The ability to amend the AVMA Constitution and Bylaws ensures that the AVMA's guiding documents remain responsive and contemporary. In Boston, the House of Delegates voted on one proposed constitutional amendment, accepted introduction of five constitutional amendments, and acted on 13 bylaws amendments. Results of the voting on amendments with the most direct interest for AVMA members follow. Bylaws amendments were approved that will: - increase the annual dues for active members from $200 to $225 beginning with calendar year 2002, with dues for other membership categories raised proportionately
- realign the 11 Executive Board districts in two phases, between 2002 and 2006
- clarify which AVMA members qualify for reduced dues—active or associate members who are pursuing a full-time program of graduate study, postgraduate study, internship, or residency at an accredited college or university; or are pursuing an internship listed by an allied organization in the House of Delegates; or a residency program approved by an AVMA-recognized specialty board or college
- enable permanent residents of the United States and Canada as well as citizens to apply for affiliate membership in the AVMA, a category for teachers of veterinary medicine or allied sciences, and persons engaged in veterinary research
- add an additional public representative on the Council on Education
- revise the charge to the Council on Research
- retain the provision that the Student AVMA president serve as delegate to the AVMA but enable the Student AVMA to select its alternate delegate
- redefine the House Reference Committees to include committees on Administration, Public Matters, Education and Research, Finance, Legislative and Governmental Matters, Member Services, and Scientific Activities
Constitutional amendments introduced this year would, if approved in 2002: - shorten the membership requirements for vice presidents to require that they be AVMA members for five instead of 10 years prior to their election
- synchronize the beginning of the officers' terms with the first Executive Board meeting of the new association year; a similar constitutional amendment that was up for final action was disapproved because the newly introduced one more clearly reflects the intent
- allow a president-elect who succeeds to the office of president to fill the unexpired term of the preceding president, to then continue through a full term as president
- provide that if the office of president-elect were vacated, the vice president would assume the duties and responsibilities of that office, but not assume the title of president-elect or be eligible to ascend to the presidency
- remove AVMA councils from the list of entities that may submit resolutions to the House of Delegates
Bylaws amendments disapproved this year would have: - restructured the AVMA Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents by increasing its membership from 10 to 12 and adjusting the composition (see action on related Resolution 4, page 571)
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