NHLA Rules Change Process for 2025

By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector

The NHLA was formed more than 125 years ago to establish a standard set of grading rules for the inspection of hardwoods. Initially, the NHLA established a means to keep the regulations viable and pertinent in the ever-changing hardwood market. In the earlier years, the rules were reviewed and changed annually to evolve more rapidly and converted to a four-year rotation in the most recent years.

The Rules were designed to grow and stabilize the hardwood industry, and the sector is expected to submit Rules changes that reflect the trade as it is today. For the NHLA to continue stabilizing partners, we need our members’ support to continue showing the world that we are the best option for sustainable and renewable products with consistent and reliable value.

This year marks the beginning of the following rules change process, and I am happy to announce that we will be accepting rules change proposals from now until the end of March 2025.

Constitution and Bylaws of NHLA
ARTICLE XIII—INSPECTION RULES
Section 1. The President shall annually appoint the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and at least eleven other members of the Inspection Rules Committee. Members of this committee shall represent various industry segments and be selected from the Active Membership.

Section 2. Seven members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 3. The Rules Committee shall meet quadrennially, and the President may call for a special meeting of the Rules Committee. The quadrennial or special meeting shall be held at least 120 days before the Association’s annual conference at a time and place designated by the President.

Section 4. The members of the Association shall be given 30 days prior written notice of the time and place of the quadrennial or special meeting of the Rules Committee, together with a copy of the proposals to be considered at such meeting. Any member may at-tend said meeting, provided he advises the NHLA office at least one week before the meeting.

Section 5. At the quadrennial or special meeting, the Inspection Rules Committee shall consider each proposed rules change submitted in writing by a member of the Association to the Secretary on or before March 31 of that year. The Rules Committee shall have the right to approve or reject a proposed rules change or, with the consent of the original proposer, approve a proposed rules change with alterations, amendments, or changes acceptable to the Committee. A majority vote of the Committee shall approve or reject a proposal. The Inspection Rules Committee shall have the discretion to conduct the research necessary to determine any proposed rule change’s impact on the industry.

Section 6. Following the quadrennial or special meeting of the Rules Committee, all proposed rules changes approved by the Rules Committee shall be submitted by the Secretary to the members at least 45 days before the Annual Meeting. During the Annual Meet-ing, the Rules Committee shall convene and hold an open forum to discuss such proposed rule changes.

Section 7. Following the Annual Meeting, the Secretary shall mail a written ballot to the Active Members setting forth each proposed rule change. Each Active Member may vote for or against the proposed rules change provided such ballot is returned to and received by the Secretary within 30 days from the date on the bal-lot. A rules change shall be adopted by the Association upon such change receiving a favorable vote on a two-thirds majority of the votes properly cast by the Active Members of the Association. An approved rules change shall be effective on the second January 1 following the approval.

Section 8. Only those proposed rules changes that have been approved by the Rules Committee at the quadrennial or special meeting shall be discussed at the open forum or voted on by written ballot; provided, however, that if the Rules Committee has twice disapproved a proposed rules change, the proposed member may present such proposal at the open forum and then by written ballot to the members upon giving written notice to the Secretary not less 30 days before the Annual Meeting. The Secretary shall notify the members of such request and place such proposal upon the agenda of the open forum and on the written ballot to be mailed following the Annual Meeting. Should two or more conflicting rule changes be placed on the ballot: they shall be coupled so that a vote may be cast for only one of the proposed rule changes. Multiple votes on the conflicting rule changes will not be allowed.

Section 9. Members of the Association may, at any time, informally submit changes to the inspection rules for review by the Inspection Rules Committee.

(Note: Proposed changes must comply with Section 5 of Article XIII.)

Please submit any rules change proposals or questions to the Chief Inspector @ d.spessert@nhla.com.