Why your Bylaws & Standing Rules are important:

Nonprofit bylaws are crucial because they act as the organization's operating manual, defining governance, decision-making, and member rights, ensuring legal compliance (especially for IRS tax exemption & state laws), fostering transparency and accountability, preventing internal disputes, and providing a roadmap for effective, mission-driven operations, all while protecting board members from liability and guiding financial integrity.

FAQS:

What do I need to know about the PTA Universal Bylaws and Standing Rules?

Universal Bylaws were implemented in May 2018 and governs all PTAs / PTSAs in Minnesota.
All PTAs in Minnesota must operate under the Universal Bylaws, and their adopted and approved Standing Rules.
The Universal Bylaws govern the affiliation, operations, and dissolution of PTAs.
The Universal Bylaws are uneditable by local units, however local PTAs may propose changes to be voted on during the annual convention in April, which when approved, aids in the operations for all PTAs in the state.
Standing Rules are editable and allows PTA officers to address independant operational policy & proceedures, additional officers positions and duties, and may outline other local PTA requirements.
Universal Bylaws and Standing Rules may not conflict with the Minnesota PTA governance or policies, nor that of the National PTA, or state and federal laws regarding nonprofit operations.
If there are questions regarding other required governance for your PTA, please contact our office.
These Universal Bylaws and Standing Rules are specific to PTA and not adoptable by outside organizations.
Copies of your Standing Rules should be retained on file for the life of your organization, even after they've been updated.
Bylaws and Standing Rules

When do I need to submit Standing Rules?

Your Standing Rules need to be updated once every 5 years, or upon any changes. Your PTA may be asked to amend your Standing Rules in the case they do not align with the Universal Bylaws, and other Governance documents or nonprofit laws.

Who do I contact for assistance?

Email mnpta@mnpta.org for assistance with completing your Standing Rules.

Changes to the Universal Bylaws Have been approved by the membership on 4/11/2026. These changes are effective immediately. The new version of Universal Bylaws will be posted soon. If you have questions, please reach out to our office.

Please check back to download the New 2026 version.

Lets Get Started!

Step 1

Click the icon to download the most recent Universal Bylaws

These are your organizations governing document. Your board should read these and be well versed in the contents. Refer to these for operational guidance.

Step 2

Click the icon to download the current Standing Rules Template

NEW STANDING RULES ARE PENDING!

PLEASE CHECK BACK AFTER APRIL 11TH.

Step 3

Click the icon to download the Standing Rules Instruction Set

NEW STANDING RULES ARE PENDING!

PLEASE CHECK BACK AFTER APRIL 11TH.

Your almost finished!

Complete the template to the best of your abilities.
Resolve any conflicts that arise when comparing to the Universal Bylaws.
Once your executive board has made it's approval, upload these into Givebacks for your final from Minnesota PTA.

IF your PTA has not completed Standing Rules, or they are DUE to be updated, please check back as we will be simplifiing the form for the 2026-2027 year.

Click the icon to download the 2025 addendum

All PTAs/PTSAs who have Standing Rules that were submitted AND approved by the MNPTA prior to July 1, 2025, need to download this addendum file, provide the correct information in the open areas on the form and keep it with your copy of your Standing Rules File. Do not submit addendum file to MNPTA - keep the copy with your current approved SR file.

Find more guidance here!

New instructional aides coming soon!

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