2025 Proposed Resolutions, Bylaws and Standing Rules

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Proposed Convention Standing Rules:

ACB 2025 Standing Rules

Proposed Resolutions:

Resolution 2025-02 - Standardize Placement of Wall-Mounted Dispensers in Hotel Guest Rooms
Resolution 2025-03 - Commemorating Knights of the Blind Challenge to Lions by Helen Keller
Resolution 2025-05 - The Reinstatement of NLS Committees
Resolution 2025-09 - Expansion of Available Braille Titles
Resolution 2025-07 - Impact of Recent Executive Orders on the Blind and Low Vision Community
Resolution 2025-11 - Preservation of the National Eye Institute

Proposed Constitution and Bylaws:

Proposal 2025-01
Proposal 2025-02

Proposed Convention Standing Rules

ACB 2025 Standing Rules

Adopted by the ACB Board of Directors, May 19, 2025

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Preamble

The ACB Standing Rules are updated annually to ensure fairness and efficiency during debates and voting. Election materials, proposed Resolutions, and Amendments to the ACB Constitution and Bylaws are published in advance. Zoom sessions are scheduled for discussion and questions. Members are encouraged to attend or listen to these sessions to be informed and suggest amendments.

1. At the outset of debate on any issue before the convention, there shall be a period not to exceed ten (10) minutes devoted exclusively to questions and other points of clarification about the issue being debated. Speakers shall be limited to one minute, with no more than five speakers recognized, and a speaker shall be limited to asking about their point of clarification and shall not discuss the merits of the issue.
2. Debate on the merits of the issue shall begin at the conclusion of the ten-minute period for points of clarification. When the initial debate period begins, in the case of a resolution, the maker of that resolution shall be given an opportunity to address the assembly on the merits of the resolution.
3. Each debatable issue before the convention shall be limited to approximately twenty (20) minutes with a two-minute time limit per speaker, alternating between supporting speakers, including the maker of the resolution if they speak pursuant to subsection (b), and opposing speakers, unless a majority of the members agree to extend debate for an additional period of time. A member who does not seek recognition for purposes of debate at the beginning of a debate period shall not be eligible for debate during that debate period. The chair shall, during any debate period, immediately close debate when an equal number of speakers, have debated each side and no additional speakers have sought the floor.
4. Speakers shall not be recognized for purposes of seeking points of clarification during a debate period. Each member is respectfully urged to speak directly to the issue before the assembly and avoid unnecessary and time-consuming dialogue. No member will be recognized a second time to debate until all who wish to debate have been recognized.
5. Motions to close debate will not be recognized by the chair during the first debate period. After the first debate period, properly moved motions such as “I call for the question” or “I move the previous question” will be handled by the chair and voted on by the assembly.
6. At the beginning of the first 20-minute debate period, the chair shall define for the body what constitutes a point of order (or other parliamentary inquiry) and shall signify how a member can be recognized for the purpose of making a point of order (or other parliamentary inquiry). Any time in which a point of order is being considered shall not be deducted from the debate period.
7. With respect to any motion on the floor, other than a motion on the adoption of a constitutional or bylaw amendment, if no one seeks the floor to debate in opposition to the motion, the chair may ask whether there is any objection to declaring a unanimous vote in favor of the motion. If, using the appropriate method for a rising vote, no one objects to such a unanimous vote in favor of the motion, the chair shall declare the motion passed unanimously. If an objection is made to a unanimous vote, the chair shall proceed to a rising vote on the motion.
1. Except as provided in subsection (b), an amendment to a resolution or constitution or bylaw amendment may not be offered on the floor unless; 1. in the case of a resolution, the language for the proposed amendment has been provided to the chair of the Resolutions Committee prior to the opening of the session in which that resolution is scheduled to be debated, and 2. In the case of an amendment to a constitution or bylaw amendment, the language for the proposed amendment has been provided to the chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee prior to the opening of the session in which that constitution or bylaw amendment is scheduled to be debated.
2. Notwithstanding subsection (A), if, in the opinion of the convention chair, the amendment being proposed is non-substantive or clarifying in nature, the amendment may be proposed and adopted by unanimous consent.
3. Voting on an amendment to a proposed Resolution or Constitution or Bylaw Amendment shall occur by rising vote only. It shall not, therefore, be in order to seek a record vote on such an amendment.
The parliamentarian will act as timekeeper.
Recognition to speak will be given to those members who properly address the chair either using the “raise hand” feature of the Zoom internet meeting client program or while standing at a microphone in the convention hall and giving their names and affiliation.
Nominating and seconding speeches shall be limited to five minutes per candidate with the speaking time allocated according to the candidate's wishes. A person nominated for an office more than once shall be limited to one minute.
When no candidate for office receives a majority vote, the election shall be between the top two candidates. Affiliate votes will be reported in whole or half numbers. In all uncontested elections as verified after three calls for additional nominations, the chair may declare the candidate elected by acclamation. “Write in” candidacies are not permitted.
1. Once a rising vote has been taken on a resolution, the chair will announce the result. If the difference between the winning and losing side of a rising vote is less than 20%, a record vote can be requested if 25% or more of those voting on the losing side request it. Alternatively, the presiding officer may call for a record vote if they believe there is enough uncertainty in the margin.
2. After debate has ceased on a resolution and it is subsequently determined that a record vote is required, no further amendments may be proposed.

