Bylaws & Petitions

ACS Governing Documents and Petitions

The ACS Governing Documents ("ACSGovDocs") include the Constitution, Bylaws, Standing Rules, Schedule of Membership, and Regulations of the American Chemical Society. The online version of the ACSGovDocs is the authoritative version because it is updated throughout the year as needed.

The Introduction to the January 1, 2024, edition of the ACSGovDocs contains a summary of the changes.

Petition to Amend the Constitution, Bylaws, and the Standing Rules

Council may make amendments to ACS Bylaws and Standing Rules by following procedures outlined in the ACS Governing Documents. 

Next Deadline for petitions to amend the Constitution or Bylaws: May 1, 2024.

Following is a list of current proposed amendments and links to petitioning procedures:

Unit Bylaws

The Committee on Constitution and Bylaws (C&B) certifies bylaws on behalf of Council for Divisions, Local Sections, and International Chemical Sciences Chapters. The certified bylaws (noted with their dates of certification) are available at the links below. If you plan to update your bylaws, click on the link for Model bylaws:

Key Guidelines, Procedures, and Codes of Conduct

C&B Information 

If you have any questions or need assistance in updating your bylaws or questions about petitions to amend the ACS Governing Documents, please contact us: