(As amended September 16, 2025)
This edition supersedes all editions bearing a previous date.
Section 1 Name
Section 2 Purpose
Section 1 Definitions
Section 2 Qualifications
Section 2.1 Non-Discrimination Policy
Section 3 Membership
Section 3.1 Change of Regions
Section 4 Proxies
Section 1 Directors and Deputy Directors
Section 1.1 Qualifications
Section 2 Duties
Section 3 Replacement of Director(s) or Deputy Director(s)
Section 1 Officers
Section 1.1 Qualifications
Section 2 Duties
Section 3 Replacement of Officer(s)
Section 1 Executive Board
Section 2 Duties
Section 1 Annual Meetings
Section 1.1 Conference Chairperson
Section 1.2 Roundtable Sessions
Section 1.3 Regional Meetings
Section 1 Powers and Functions of Committees
Section 2 Standing Committees
Section 1 Amendments
BYLAWS of the NORTH AMERICAN CONSUMER PROTECTION INVESTIGATORS
ARTICLE I: Name and Purpose
SECTION 1. NAME
The name of the Association shall be the North American Consumer Protection Investigators (NACPI).
SECTION 2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Association shall be to provide a medium through which a member of NACPI receives educational training at annual conferences, network, exchange information, and cooperate in matters involving consumer protection investigations, education, and litigations, of mutual concern to all, allowing for the consumer protection investigators to better assist, educate and serve the public in their employment with their respective governments.
ARTICLE II: Membership
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
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Executive Board will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Region Directors.
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The Board of Directors will consist of the Executive Board, the Deputy Directors of each region, and the chairs of the standing committees.
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Associate Member is an individual who currently works or has previously worked within the realm of consumer-related affairs.
SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS
The membership of the Association shall consist of individuals employed by an agency, office, department, or bureau of a federal, state, county, city, province, territory, or district government as: investigators; supervisors of investigators; paralegals; analysts; specialists; agents; mediators, police officers; or persons engaged in the enforcement of consumer protection laws and
other consumer laws including but not limited to elder abuse/neglect/financial exploitation, health fraud, real estate fraud, computer/internet fraud and telecommunication fraud.
SECTION 2.1. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
North American Consumer Protection Investigators (NACPI) does not and shall not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in any of its activities or operations.
SECTION 3. MEMBERSHIP
Members of this Association shall be entitled to:
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Hold office within the Association (excluding Associate Members).
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Have one vote within his/her state, province, district, or territory delegation, for all matters that come before the Association.
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Have one vote within his/her regional delegation for the purpose of electing a Director and Deputy Directors of the Board of Directors from that region.
For the purposes of the qualification and election of Directors and having regional meetings, the membership shall be broken down into regions. The Regions shall consist of the following:
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Northeast Region: includes the Canadian Provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland; the states of Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin; and their respective cities, counties, etc.
Eastern Region: includes the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, and all other U.S. Territories in the Atlantic; includes the states of Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia; and their respective cities, counties, etc.
Western Region: includes the U.S. Territories of Guam, American Samoa, all other U. S. Territories in the Pacific; Canadian Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon Territories, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories; the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming; and their respective cities, counties, etc.
SECTION 3.1. CHANGE OF REGIONS
A state, territory, or province may be placed in a different Region by A SIMPLE MAJORITY vote of the Board of Directors. SECTION 4. PROXIES
A member of this Association may delegate by written proxy, as his/her representative, any other member of this Association. A member holding a valid written proxy may, in addition to his/her own vote, exercise the proxy vote as provided for in Section 2 above, provided that each written proxy shall be delivered to the Secretary prior to the proxy being exercised. The proxy must be witnessed. A member may not hold more than one (1) valid written proxy.
ARTICLE III: Directors and Deputy Directors
SECTION 1. DIRECTORS AND DEPUTY DIRECTORS
Each Region shall elect a Director, and two Deputy Directors, upon the vote of A SIMPLE MAJORITY of the members of that Region present and voting in regional caucuses at the Annual Meeting. Directors and Deputy Directors shall be elected for terms of three years.