Resolution 2025-02

Standardize Placement of Wall-Mounted Dispensers in Hotel Guest Rooms

Submitted by: Ray Campbell

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Whereas, over the past several years, many hotels are providing personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion using wall mounted, reusable dispensers located in the shower and sink areas of hotel guest rooms; and

Whereas, there is no standard placement or order for how these dispensers are organized; and

Whereas, not having these dispensers placed in a standard order and location makes it difficult for hotel guests who are blind or low vision to know which dispenser is which; and

Whereas, this lack of consistency also makes it difficult for hotel staff to provide this information to guests who are blind or low vision;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of June, 2025 that this organization work with the American Hotel and Lodging Association and major hotel chains to develop a procedure for the standard placement of reusable dispensers in the shower and sink areas of hotel guest rooms; and

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be sent to the President of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and the heads of major hotel chains.

Resolution 2025-03

Commemorating Knights of the Blind Challenge to Lions by Helen Keller

Submitted by: American Council of Blind Lions

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Whereas, on June 30, 1925, at the Lions International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller issued a challenge to Lions to serve as "Knights of the Blind;" and

Whereas, since that time, Lions across the United States and around the world have worked to eradicate preventable blindness, provide glasses and eye exams, conduct vision screenings, provide specialized equipment, sponsor camps, and many other activities; and

Whereas, it has been one hundred years since Helen Keller issued this challenge to Lions;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of June, 2025 join together with the American Council of Blind Lions to commemorate 100 years of Lions accepting Helen Keller's challenge to serve as “Knights of the Blind;” and

Be it further resolved that together we urge Lions to continue their work on behalf of people who are blind or have low vision, working with organizations of and for the blind to not only prevent avoidable blindness but to follow Helen Keller's challenge "to make the lives of the blind more worthwhile everywhere by increasing their economic value and giving them the joy of normal activity;" and

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to Lions Clubs International.

Resolution 2025-05

The Reinstatement of NLS Committees

Submitted by Library Users of America

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Whereas the National Library Service (NLS) has a history of engaging with its users through surveys, at consumer conventions, and using internet meetings; and

Whereas, beginning around 2018, NLS reduced these interactions by discontinuing in-person committee meetings which focused on Collection Development and technical issues, and which included representatives from consumer organizations, librarians, and selected library patrons; and

Whereas, these formal committees facilitated the sharing of new initiatives and provided a platform for patrons and librarians from across the country to raise issues;

Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of June, 2025, that we join with Library Users of America (LUA) in strongly urging NLS to resume using this effective committee approach; and

Be it further resolved that while in-person meetings are preferred, virtual or hybrid meetings can be considered; and

Be it further resolved that NLS be requested to report back to ACB and LUA at the ACB Convention in 2026 on decisions made in response to this resolution.

