I have 2 bylaw question which are causing much debate within our organization.

First we are writing our bylaws at the moment so we don't have any. We took a set of proposed bylaws which had a couple of alternate rules which needed voted on. The alternate rules were voted on with a simple majority of greater than 50% of counted votes to pass and be entered in the proposed bylaws. The final bylaws would be accepted if they get a 2/3rds majority. So I know under Roberts Rules I need a 2/3rds majority to change the bylaws however we don't have bylaws they are only proposed so what vote do I need to have items accepted into the proposed bylaws? Also can we accept the bylaws on a simple majority or does that need to also be 2/3rds under Roberts Rules?

Second when do proposed bylaws become real bylaws? Is it after they are voted on and accepted or are they considered bylaws now? I think they are NOT bylaws and are merely proposed bylaws because the membership has not voted on them, is this assumption on my behalf correct?

Thanks
Great site by the way
Shaun

When you vote to have bylaws for the first time, you are approving them with only a majority vote. When you vote to change them (amend them) you need a 2/3 affirmative vote to pass them.
You need to vote to have some sort of parliamentary authority as the one you will follow when your bylaws are silent about something. I suggest using the most current edition of Robert's Rules of Order. That way, when you have questions about something that your bylaws don't cover, you have a place to go to find answers.
Your bylaws become binding to your organization the minute you vote to approve them unless you vote to have them go into effect at a certain date in the future.