County legislative bodies have a statutory deadline approaching on December 1 to adopt local rules of procedure. Under Public Chapter 599 (2026), which amended Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5, relative to county legislative bodies, every county legislative body is required to adopt local rules of procedure by December 1.
Why the Deadline Matters
If a county adopts local rules by December 1, it can establish its procedural framework before the statutory default takes effect. Counties that miss the deadline are not prohibited from adopting local rules later, but until they do, the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order will govern proceedings by default.
Consequence of Missing the Deadline
A county legislative body that does not adopt local rules of procedure by December 1 will have its procedures default automatically to the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order. This default remains in place until the county adopts its own rules of procedure.
Voting Requirements
The initial adoption of local rules of procedure requires only a majority vote of the membership, even if the adoption occurs after December 1. However, once local rules have been adopted, any subsequent amendment to those rules requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership.
Action | Vote Required |
|---|---|
Initial adoption of local rules | Majority vote |
Amendment of previously adopted local rules | Two-thirds (2/3) vote |
Summary
Recommended action: Counties that have not yet adopted local rules of procedure should do so before December 1 to avoid operating under Robert's Rules of Order by default. Counties that miss the deadline may still adopt local rules afterward by majority vote, but any future amendments to those adopted rules will require a two-thirds vote.
Authority: Public Chapter 599 (2026), amending Tennessee Code Annotated ยง 5-1-138.
For sample rules or assistance with the adoption process, contact your CTAS county government consultant.