Resolution 2025-09

Expansion of Available Braille Titles

Submitted by: Library Users of America

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Whereas, although the number of braille titles released annually has grown slightly, it is dramatically less than the number of audio titles released; and

Whereas, for a variety of reasons, it is far easier to produce and distribute braille titles than it has ever been; and

Whereas, these reasons include but are not limited to: availability of digital titles, use of free NLS e-readers and other braille devices, and reliable braille translation systems;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually this XX day of June, 2025 that we join with Library Users of America to request that the National Library Service expedite the expansion of available braille titles beyond the limited numbers now available; and

Be it further resolved that NLS be requested to report back to ACB and LUA at the ACB Convention in 2026 on decisions made in response to this resolution.

Resolution 2025-07

Impact of Recent Executive Orders on the Blind and Low Vision Community

Submitted by Matt Selm (DeAnn Elliott)

Listen / Download Resolution 2025-07 ON DEMAND

Whereas, over 12.5 million Americans aged 40 years and older are blind or have low vision; and

Whereas, due to baby boomers aging into vision loss, this number is expected to double by 2050, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Big Data Project from VisionServe Alliance; and

Whereas, the American Council of the Blind (ACB), a leading national blindness consumer advocacy organization, has advocated for the equality and civil rights of blind and low vision individuals throughout the country since 1961; and

Whereas, the lives of Americans who are blind or have low vision have been improved immeasurably over the past 50 years by Congressional enactment of strong, bipartisan legislation, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA); and

Whereas the current administration has signed executive orders (EO's) and proposed fiscal year 2026 budgetary changes that adversely impact blind and low vision individuals, including but not limited to:

EO 14242: Elimination of the Department of Education, which currently enforces Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and IDEA compliance in educational programs.
Staff reduction and relocation of the Rehabilitation Services Administration which provides training and employment services for individuals with disabilities including people who are blind or have low vision, empowering them to go to work and gain financial independence.
EO 14173: Dramatic realignment of the mission of the Civil Rights division of the Department of Justice, responsible for the enforcement of Section 504 and the ADA, contributing to the departure of 70% of its civil rights attorneys.
FY-2026 Budget Request: Funding cuts to state Protection and Advocacy agencies that protect vulnerable residents with disabilities.
EO 14238: Elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services which provides grants to NLS network libraries in 44 states and supports the provision of braille and audio books to students and adults with print disabilities who cannot read standard, hardcopy print.
Internal VA memo: Proposed layoffs of 70,000 staff members at the Department of Veteran's Affairs which will significantly impact services to blind and low vision veterans.
Proposed FY26 budget: Sharp reduction in grant funding to the National Institutes of Health, and the elimination of the National Eye Institute, slowing the research and development of new treatments for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind, in virtual convention assembled this xx day of June, 2025, that this organization is profoundly concerned about a pattern of action that, if implemented as proposed, will erode decades of progress for people who are blind or have low vision; and

Be it further resolved that ACB members are strongly encouraged to vigorously and vociferously advocate to Congress, the public, and other entities regarding the protection of the civil rights and programs outlined in this resolution in order to safeguard funding for vital programs, provide continuity of services, and promote enforcement of civil rights laws; and

Be it further resolved that the board and staff of this organization are strongly encouraged to continue to incorporate the issues discussed in this resolution into the ACB advocacy agenda; and

Be it further resolved that this organization calls on the Administration to release appropriated funds and calls upon Congress to fully exercise its oversight in order to support their constituents who are blind or have low vision.

Resolution 2025-11

Preservation of the National Eye Institute

Submitted by: DeAnn Elliott

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Whereas, in the 2026 budget the Administration is proposing to eliminate the National Eye Institute (NEI), with its functions proposed to be folded into a larger neuroscience institute; and

Whereas, previous NEI initiatives have led to treatments for macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, inherited retinal diseases, and many other eye conditions that impact millions of Americans; and

Whereas, over 12.5 million Americans aged 40 years and older are blind or have low vision; and

Whereas, according to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the NEI supports vision research through more than 2,000 research grants made to scientists at more than 150 medical centers and universities, and eliminating or reducing this vital research would have a devastating impact on the continued advancement of cutting-edge treatments;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind, assembled in virtual convention this xx day of June, 2025, that this organization will advocate to preserve the independence of and full funding for the National Eye Institute.

Proposals for 2025 Constitution and Bylaws

Proposal 2025-01

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Amend Bylaw 4, Section A to clarify the language pertaining to the notice of meeting requirements

Purpose: to reduce the required notice period for meetings and agendas from 15 days to 5 business days for both the ACB Board and the Membership.

