preside at all meetings and execute such contracts, checks or other instruments which may be authorized by the Board. He or she shall appoint the standing committee chairpersons with approval of the Board. He or she will accept on behalf of the Chapter any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for charitable or public purposes of the Chapter.
Section 6: DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter in the absence of the President. In such an absence, he or she shall supervise and manage the affairs of the Chapter and the activities of the officers and act as liaison to CGJA, and perform all duties incident to the office of President as may be required by the Chapter.
Section 7: DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY
In general, the Secretary shall perform all duties incident to the office and such other duties as may be required by law, the Chapter bylaws, and duties assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board. The Secretary shall certify and keep a copy of these bylaws and a copy of the bylaws of CGJA. He or she shall keep a book of the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the membership of the Chapter and will make sure all appropriate notices are given. The Secretary shall be the custodian of the records of the Chapter.
Section 8: DUTIES OF THE TREASURER
The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of all funds. He or she shall receive, deposit and disburse all funds in the name of the Chapter. All checks for payment of bills shall be signed by the Treasurer or one of two designated alternate officers. All bills over $100 shall be approved by the Board before payment.
The Treasurer shall keep and maintain records of the business transactions and provide an account of financial transactions and reports of the financial condition of the Chapter. He or she shall prepare or cause to be prepared financial statements to be included in required reports and shall prepare and provide necessary materials for an informal audit. The Treasurer, in addition to the President, may accept on behalf of the Chapter any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for charitable or public purposes.
Section 9: DUTIES OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
The General Counsel shall advise the Chapter on any and all legal matters pertaining to the Chapter, the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury and the California civil grand jury system, as the Board and Association finds necessary and appropriate.
ARTICLE 7. COMMITTEES
Section 1: STANDING AND OTHER COMMITTEES
The Board may appoint or disband standing committees or other committees as it may find necessary and appropriate. The Chairperson and members of the committees shall be members of the Chapter in good standing.
Section 2: ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR COMMITTEES
The Board shall establish guidelines for each committee indicating the responsibility for appointment of members and chairperson; responsibility for direction of the work; budget and financial responsibilities and constraints; tenure of chairperson and members and such other matters as needed for the orderly administration of each committee.
ARTICLE 8. CHAPTER RECORDS
Section 1: MAINTENANCE OF CHAPTER RECORDS
The Chapter shall maintain copies of the minutes of the Board meetings, minutes of the meetings of the Chapter membership, and adequate books and records of business transactions and account of assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses.
The Chapter shall file its appropriate tax returns annually with the IRS and the State of California by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of its fiscal year and notify the chair of CGJA’s Membership Relations Committee of that filing.
The Chapter shall maintain a current copy of CGJA’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Section 2: ANNUAL REPORT
The Board shall cause an annual report to be furnished no later than 15 days after the close of the Chapter’s fiscal year. This report will include a financial statement, comments about the Chapter program over the past year, and the reports of chairpersons of any Committees operating within the Chapter.
Section 3: INSPECTION RIGHTS AND RIGHT TO COPY
Every Director and every member has a right to inspect and copy Chapter records and documents maintained in the standard course of the business of the organization, at his or her own expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a member’s inspection rights and right of access to the Chapter’s membership list shall be in accordance with the provisions of the California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporations Law, including that such inspection and access rights must be for a purpose reasonably related to the member’s interest as a member.
ARTICLE 9. FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Chapter shall commence on July 1 and end on June 30 of the following calendar year.
ARTICLE 10. BYLAWS AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended at a regular meeting of the Chapter by a vote of two-thirds of the members in good standing in attendance. Notice of the proposed bylaws amendments must be provided to each Board member at least 30 days prior to such meeting.
A copy of any approved amendment to these bylaws or Chapter rules shall be sent to the CGJA President.
ARTICLE 11. CHAPTER CONFORMANCE OBLIGATIONS
The Chapter shall advise the CGJA board of directors if at any time it finds itself unwilling or unable to conform to these requirements. Such advice shall include the Chapter’s recommendation as to actions needed to return the Chapter to conformance with CGJA’s requirements. The CGJA board of directors will decide whether the Chapter proposals are adequate and if not, what action will be required, up to and including revocation of the Chapter’s charter.
ARTICLE 12. CHAPTER DISSOLUTION
In the event the Chapter dissolves, all assets shall be distributed to CGJA for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future tax code.
No corporate profits or assets are to be shared by Members or Directors of the Chapter.
BYLAWS ADOPTION AND/OR AMENDMENTS
This is to certify that this is a true and correct copy of the Santa Clara County Chapter bylaws and that these Bylaws were duly adopted by the Board of the Santa Clara County Chapter.
Signed: _Peter Hertan_ Date: __January 2018_________
Chapter President
California Grand Jurors' Association 