Knights of Columbus
WV STATE COUNCIL
Revised By‑Laws
Section 1
This body shall be known as the West Virginia State Council of the Knights of Columbus. Its jurisdiction shall be co‑extensive with the boundaries of the State of West Virginia. The powers of the State Council are set forth in the Charter, Constitution and laws of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council. These by‑laws shall in no way conflict with the Constitution, Laws, Rules, and Regulations of the Supreme Council or the Board of Directors.
Section 2
a) The West Virginia State Council shall consist of the following who have voice and vote:
1. The Supreme Knight, ex‑officio.
2. The State Officers who shall be the State Deputy, State Secretary, State Treasurer, State Advocate, State Warden, and State Chaplain.
3. The Immediate Past State Deputy, provided, however, that when the Last Living Past State Deputy is actually residing in another state or jurisdiction, he shall thereby forever forfeit such right, and his nearest predecessor actually residing in West Virginia shall be entitled thereto.
4. The Grand Knight of each subordinate council in good standing.
5. A delegate from each subordinate council in good standing who shall be elected from the Past Grand Knights of the council. A council having no Past Grand Knight eligible and willing to serve may elect any one of its third degree members in good standing.
6. Alternates, who serve in the absence of the Grand Knight or delegate, who shall be elected from the third degree membership of the council, but need not be Past Grand Knights.
7. Section 12(e) of the Supreme Council Constitution provides for a council represented by one delegate to be entitled to two votes. The provisions of this section shall be met for the one delegate two votes rule to apply.
b) The West Virginia State Council shall also consist of the following who shall have voice (includes making motions) but do not vote:
1. All Past State Deputies.
2. All District Deputies.
i. Chairmen (not more than twelve) of standing committees of the State Council may be members of the State Council by expressed provision in its by‑laws, but with the right to speak only on questions pertaining to the functions of their particular committees and without the right to vote. Thus, standing committee chairmen who are granted limited State Council membership under its by‑laws and who are not otherwise members of the State Council have the right to present committee reports and to speak on any question pertaining to their committee function. They do not have the right solely as such chairmen to make motions or nominations or to vote on any question.
Section 3
The West Virginia State Council shall be convened annually in May, each year and every year, at a place designated by the previous State Council. The Convention shall convene on the Saturday following Mother's Day. It shall be the duty of the State Secretary to forward to each council in the State written notice of the time and place of the meetings at least thirty days prior to said meeting.
Section 4
The State Council, in convention assembled, shall discuss policies and programs, and endeavor to promote the general welfare of the Order, shall transact such business and enact such rules and regulations as may be consistent with the Charter, Constitution, and Laws of the Knights of Columbus.
Section 5
The State Secretary shall prepare and furnish five credential forms to the Financial Secretary of each council, at least six weeks prior to the meeting of the State Council.
Section 6
The Grand Knights of each subordinate council shall instruct the Financial Secretary to prepare and certify credentials of the Grand Knight, the delegate and alternates on the forms so furnished, and send one copy to the State Secretary at least two weeks prior to the date of the annual meeting and shall deliver one copy to each Grand Knight, delegate, and alternate, who shall present same at said meeting.
Section 7
Temporary Roll‑Call of Delegates, The State Secretary shall prepare a roll of names of all Grand Knights, delegates, and alternates on the credentials presented to him prior to the calling to order of the meeting of said State Council and said roll shall be the roll of the State Council until the Committee on Credentials has submitted its report and the permanent roll determined by the action of the meeting on said report.
Section 8
Contest of delegates. In the case of a contest for a seat in convention, one member of each side may appear and make argument before the Committee on Credentials, each being allowed time not to exceed five minutes, except by special consent of the Committee. Said Committee's decision shall be the recommendation to the convention for the seat in the convention.
Section 9
Council in Arrears. Councils not having paid indebtedness owing to the Supreme Council or the State Council within the time required by law shall not be entitled to representation in the State Council.
Section 10
All Councils instituted prior to January 1 or July 1, shall not be liable for assessments levied by the State Council for the next succeeding half‑year following such institution.