Bylaw 4 Duties of the Officers:

Replace the 6th sentence of Section A, which currently reads:

Bylaw 4 Duties of the Officers:

A.
...

The president shall send each board member an agenda fifteen (15) days prior to any board meeting, except the post-conference and convention board meeting.

Proposed language for the sixth sentence reads:

Bylaw 4 Duties of the Officers:

A.
...

The president shall provide written notice of each board meeting to the Board of Directors and to all ACB Members not less than five (5) business days prior to each board meeting. This notice shall include the proposed agenda, information on how members can listen to the meeting, and a method for members to provide comments to the board on any agenda items prior to the meeting.

Bylaw 4A as amended reads:

The president, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall employ and supervise an executive director. The executive director shall be responsible for the selection, supervision, and dismissal of all employees of this organization (except the editor of The ACB Braille Forum) and shall also perform other duties and responsibilities prescribed in a written job description approved by the Board of Directors. The executive director, with the approval of the Board of Publications, shall employ an editor of The ACB Braille Forum. The editor of The ACB Braille Forum shall perform the duties and responsibilities prescribed in a written job description prepared and approved by the Board of Publications. Not less than sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the annual conference and convention, the president shall have the responsibility to appoint a qualified individual who is familiar with and has access to a current copy of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, to serve as Parliamentarian during that annual conference and convention. The president shall provide written notice of each board meeting to the Board of Directors and to all ACB Members not less than five (5) business days prior to each board meeting. This notice shall include the proposed agenda, information on how members can listen to the meeting, and a method for members to provide comments to the board on any agenda items prior to the meeting. The president may, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, appoint an Assistant Secretary and/or Assistant Treasurer. Such assistants may be paid for their services.

Proposal 2025-02

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Amend Article III, Section A: Membership, Voting, and Dues

Purpose: to eliminate the affiliate vote by reclassifying "affiliated organizations" as non-voting members of ACB for all purposes except the nominating committee as provided for in Constitution Article VI, Section D.

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

A. Membership:

Replace the second sentence, which currently reads:

Voting members shall be affiliated organizations, their voting members, life members and members at large of the American Council of the Blind.

Proposed language for the second sentence reads:

Voting members shall be certified members of affiliated organizations, life members, and members at large of the American Council of the Blind.

Replace the third sentence, which currently reads:

Non-voting members shall be the individuals and entities holding sustaining memberships and those persons holding junior memberships, whether at large or joining as junior members of an affiliated organization.

Proposed language for the third sentence reads:

Non-voting members shall be those individuals and entities holding sustaining memberships, those persons holding junior memberships, whether at large or joining as junior members of an affiliated organization, and affiliated organizations, except that such organizations are accorded full participatory rights in the nominating committee as provided for in Article VI, Section D.

Article 3A as amended reads:

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

A. Membership

The membership of this organization shall be of two (2) classes, voting and non-voting. Voting members shall be certified members of affiliated organizations, life members, and members at large of the American Council of the Blind. Non-voting members shall be those individuals and entities holding sustaining memberships, those persons holding junior memberships, whether at large or joining as junior members of an affiliated organization, and affiliated organizations, except that such organizations are accorded full participatory rights in the nominating committee as provided for in Article VI, Section D.

(End of balloted Proposed Constitutional Amendment.)

Required Conforming Amendments

If this amendment is approved, related sections in the Constitution and Bylaws about the affiliate vote will also be updated to ensure consistency and prevent any contradictions. Based on guidance from our parliamentarian, these updates won't require a separate vote but are provided below for members to review and consider.

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

C. Voting:

Delete the last sentence in Section 1, which reads:

In the case of record votes, official delegates from affiliates shall cast the number of votes to which their organizations are entitled as provided for in the Bylaws.

Replace the last sentence in Section 2, which reads:

A record vote shall be composed of two (2) distinct components: a secret ballot vote conducted in the manner prescribed in the bylaws, and a roll call of affiliates by which official affiliate delegates shall announce the votes of their respective organizations.

The proposed last sentence of Section 2 reads:

A record vote shall be composed of a secret ballot vote conducted in the manner prescribed in the bylaws.