SECTION 1.1 QUALIFICATIONS
To hold office as Director or Deputy Director, an individual must be a member in good standing with the Association. Disqualification for these offices shall include:
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Not attending the annual meeting for two consecutive years.
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Failure to pay annual dues within 60 days after June 30th of that year.
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Failure to execute and abide by the Association’s Conflict of Interest Policy; or
Are no longer employed with a federal, state, county, city, province, district, or territory government office involved in the administration or enforcement of consumer protection laws in their respective jurisdictions.
SECTION 2. DUTIES
The Board of Directors shall generate interest in the Association amongst consumer protection agencies in their respective regions and act as an information source for their region. It shall be the duty of all members who are elected to or appointed to the position of Director or Deputy Director(s) of any region, for any length of time, to make a serious commitment to participate actively as a motivated member of the Board. This includes attending all board meetings, whether in-person during the annual meetings or via conference call during the intervening period from one conference to the next, whenever possible. If the Board Member misses three consecutive board meetings, the Executive Board (in majority agreement) reserves the right to vacate the Board Member of his/her position. If the Board Member is assigned to any adjunct or standing committee(s), then the above rules hold true for the committee meetings as well.
Board Members are encouraged to volunteer for and have a willingness to accept association assignments and complete them thoroughly and on time. This includes participation in conference preparations. Board Members will be expected to contact current NACPI members in their regions twice during the year (either via email or phone) to maintain contact and excitement in the organization and to remind members of tools such as the website which they can access all year long. This work may be divided between the Director and Deputy
Director(s) of the region. If the Board Member is unable or unwilling to complete these duties it will remain in the discretion of the Executive Board in majority agreement to vacate the Board Member of his/her position.
Board Members are encouraged to stay informed about NACPI matters; to prepare themselves for meetings by reviewing and commenting on minutes and reports. Each Director and Deputy Director is expected to network with other NACPI members, building collegial working relationships to foster cooperation and consensus on the Board and throughout the association.
It is expected that Board Members will become as actively involved with NACPI as possible, despite the demands of their occupation. While the importance of vocation and those responsibilities are recognized, accepting the position of Director or Deputy Director comes with an expectation of participation in the work of the association. Duties of the Board of Directors include setting the amount for dues and registration fees, conservatively investing NACPI funds, determining the method(s) of collection, deadline for payment, and refund policies, and any other such matters related to the operation of the Association.
Any Board member may resign his/her position at any time, by presenting said resignation in writing to the President or if it be the President, to the Vice-President. All Members leaving their position, for any reason shall be responsible to turn over to the Recording Secretary all books, papers, ledgers, passwords, and all materials and or property having to do with the matters of concern which were his/her responsibility during his/her term of office within 30 days. Failure to do this shall cause the outgoing Board Member to be held indebted to NACPI for such sum as the Board of Directors shall deem appropriate.
SECTION 3. REPLACEMENT OF DIRECTOR(S) OR DEPUTY DIRECTOR(S)
In the event of the resignation or disqualification of any Director, a Deputy Director (selected by the President) of that region shall become the region's Director and serve out the term. The President shall appoint a second Deputy Director to serve until the next regular scheduled annual meeting of the membership at which time the region will elect a Deputy Director. In the event of the resignation or disqualification of any Deputy Director, the President shall appoint a Deputy Director to serve until the next regularly scheduled annual meeting of the membership at which time the region will elect a Deputy Director.
ARTICLE IV: Officers
SECTION 1. OFFICERS
The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by A SIMPLE MAJORITY of the Board of Directors for a period of three years. No person shall serve as President, Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer for more than two consecutive terms. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, if no candidate comes forward, the Board of Directors shall vote by simple majority to extend the term of the President, Vice President Secretary, and/or Treasurer. If extended it would be for 1 term.
SECTION 2. DUTIES
The President shall prepare agendas for the meetings of the Officers, Board of Directors and the General Business Session of the annual meeting and shall preside over such meetings; shall approve all press coverage and releases; and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may authorize, to include such matters that are not of such gravity that would require approval of the other Officers or the Board of Directors.