Section 11
The State Deputy shall appoint Standing Committees, and the State Deputy shall appoint Special Committees when deemed necessary by him, or when directed by the action of the State Council. All Standing and Special Committees shall make reports to the State Deputy when directed by him, the reports shall be in writing and signed by the Committee Chairman. The Standing Committees of the West Virginia State Council shall be as follows:
a) Membership and Retention
b) Family Life
c) Church Activities
d) Community Activities
e) Council Activities
f) Youth Activities
g) New Council Development
h) Ceremonials
i) Pro‑Life Activities
j) Athletic Events
k) Publicity
l) Website
The Special Committees of the West Virginia State Council shall be as follows (the Directors of these committees shall submit reports in writing):
a) Scholarship
b) Mentally Handicapped Program
c) Vocations
d) Roundtables
e) Catholic Schools Dinner
f) Keep Christ in Christmas
g) Football Sweepstakes
h) Bishop Burse Drawing
Section 12
The following committees shall be appointed for operation during the State Convention only:
a) Appreciation
b) Audit and Budget
c) Credentials
d) Resolutions
e) Good of the Order
f) Warden's
g) Tellers and Judges
h) Mileage and Per Diem
Section 13
All meetings of the State Council shall be conducted in the Third Section, and a majority of the members of the State Council will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The State Warden, and his assistants as appointed by the State Deputy, shall ascertain if each third degree member has a signed paid‑up membership card as he enters the chamber of each session of the State Convention.
Section 14
The State Deputy shall preside at all sessions of the State Council, performing the usual duties of Chairman. He shall be ex‑officio, a member of all State Council Committees.
Section 15
All resolutions, petitions, recommendations of changes, and amendments of the By‑Laws shall be submitted, in writing, to the State Secretary at least thirty days prior to the annual State Council meeting. These shall then be processed by the State Secretary and State Advocate and then referred to the Committee on Resolutions. Resolutions and petitions, which do not pertain to changes of the By‑Laws should be presented in the same manner but in any case must be presented to the Committee on Resolutions prior to its report to the State Council. Resolutions and petitions, which as a matter of course are presented annually as part of the State Council proceedings shall be considered to have met these procedures.
Section 16
Speaking Limitations. When a member is about to speak, he shall rise and address the Chair. The presiding officer shall request the name of the member and the council he represents, who, when recognized, shall confine himself to the subject under consideration. No member shall speak more than once upon any question until all others who desire to speak have spoken. The State Deputy may set a time limit for each speaker.
Section 17
The roll shall not be called upon a demand for yeas and nays, unless requested by majority by vote of the members present.
Section 18
Except as otherwise provided herein and in the absence of a standing rule of the State Council or Supreme Council, Robert’s Revised Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of the State Council sessions.
Section 19
The State Council shall have authority to levy, collect and enforce such assessments upon the subordinate council or membership in the State as it might deem necessary for the defraying of its legitimate expenses.
Section 20
The order of business of the State Convention shall be as follows:
a) First Session
1. Call to Order and Opening Ceremonies
2. Report of the State Warden
3. Opening Prayer
4. Singing of the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
5. Singing of the Opening Ode
6. Report of the Credentials Committee Chairman
7. Roll Call by State Secretary
8. Keynote Speech
9. Announcements of meetings and various convention committees
10. Reading of late communications
11. Report of the State Deputy
12. Call for acceptance of published reports of other State Officers, District Deputies, and Committee
13. Chairmen, and Grand Knights
14. Announcements
15. Adjournment and Prayer
b) Second Session
1. Call to Order
2. Report of State Warden
3. Opening Prayer
4. Pledge to Flag
5. Address
6. Report of Resolutions Committee
7. Further Reports of Convention Committees
8. Review of State Council Budget
9. Announcements
10. Adjournment and Prayer
c) Third Session
1. Call to Order
2. Report of State Warden
3. Opening Prayer
4. Pledge to Flag
5. Unfinished Business
6. New Business
7. Report of Credentials Committee
8. Election of State Officers, Election of delegates, and alternates to the Supreme International Convention
9. Report of Appreciation’s Committee
10. Report of Audit and Budget Committee
11. Report of Good of the Order Committee
12. Report of Scholarship Committee
13. Report of Other Committees
14. Announcements
15. Adjournments and Prayer
Section 1
All money owing to the State Council shall be made payable to the West Virginia State Council Knights of Columbus (Specific Account) by a check, draft, or money order, and forwarded to the State Secretary ONLY. The State Secretary shall immediately record the same and forward to the State Treasure, who shall immediately deposit the same into the appropriate account. The forwarding council shall, at the same time, separately notify the State Treasurer, and special purpose Director as appropriate, of the date, amount and account of all monies forwarded to the State Secretary.
Section 2
All money of the State Council shall be deposited in depositories to the account of the West Virginia State Council. Special purpose accounts shall include identification of the special purpose. All accounts shall be subject to checks signed by the State Deputy and the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall be automatically bonded by the Supreme Council in the amount of Twenty‑Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00). No warrant on the State Treasurer shall be paid unless countersigned by the State Deputy.
Section 3
The State Council shall levy a per capita assessment on all subordinate Councils in the State of West Virginia. Such assessments shall be charged against each Council in proportion to the membership of such Council as of the 30th day of June each year. The State Secretary will use the Supreme Council Membership Insurance Progress Report dated July 1 to December 31st following the adjournment of the State Council. The State Secretary will notify each council of assessments due not later than July 31st. Such per capita assessment when levied shall continue in force and effect unless and until reduced or increased by the action of the State Council.
Any subordinate Council in arrears for the per capita tax or any assessment properly levied shall be denied representation at the meetings of the State Council, and if such arrearage continues for sixty (60) days, the State Deputy shall have authority to suspend such delinquent councils.
Section 4
Allowances for Attendance and Services. The Grand Knight of each Council or his alternate, State Officers, Past State Deputies, District Deputies, and State Council Committee Chairmen, and others as designated by the State Deputy shall be allowed per diem and mileage for actual attendance at the annual State Convention. The expenses of the second delegate from each subordinate council shall be paid by his council. Mileage shall be allowed for automobile only, based on one-way mileage. Per Diem allowance shall not exceed two days. Actual mileage and per diem amounts shall be determined from time to time by resolution adopted at an annual State Convention.
Section 5
State Officers, State Council Committee Chairmen, and other designated by the State Deputy, shall be allowed mileage and per diem, as specified in Section 4, for actual attendance at other meetings called by the State Deputy. District Deputies shall also receive these allowances when not reimbursed by the Supreme Council. The expenses of a Grand Knight shall be paid by his council. Past State Deputies, without portfolio, shall personally assume expenses for attending such meetings.
Section 6
Other Allowances. State Officers shall be allowed such compensation for the expenses of their respective offices as maybe determined by the State Council.
Section 7
The State Deputy shall direct the audits by an independent auditor are performed as required by the Supreme Council or governmental agency. Theses audits shall be conducted on all accounts held in the name of the West Virginia State Council. A copy of the written opinion, including financial statements, shall be made a part of the State Council proceedings. These audits are required by Section 56(b) of the Order’s Laws and must be complied with.
Section 1
The State Deputy, State Secretary, State Treasurer, State Advocate, State Warden and delegates and alternates to the Supreme Convention shall be elected annually by ballot, from the membership at large. The State Deputy in a manner acceptable with the Bishop of the Diocese shall appoint a State Chaplain.
Section 2
The nomination of candidates for State Deputy, other State Officers and delegates and alternates to the Supreme Convention of both the insurance and associate class shall be made. Only insurance members may be nominated as the insurance delegates. The number of insurance delegates shall be as determined by the Supreme Council. Insurance members are qualified for nomination as candidates for associate delegates. If at the time of the Supreme Convention, any such insurance or associate delegate, or his alternate is unable to attend the Supreme Convention, then in that event the selection of a delegate shall be made as provided for in the Charter, Constitution and laws of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council.
Section 3
Speeches presenting candidates for election to the Supreme Council shall not exceed five minutes in length. The seconding nominations shall be limited to the mere mention of the name of the candidate, the name of the person so seconding such nomination and the name of the council he represents.