Current language:

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

C. Voting:

1. Each certified member of this organization shall be entitled to one (1) vote at any annual or special meeting, provided that the person was a certified member as of the established record date of such meeting, which shall be thirty (30) days before such meeting, or in the case of the annual conference and convention, the opening session. In the case of record votes, official delegates from affiliates shall cast the number of votes to which their organizations are entitled as provided for in the Bylaws.

2. Voting on all issues at any meeting shall be conducted in one (1) of two (2) ways: rising vote or record vote. For rising votes, "in person" attendees shall stand or raise their hands to indicate their vote; virtual attendees shall cast votes by any protocol provided for by the adopted remote meeting platform or client program. A record vote shall be composed of two (2) distinct components: a secret ballot vote conducted in the manner prescribed in the bylaws, and a roll call of affiliates by which official affiliate delegates shall announce the votes of their respective organizations.

The amended language reads:

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

C. Voting:

Each certified member of this organization shall be entitled to one (1) vote at any annual or special meeting, provided that the person was a certified member as of the established record date of such meeting, which shall be thirty (30) days before such meeting, or in the case of the annual conference and convention, the opening session.
Voting on all issues at any meeting shall be conducted in one (1) of two (2) ways: rising vote or record vote. For rising votes, "in person" attendees shall stand or raise their hands to indicate their vote; virtual attendees shall cast votes by any protocol provided for by the adopted remote meeting platform or client program. A record vote shall be composed of a secret ballot vote conducted in the manner prescribed in the bylaws.

Article VII Affiliate Relations:

D. 2.: Delete subsection a. and renumber remaining sections.

The section to be deleted reads:

"reducing the number of delegate votes to which the affiliate would otherwise be entitled at a national conference and convention;

Replace the second sentence in Section D. 3., which reads:

The board's determination shall be considered ratified if supported by an affirmative two-thirds (2/3) record vote of those present and voting on the appeal, with the sanctioned affiliate having the right to cast the number of votes it would have been entitled to cast in the absence of a sanction."

The proposed second sentence in D. 3. reads:

The board's determination shall be considered ratified if supported by an affirmative two-thirds (2/3) record vote of those present and voting on the appeal.

Current Language

Article VII Affiliate Relations:

D.
...

2. Should the ACB Board determine that efforts to address the affiliate conduct have failed or that there is no longer any reasonable expectation that the continuation of such efforts will be successful, the board may, by a three-fourths (3/4) record vote, impose any sanctions that it deems appropriate including, but not limited to:

a. reducing the number of delegate votes to which the affiliate would otherwise be entitled at a national conference and convention;

b. refusing to seat an affiliate at a national conference and convention; or

c. suspending or revoking an affiliate's charter.

3. Any sanction determined by the board under section D2 of this article shall be considered final unless, within thirty (30) days of such determination, the sanctioned affiliate declares in writing its intention to appeal such determination to the conference and convention, which appeal shall then be scheduled as the first order of business following acceptance of the final report of the Credentials Committee and shall be conducted in the manner applicable to disciplinary proceedings as set forth in the parliamentary authority adopted by this organization. The board's determination shall be considered ratified if supported by an affirmative two-thirds (2/3) record vote of those present and voting on the appeal, with the sanctioned affiliate having the right to cast the number of votes it would have been entitled to cast in the absence of a sanction.

The amended language reads:

Article VII Affiliate Relations:

D.
...

a. refusing to seat an affiliate at a national conference and convention; or

b. suspending or revoking an affiliate's charter.

Article IX Meetings:

Replace the second sentence which reads:

A majority of affiliate votes certified and seated at the conference and convention shall constitute a quorum to do business.

The proposed second sentence reads:

A majority of the number of affiliates certified and seated at the conference and convention shall constitute a quorum to do business.

Current language:

Article IX Meetings:

A regular meeting of this organization shall be held once a year, to be known as the annual conference and convention. A majority of affiliate votes certified and seated at the conference and convention shall constitute a quorum to do business. Any membership meeting, or portions thereof, may be conducted, either exclusively or as a contemporaneous hybrid component, by means of the Internet or other electronic communications technology in a fashion pursuant to which the members have the opportunity to read or hear the proceedings substantially concurrently with their occurrence, vote on matters submitted to the members, pose questions, and make comments.

