Society Operating Guidelines

Section 10.3: Government Affairs Committee Operating Procedures

I. Role and Accountability

The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) influences the regulation, legislation and development of public policy related to occupational safety and health (OSH) by building meaningful and collaborative relationships with stakeholders and by engaging ASSP members in government affairs activities.

II. Committee Membership

• The vice president, professional affairs, shall appoint committee members, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. The committee shall not exceed eight members, which includes the chair.
• Experience in regulatory or government affairs is preferred to serve on this committee.
• Committee members serve a three-year term and may not be reappointed. Appointments are structured to allow for staggered terms.
• The vice president, professional affairs, shall designate the chair. The term of the chair is one year, renewable for a maximum of three consecutive years.  The chair can serve up to six years total on the GAC to allow for synergy and succession planning.

III. Committee Operations

A. Meetings

• The committee will primarily meet virtually.
• Schedule: The committee chair shall draft a schedule of meetings for review and approval by committee members.
• Quorum and Voting: A quorum exists when at least one-half of the members of the committee are present at a meeting, one of whom must be the committee chair. If a quorum is present, a majority vote of members present shall be decisive.  
• Committee Business: The committee may conduct official business at meetings, via conference/video calls or by other means such as electronic mails. The committee will work with other committees and councils as necessary to meet ASSP needs and objectives.
• Minutes: Minutes will be prepared for each committee meeting.

B. Budgeting and Finance

The committee operates within the Society budget, including travel, meeting and staff support expenses. Committees are funded through specific budget actions of the Board of Directors.

Addendum I: Specific Committee Actions

The GAC will assist with proactive measures to promote ASSP's public policies and positions.

The GAC will submit comments and position papers to the Council on Professional Affairs for consultation, and to the Board of Directors for final approval.  Comments and position will be approved in accordance with the applicable SOG, [Society Operating Guidelines]

The chair may establish working groups with an assigned chair. Such subgroups or task forces will be given a specific charter and timeline for resolution of issues and shall be sunset upon completion of assignments.

Key activities include:

1. Assisting ASSP in government-affairs-related matters that impact OSH.
2. Supporting relationships with key government agencies and important non-governmental and trade and professional organizations regarding public policy issues.
3. Assisting with analysis of federal legislation, regulation and the development of public policy involving OSH.
4. Reviewing and assisting with developing ASSP positions and comments on federal OSH legislation and regulation or regulations/legislation related to OSH (e.g., environmental management regulations).