Section 4
When votes are taken by ballot for the election of officers, delegates and alternates, the same shall be on a uniform size of white paper, the same to be furnished by the State Secretary.
Section 5
The State Deputy or presiding officer shall appoint Tellers to receive, sort and count the votes, and report the result to the chair.
Section 6
When only one candidate is nominated for a State Office, or only a number of candidates equal to the number of delegates or alternates to be elected to the Supreme Council are nominated, the State Deputy may direct the State Secretary to cast the unanimous ballot of the State Council for such candidate or candidates who may then be declared duly elected.
Section 7
In all cases of election to any office in the State Council, a majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to elect, except that when several of equal degree are to be elected, as delegates or alternates.
Section 8
Officers right to vote. The State Deputy, State Secretary, State Treasurer, State Advocate, State Warden, State Chaplain, and the Immediate Past State Deputy (as defined in Article 1, Section 2(a)(3)) shall have the right to vote. Should the Supreme Knight be present, he also has the right to vote.
Section 9
The terms of all State Officers shall be for one (1) year, beginning on the first day of July and ending on the thirtieth of June of the next succeeding year.
Section 10
District Deputies shall be appointed in accordance with the Supreme Council Rules.
Section 11
All other living Past State Deputies shall be members of the State Council and shall enjoy the same privileges as the Immediate Past State Deputy, with the exception of the right to vote.
Section 1
State Deputy. The duties of the State Deputy shall be defined by the Charter, Constitution and laws of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council.
Section 2
State Secretary. The State Secretary shall cause to keep a true and faithful record of the proceedings of the State Council. He shall notify each subordinate council of assessments due, not later than July 31st. He shall not place the names of any delegates or alternates on the roll call unless their respective councils have paid duly levied assessments according to the procedure set forth in theses By‑Laws. He shall prepare and furnish credential blanks to the Financial Secretaries of each subordinate council, together will a bill of assessments remaining unpaid, not later than April 1st of each year. He shall forward to each council notification of the place of and date of the annual State Meeting at least thirty (30) days prior to said meeting. Credentials, which indicate the place and the date of, said meeting shall meet the notification requirement. He shall prepare a roll of names of all delegates and alternates from the credentials furnished to him prior to the calling to order of the State Council, and shall refer said roll to the Committee on Credentials. He shall prepare and send credentials to all living Past State Deputies entitled to membership. He shall maintain registers for each account in the name of West Virginia State Council. He shall, immediately upon receipt of moneys forward to the State Treasurer, and duly note the same in the proper account register. He shall prepare vouchers for disbursements from any account and record them in the register for the proper account. He shall have prepared and sent to the Financial Secretary of each subordinate council, not later than the first day of June, forms for the reporting of the name and address of Council Officers elected for the coming year. He shall prepare and cause to have printed a report of the proceedings of the State Council Annual and Mid‑Year Meetings, said report to be certified by the State Deputy. A copy of the Annual Report shall be distributed to each council at the time of the Organizational Meeting, and the printed copy of the proceedings of the Mid‑Year Meeting distributed to the same at the time of the Annual Meeting. Councils absent these meeting shall receive two or more copies by mail. He shall receive and pass on to the State Advocate all petitions, resolutions and amendments of any nature. Resolutions shall include all those adopted at the previous State Convention, including the year of initial adoption.
Section 3
State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall pay all money orders drawn upon him by the State Secretary. He shall deposit all moneys as outlined in Article II, Section 2, and shall keep accurate records of same as set forth by the Supreme Council. He shall maintain separate registers for each account of the West Virginia State Council. He shall, immediately upon receipt, deposit all moneys forwarded to him in the proper register. He shall record all disbursements in the register for the disbursing account.
Section 4
State Advocate. The State Advocate shall be the attorney of the State Council in case of trail and investigation of any matter whatsoever of interest to the state Council. He shall receive from the State Secretary, a copy of all resolutions, petitions, and amendments which are to be presented at the State Council and after due consideration of same, these shall be referred to the Committee on Resolutions without debate. He shall forward to the Supreme Secretary all resolutions adopted at the State Convention pertaining to revision of the State Council By‑Laws, and additional resolutions that seek Supreme Council or Board consideration. Those resolutions shall be forwarded within ten (10) days of the Convention in accord with Section 22 of the Order’s Constitution.
Section 5
State Warden. The State Warden shall have custody of all property belonging to the State Council. He shall check travel cards at all State Meetings and shall admit no one but delegates and alternates and those others so entitled to the privilege of the floor, except by permission of the State Council.
Section 6
Representatives to the Supreme Council. These delegates shall, to the best of their ability, promote all actions of the Supreme Council that will best serve the interests of the Knights of Columbus as a whole and the State of West Virginia in particular.
Section 7
The State Chaplain shall have complete charge of any matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the State Council.
Section 8
District Deputies. District Deputies shall perform all duties as required by the Supreme Council and the State Deputy. In addition, they shall attend the regular meetings of the State Council and make a written report of the conditions and activities of their respective districts.
Section 9
Past State Deputies. The immediate Past State Deputy, actually residing in the State of West Virginia, shall assist the State Deputy. All other Past State Deputies are entitled to serve on committees as appointed by the State Deputy.
Section 10
Additional Duties. In addition to the above listed duties, the State Officers shall do and perform any additional duties of their office, which the State Council or the State Deputy may direct.
Section 1
Activity Program. To the best of its ability, the State Council shall conduct annually a program as outlined by the Supreme Council.
Section 2
Annual Communion. To insure that each member of the Knights of Columbus fulfills his religious obligation, it is recommended that the members of each Council approach Holy Communion in a body during Easter on a date set by each council.
Section 3
Appointing of Committees. The State Deputy in his discretion, in appointing his various committees, may draw upon Past State Deputies. It being the desire of the State Council to in some way induce and perpetuate participation by the Past State Deputies in the activities of our Order.
Section 4
Charitable Fund. That a sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) be set aside annually for a charitable fund. This fund may be disbursed at the discretion of the State Deputy in amounts not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), for a total of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) annually for worthwhile purposes. The State Council assembled must approve disbursements in excess of these amounts. The State Deputy shall report on disbursements and make it a part of the fund audit. This fund is not to exceed a total accumulation value of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00).
Section 5
Program Burse. That a sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) be set aside annually for a “Program Burse”. This fund may be used at the discretion of the State Deputy for programs that promote Columbianism ideals within West Virginia. The State Council assembled must approve disbursements in excess of this amount. The State Deputy shall report on disbursements and make it part of the fund audit. This fund shall not exceed a total accumulation value of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00).
Section 1
How Amended. These By‑Laws or any part thereof may be amended or repealed at any meeting of the State Council by a two‑thirds vote, and such amendments or repeal shall be effective when duly approved by the Supreme Board of Directors. These By‑Laws not in conflict with the laws of the Supreme Council, or any part thereof, may be suspended at any meeting by unanimous consent.
Section 2
When Effective. The West Virginia State Council, Knights of Columbus, in its annual meeting assembled in Wheeling, West Virginia, on May21st and 22nd 2005 do hereby repeal all By‑Laws heretofore adopted or existing together with amendments thereto and parts thereof, and do hereby enact and adopt the foregoing By‑Laws of the West Virginia State Council, Knights of Columbus, and the adoption of which shall become effective and the above repeal shall be considered in force upon the approval thereof by the Supreme Board of Directors, and authority is hereby vested in the elected State Officers of this Council or a majority thereof to conform, change or add to these By‑Laws in such a manner and in such respects as will meet the approval and direction of the said Supreme Board of Directors.
By‑Laws Committee
William A. Stahl, IPSD, Chairman
Robert F Dilley, PSD
Bernard V. Kelly, Jr., State Advocate
Adoption Moved By: Robert Stahl
Seconded By: Robert Cannon
Passed May 21, 2005
Approved as corrected, by vote of the Supreme Council Board of Directors at its meeting in
Chicago, IL on August 1, 2005.
Paul R. Devin, Supreme Advocate