The amended language reads:

Article IX Meetings:

A regular meeting of this organization shall be held once a year, to be known as the annual conference and convention. A majority of the number of affiliates certified and seated at the conference and convention shall constitute a quorum to do business. Any membership meeting, or portions thereof, may be conducted, either exclusively or as a contemporaneous hybrid component, by means of the Internet or other electronic communications technology in a fashion pursuant to which the members have the opportunity to read or hear the proceedings substantially concurrently with their occurrence, vote on matters submitted to the members, pose questions, and make comments.

Bylaw 2, Voting:

Delete the opening paragraph which reads:

Each affiliate represented at the conference and convention shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each twenty-five (25) of its voting members or a major fraction thereof, provided that an affiliate may cast not more than twenty-five (25) votes.

Delete the second sentence of Section C, which reads:

The number of affiliate votes which an affiliate is entitled to cast at a conference and convention shall be computed based on the number of members certified by that affiliate.

Replace the last sentence of Section C, which reads:

If an affiliate fails to comply with this section, the first year of non-compliance may result in diminished voting privileges and the second consecutive year of non-compliance may result in the revocation of the affiliate's charter by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Board of Directors.

The proposed language for the last sentence of Section C. reads:

If an affiliate fails to comply with this section, the second consecutive year of non-compliance may result in the revocation of the affiliate's charter by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Board of Directors.

Current Language:

Bylaw 2, Voting:

A. By December 15 of each year, the national office shall forward to each member-at-large written notice of the due date and amount for annual membership dues.

B. By December 15 of each year, the national office shall forward to each affiliate notice of the start of the annual membership certification process. Each affiliate shall make additions, deletions and changes in its membership data and certify its annual membership count in accordance with such procedure as shall be established by the ACB Board of Directors, which procedure shall be published to the membership. Affiliate dues shall likewise be remitted in accordance with the established certification procedure. An affiliate may certify members at any time except:

1. During such time as the affiliate's membership count is being processed by ACB staff for the purpose of computing the correct amount of affiliate dues; and

2. No new members may be certified after the established record date for the annual conference and convention until the conclusion of that convention.

C. Compliance with the certification process has occurred if supported by evidence satisfactory to the Credentials Committee. The number of affiliate votes which an affiliate is entitled to cast at a conference and convention shall be computed based on the number of members certified by that affiliate. If an affiliate makes no changes in its membership data for three (3) consecutive years, the Board of Directors shall require a complete recertification of the affiliate's voting members. If an affiliate fails to comply with this section, the first year of non-compliance may result in diminished voting privileges and the second consecutive year of non-compliance may result in the revocation of the affiliate's charter by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Board of Directors.

D. The individual "secret ballot" component of all record votes shall be conducted using an electronic system which provides the ability to independently mark, verify and cast a secret ballot. Such voting system shall be independently accessible to all members without regard to the technology used by each member, including assistive technology.

The amended language reads:

Bylaw 2, Voting:

A. By December 15 of each year, the national office shall forward to each member-at-large written notice of the due date and amount for annual membership dues.

1. During such time as the affiliate's membership count is being processed by ACB staff for the purpose of computing the correct amount of affiliate dues; and

2. No new members may be certified after the established record date for the annual conference and convention until the conclusion of that convention.

C. Compliance with the certification process has occurred if supported by evidence satisfactory to the Credentials Committee. If an affiliate makes no changes in its membership data for three (3) consecutive years, the Board of Directors shall require a complete recertification of the affiliate's voting members. If an affiliate fails to comply with this section, the second consecutive year of non-compliance may result in the revocation of the affiliate's charter by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Board of Directors.

Bylaw 6 Committees:

C. Credentials Committee:

Replace section C. 1., which reads:

The Credentials Committee shall determine the eligibility of each member and affiliate of ACB to be seated at the annual conference and convention, and shall determine the number of votes each seated affiliate may cast, as set forth in Bylaw 2.

Proposed language for Section C. 1. reads:

The Credentials Committee shall determine the eligibility of each member and affiliate of ACB to be seated at the annual conference and convention.

