BYLAWS

of
National LGBT Notary Standards Association (NLNSA)

ARTICLE I — NAME, PURPOSE, AND OFFICES

Section 1. Name

The name of the organization shall be the National LGBT Notary Standards Association (NLNSA) (the “Association”).

Section 2. Purpose

The Association is a standards-driven nonprofit organization established to:

1. Promote professional neutrality, ethics, and competency in notarial practice.

2. Establish, administer, and enforce voluntary certification programs related to:

   • Neutrality and non-discrimination

   • Ethical conduct

   • Continuing education and professional standards

3. Provide an inclusive professional framework that affirms the dignity, safety, and lawful recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals.

4. Develop, publish, and maintain a Code of Conduct and Standards Framework applicable to certified individuals.

5. Serve as a national body for education, standards development, and professional accountability.

6. Operate exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 3. Neutrality Mandate

The Association affirms that notarial neutrality is fundamental and non-negotiable.
Certified individuals must perform all notarial acts without discrimination, coercion, or bias, while respecting lawful identity, name, and gender presentation.

Section 4. Offices

The principal office of the Association shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
The Association may operate nationally and electronically, without geographic limitation.

ARTICLE II — BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 2.1 — Authority

The Board of Directors (“the Board”) shall govern the affairs of the Association and shall have full authority to establish policy, standards, certifications, enforcement mechanisms, and oversight.

Section 2.2 — Composition

• Minimum: 3 Directors

• Maximum: 11 Directors

Directors shall collectively bring experience in areas including:

• Law or regulatory compliance

• Notarial practice

• Education or standards development

• Ethics, governance, or nonprofit administration

There is no requirement that Directors be notaries.

Section 2.3 — Terms

• Directors shall serve two-year terms

• Terms may be staggered

• Directors may serve consecutive terms

Section 2.4 — Removal

A Director may be removed for cause by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the remaining Directors.

ARTICLE III — OFFICERS

Section 3.1 — Officers

The officers of the Association shall include:

• President

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Executive Director (may be non-voting)

The Board may establish additional officer roles as needed.

Section 3.2 — Duties

• President: Provides Board leadership and external representation.

• Secretary: Maintains records, minutes, and governance compliance.

• Treasurer: Oversees financial affairs, reporting, and compliance.

• Executive Director: Manages day-to-day operations under Board direction.

ARTICLE IV — COMMITTEES

Section 4.1 — Committees

The Board may establish standing or ad hoc committees, including but not limited to:

• Standards Committee

• Ethics & Enforcement Committee

• Certification Committee

• Education & Curriculum Committee

Section 4.2 — Membership

Committees may include non-Board members with relevant expertise.

Section 4.3 — Authority

Committees act in an advisory capacity unless explicitly delegated authority by the Board.

ARTICLE V — CERTIFICATIONS

Section 5.1 — Authority

The Association shall establish certification programs, criteria, renewal requirements, and evaluation standards.

Section 5.2 — Nature of Certification

All certifications issued by the Association:

• Are voluntary

• Are time-limited

• May be suspended or revoked

• Do not confer licensure, legal authority, or governmental endorsement

Section 5.3 — Standards Framework

Certifications shall be governed by a published Standards Framework, including ethical principles, neutrality requirements, and compliance obligations.

ARTICLE VI — ENFORCEMENT AND DUE PROCESS

Section 6.1 — Enforcement Authority

The Association may investigate alleged violations of:

• Certification standards

• The Code of Conduct

• Neutrality or ethical obligations

Section 6.2 — Due Process

All enforcement actions shall include:

1. Written notice of allegations

2. Opportunity to respond

3. Documented findings

4. An internal appeal process

ARTICLE VII — MEMBERSHIP

The Association may, but is not required to, maintain a membership structure.
Certified individuals are not members by default and hold no governance rights unless separately designated by Board policy.

ARTICLE VIII — FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

1. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private individual.

2. Reasonable compensation for services rendered is permitted.

3. Upon nonprofit formation, all assets shall be irrevocably dedicated to exempt purposes.

ARTICLE IX — DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution, the assets of the Association shall be distributed for exempt purposes consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

ARTICLE X — AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Board of Directors.

Adoption

These Bylaws were adopted by the Board of Directors on ____________________.