The Vice-President shall assist the President; shall preside over any meetings in the absence of the President and shall preside as chair of the association’s Conference Facilitation Committee (CFC) and perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may authorize.
The Secretary shall record the minutes of the meetings of the Officers, Board of Directors and the General Business Session of the annual meeting; shall also retain copies of conference agendas and other relevant materials (which shall be available to the Conference Chairperson in planning the annual meeting); shall monitor and record all votes at the annual meeting and the meetings of the Board of Directors; shall provide proxy forms to any member who requests it and accept and verify any completed proxies; shall maintain membership roster and shall perform such other duties as the President and the Board of Directors may authorize.
Draft minutes from all meetings shall be provided to membership within 45 days of such meeting.
The Treasurer shall open and maintain a checking account for the purpose of receiving and distributing monies for the Association; shall relay to the Secretary information about new members; shall cooperate with the Conference Chairperson in depositing and distributing funds for the annual meeting; shall be responsible for insuring the Association's incorporation dues are paid on time; shall be responsible for maintaining NACPI funds in certificate of deposit or money market accounts; verify all transactions $100.00 or above the conference budget require Executive Board approval and transactions over $500.00 require Board approval; and perform such other duties as the President and Board of Directors may authorize.
The Treasurer shall keep and maintain accurate records of all receipts and disbursements, which shall be available for examination by the Board of Directors. Such records must be maintained in a sufficiently accurate and clear manner to allow a competent authority to perform an annual audit of such financial records.
The Treasurer shall render a written report to the membership at the annual NACPI conference. The Report shall clearly describe the financial condition of NACPI, including the income and expenses incurred by NACPI since the last conference. The Treasurer shall also provide a financial report to membership on a quarterly basis.
Upon leaving office, he/she shall immediately deliver to his/her successor all monies, securities, books, and records in his/her possession.
SECTION 3. REPLACEMENT OF OFFICER(S)
In the event of resignation or disqualification of the President, the Vice President shall serve as interim President until the next regularly scheduled annual meeting of the membership at which time the Board of Directors will elect a President.
In the event of resignation or disqualification of the Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer, in whole or in part, the President shall appoint an interim Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer until the next regularly scheduled annual meeting of the membership at which time the Board of Directors will elect a Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer to serve out the term.
In the event of the resignation or disqualification of both the President and Vice President, the Secretary shall serve as interim President until the next regularly scheduled annual meeting of the membership at which time the Board of Directors will elect a President and Vice President.
In the event of the resignation or disqualification of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, the Board of Directors shall have an emergency meeting and select a President from the Board of Directors to serve as interim President until the next regularly scheduled annual meeting of the membership at which time the Board of Directors will elect a President and Vice President.
ARTICLE V: Executive Board
SECTION 1. EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Region Directors.
SECTION 2. DUTIES
The Executive Board shall:
Formulate proper study of proposal(s) to be made to the full Board which shall contain considerations in favor and against and, when appropriate, the formulation of draft texts for inclusion in the by-laws.
Provide for negotiation with suppliers for association commodity; and
Meet as necessary to complete its tasks.
ARTICLE VI: Meetings
SECTION 1. ANNUAL MEETING
An annual meeting of the membership of the Association shall be held annually unless the Board of Directors deems it necessary and not for the wellbeing of the Association. The site of the next annual meeting shall be chosen by A SIMPLE MAJORITY of the Board of Directors at the annual board meeting. If there is more than one interested party for hosting the annual meeting, then the site of the next annual meeting shall be chosen by voting A SIMPLE MAJORITY of the membership present at the annual business meeting from sites approved by the Board of Directors. In choosing which sites to approve to the membership for a vote, the Board of Directors shall consider rotating the annual meeting equally between regions; proximity of a major airport; hotel and restaurant rates; and other pertinent information.