Replace Section C. 3., which reads:

3. The committee shall report to the conference and convention the number of votes to which each affiliate shall be entitled as well as any other matters relating to credentials. Any affiliate contesting a decision of the Credentials Committee shall have the right to appeal that decision, from the floor, upon completion of the credentials report as detailed in a and b below.

a. Any decision or ruling by the committee affecting the right of a member or of an affiliate to be admitted to an annual conference and convention or meeting of the membership shall be binding only for the duration of that conference and convention or meeting. A decision or ruling by the committee shall be final unless reversed or modified by a majority of the members present and voting.

b. All decisions or rulings adverse to a member or to an affiliate shall be in writing and shall be included in the committee's report.

c. A member or affiliate shall have the right to appeal an adverse decision or ruling to the conference and convention. The appellant member or appellant affiliate shall be admitted to the conference and convention floor for the purpose of arguing the appeal but shall not have the right to vote thereon. The appellant and appellee shall be entitled to no more than ten (10) minutes each to present arguments and testimony.

The proposed language for Section C. 3. reads:

3. The committee shall report to the conference and convention any matters relating to credentials. Any affiliate contesting a decision of the Credentials Committee shall have the right to appeal that decision, from the floor, upon completion of the credentials report as detailed in a and b below.

b. All decisions or rulings adverse to a member or to an affiliate shall be in writing and shall be included in the committee's report.

Current language:

Bylaw 6 Committees:

C. Credentials Committee: There shall be a committee on credentials. The committee shall consist of at least seven (7) members: the secretary, a member of the Board of Directors (not an officer), a member of the committee on constitution and bylaws and at least four (4) members appointed by the president for terms of two (2) years. One (1) of the presidential appointees shall be designated chairperson and the said appointee shall not hold elective office while serving on this committee.

1. The Credentials Committee shall determine the eligibility of each member and affiliate of ACB to be seated at the annual conference and convention, and shall determine the number of votes each seated affiliate may cast, as set forth in Bylaw 2.

2. The committee shall review the credentials information submitted by the national office. It shall notify any affiliate whose credentials are in question and shall meet in a closed meeting to hear any appeals from affiliates contesting a decision of the committee.

b. All decisions or rulings adverse to a member or to an affiliate shall be in writing and shall be included in the committee's report.

The amended language reads:

Bylaw 6 Committees:

1. The Credentials Committee shall determine the eligibility of each member and affiliate of ACB to be seated at the annual conference and convention.

3. The committee shall report to the conference and convention any matters relating to credentials. Any affiliate contesting a decision of the Credentials Committee shall have the right to appeal that decision from the floor, upon completion of the credentials report as detailed in a and b below.

b. All decisions or rulings adverse to a member or to an affiliate shall be in writing and shall be included in the committee's report.

2025 Proposed Resolutions, Bylaws and Standing Rules

Table of Contents

Proposed Convention Standing Rules

Standardize Placement of Wall-Mounted Dispensers in Hotel Guest Rooms

Commemorating Knights of the Blind Challenge to Lions by Helen Keller

The Reinstatement of NLS Committees

Expansion of Available Braille Titles

Impact of Recent Executive Orders on the Blind and Low Vision Community

Preservation of the National Eye Institute

Proposals for 2025 Constitution and Bylaws

Amend Bylaw 4, Section A to clarify the language pertaining to the notice of meeting requirements

Bylaw 4 Duties of the Officers:

Amend Article III, Section A: Membership, Voting, and Dues

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

Required Conforming Amendments

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

Current language:

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

Article III Membership, Voting and Dues:

Article VII Affiliate Relations:

D. 2.: Delete subsection a. and renumber remaining sections.

Current Language

Article VII Affiliate Relations:

The amended language reads:

Article VII Affiliate Relations:

Article IX Meetings:

Replace the second sentence which reads:

Current language:

Article IX Meetings:

The amended language reads:

Article IX Meetings:

Bylaw 2, Voting:

Delete the opening paragraph which reads:

Delete the second sentence of Section C, which reads:

Replace the last sentence of Section C, which reads:

The proposed language for the last sentence of Section C. reads:

Current Language:

Bylaw 2, Voting:

The amended language reads:

Bylaw 2, Voting:

Bylaw 6 Committees:

C. Credentials Committee:

Replace section C. 1., which reads:

Proposed language for Section C. 1. reads:

Replace Section C. 3., which reads:

The proposed language for Section C. 3. reads:

Current language:

Bylaw 6 Committees:

The amended language reads:

Bylaw 6 Committees: