Chapter By-Laws

Any member in good standing of the International Association of Arson Investigators shall be eligible for membership in the Tennessee Chapter.

a. Chapter Membership

An individual may make application solely in the Tennessee Chapter, provided such individual is not less than Eighteen

(18) years of age at the time he/she makes application. The application must be filed with the Secretary of the Tennessee Chapter along with the required fees. A chapter member shall have the same privileges of an active member except hold office or vote on International issues.

Persons not qualified for active membership may become Associate Members after determination of their qualifications by the Membership Committee. Any Associate Member in good standing of the International Association of Arson Investigators shall be eligible for membership in the Tennessee Chapter. Associate Members shall have the same privileges of an Active Member, except, voting and holding office. The Tennessee Chapter may, by majority vote of active members present, exclude Associate Members from any particular business meeting.

The Chapter may, by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, confer honorary life membership upon any member in good standing, who, in the discretion of the Board of Directors, rendered distinctive or extraordinary service to the Chapter through participation on committees or activities for a minimum of ten (10) years, contributed significant support, and other services that benefit the Chapter, would be qualified as an honorary life member and shall have all the rights and privileges of an active member without payment of dues. No more than two nominations for such membership may be approved in any one year. Honorary membership in the I.A.A.I. automatically carries honorary membership in the Tennessee Chapter subject to approval of the Board of Directors of the Chapter.

Persons recommending anyone for a Life Membership should have at least a 10-year membership in the Tennessee Chapter and should have served at least two (2) terms on the Board of Directors

Individuals or organizations interested in carrying out the purpose of the Tennessee Chapter shall be granted Sustaining Membership upon the contribution of not less than Fifty dollars ($50) annually, or upon any Sustaining Membership in the national organization which designates at least Fifty dollars ($50) of its annual contribution to be used by the Tennessee Chapter. All such funds shall be devoted to the educational functions of the Tennessee Chapter.

Membership in the Tennessee Chapter shall terminate by:

(1) Voluntary withdrawal.

(2) The Treasurer gives notice; such member is in arrears in the payment of dues or any other obligation to the Association.

(3) The consent of a majority vote of the Board of Directors, Sanctions. The Board of Directors may place on probation, censure, suspend, or terminate the membership of any member. The Board of Directors may, upon receipt and after initial review of the circumstances, temporarily suspend the membership of any member pending evaluation by the Board of Directors. Actions requiring referral to the Board of Directors shall include but are not limited to:

1) Falsifications, or misrepresentations or omission in the application for membership.

2) Conviction of a felony or any criminal offense.

3) Entry of a judgment or order against a member in a criminal, civil or contempt action related to the status of the member as an investigator.

4) Breach of professional responsibilities or legal duties as an investigator.

5) Violations of the TN Chapter Constitution and By-Laws or the IAAI Code of Ethics.

6) Misuse or misrepresentation of an IAAI professional designation, certification, or accreditation.

7) Falsification or misrepresentation under circumstances intended to influence or affect the outcome of any proceeding, including, but not limited to trials, hearings, depositions, interviews, or applications.

Any sanction imposed on a member may be appealed by filing a notice with the Board of Directors

Any former member may be reinstated in the Chapter at the discretion of and by the consent of a majority vote of the Board of Directors, provided, however, that such a former member shall have been in arrears in the payment of dues or other financial obligation to the Chapter at the time of his/her separation, he/she shall be required to pay to the Chapter all such arrears as a condition to his reinstatement, unless the Board of Directors, by 2/3 majority vote and for good cause, shall waive the payment thereof. In this instance, the member's original join date shall be retained. If a member has been terminated for more than one year for nonpayment of dues only, the member shall have the option of reapplying for membership, subject to meeting the qualifications outlined in this article, without paying arrearage. In such cases, the member shall be assigned a new join date. The member shall not be able to claim, advertise or otherwise reference his/her join date to imply uninterrupted membership.