SECTION 1.1 CONFERENCE CHAIRPERSON
The Conference Chairperson will assist with the day-to-day activities necessary to put on the annual meeting, including arranging the facility and handling all operations with the facility regarding the hospitality suite, conference rooms, food and beverage services and equipment; arranging speakers and the agenda; registration of members at the conference site; and preparing one evening event for the membership including transportation to and from the event. The Conference Chairperson will work under the guidance of the President, Vice President and the Treasurer to provide a draft budget to the Board of Directors at the first Board meeting of the conference. Within 60 days after the conference, a final budget will be provided to the Board of Directors regarding the conference.
SECTION 1.2 ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
Roundtable sessions are held within the annual meeting as a way for members to exchange information on cases, including active investigations, and other consumer protection related matters. Only current members are allowed to attend these sessions.
SECTION 1.3. REGIONAL MEETINGS
Regional meetings shall be held at the annual meeting and may be held at other times as needed. The site of such meetings shall be determined by the Director and Deputy Director of each Region. All members residing in that Region shall be invited to the regional meeting. Each Director shall be responsible for informing each member in their Region to offer advice and help prepare bids to host the next annual meeting; and any other duties that the Region may require.
ARTICLE VII: Committees
SECTION 1. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF COMMITTEES
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Standing committees shall be responsible for recommending policies, procedures and actions on items or association programs referred/assigned to them as a committee. They may also formulate recommendations regarding their responsibilities for the specific consideration of the Board of Directors.
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Standing committees of the Board of Directors may establish subcommittees as needed. Subcommittees may consult with other members of the association as necessary to complete their tasks.
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The President shall appoint the Standing committees’ chair, and the Standing Committee shall elect its own secretary by simple majority of its committee members. Any subcommittee shall either elect its own chair, vice-chair, and secretary or enjoy the service of volunteers from its members.
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Each committee may be requested to submit written reports of its recommendations or work product to the Board of Directors.
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A simple majority of committee members shall constitute a quorum for Standing Committee meetings.
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The Executive Board can decide when each committee has exhausted their purpose and dismiss the committee.
SECTION 2. STANDING COMMITTEES
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The Conference Facilitation Committee (CFC) shall consist of the full Board of Directors along with a member or members of the Host Region. The Vice-President has the discretion to fill the positions with whom he/ she chooses if the positions cannot be filled using the manner or description and titles described above. Committee members shall:
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Oversee the business aspects and administration of the annual conference.
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Formulate policy, procedures, and program proposal(s) to be presented to the full Board.
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Present educational and instructional programming to promote exciting and beneficial conferences for the best welfare of the membership.
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Recruit sponsors by contacting potential candidates via e-mail, postal mail and/ or telephone.
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Invite and review (approve/disapprove) exhibitors for NACPI functions.
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Negotiate with suppliers and facilities to promote profitable conferences; and
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Meet at least once a quarter or with any additional meetings as determined necessary to complete their tasks.
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Bylaws Committee shall consist of one or more members. Committee member(s) shall:
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Formulate proper study of the bylaws.
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Maintain the official version of the bylaws; and
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Prepare and propose amendments to the bylaws and present such to the Board of Directors and General Membership.
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Membership Committee shall consist of the Secretary and one or more additional members. Committee member(s) shall:
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Recruit Members.
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Maintain membership lists; and
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Prepare and distribute membership renewal notifications.
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Website Committee shall consist of one or more members. Committee member(s) shall:
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Oversee Web site administration and facilitation.
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Oversee social media venues; and
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The chair will be a member of the Conference Facilitation Committee.
ARTICLE VIII: Amendments to the Bylaws
SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS
A SIMPLE MAJORITY of the membership of the Association present and voting at the annual business meeting may amend the Bylaws of the Association, by voting on amendment proposals submitted to the Board of Directors, in writing, at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting. To amend the Bylaws of the Association that were not submitted to the Board of Directors at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting, the proposal must be approved by two-thirds of the membership of the Association present and vote at the Annual Business Meeting.
If amendment to the Bylaws is required between Annual Business Meetings, the current membership of the Association shall be notified of the proposed amendment via email. To amend the Bylaws of the Association, the proposal must be approved by three-fourths of the voting membership of the Association.
ARTICLE IX: Distribution of Funds
Upon dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.