GENERAL RULES OF MASSACHUSETTS BOYS STATE

1. Violent personal contact of any sort is not permitted.
2. Firearms, fireworks, explosives of any sort, and liquor are not permitted.
3. No cars are allowed at Boys’ State. Any Boys’ Stater with a car at Boys’ State must check his keys with the Chairman.
4. The citizens of Boys’ State will at no time solicit rides.
5. Food and beverages will not be permitted in classrooms or meeting rooms. Food and beverages will only be allowed in the Dining Commons.
6. No boy can leave campus without the written permission of the Chairman.
7. All injuries must be reported to the Boys’ State Nurse. We are covered by an insurance policy, but it serves no purpose if an injury is not reported.
8. At no time shall any counselor actively get involved in politics. Counselors may advise and encourage. They shall not write speeches nor suggest to a person that he should vote for another.
9. Boys’ State shirts are required to be worn all day. Short pants may be worn, except for the assemblies on Sunday, Monday and Thursday evenings. Out of respect to our guests, we request that all wear long pants for those assemblies.
10. Boys’ State citizens shall carry their I.D. cards at all times. I.D. cards must be presented on request to any Boys’ State Staff member, or College Official.
11. All Boys’ Staters should maintain a neat appearance at all times. Hats are only to be worn outdoors.
12. Boys’ Staters must be accounted for at all times, especially at “Lights Out.”
13. Residence halls are off limits except when otherwise stated.
14. Signs may be posted only on cork bulletin boards, unless permission is granted for other locations by Stonehill College. No signs shall be tacked, taped or otherwise affixed to windows, painted surfaces, natural wood, or brick.
15. No rooms may be locked while occupied, including after lights out.
16. The use of personal stereos (e.g. “Walkman”) or televisions is not permitted during any class, lecture, meeting or assembly. Use during such times may result in loss of the stereo or TV for the week of Boys’ State.
17. Tampering with safety equipment, including fire extinguishers or alarms, smoke detectors, or Red Emergency Phones may result in removal from campus by the Campus Police Department.
18. No gambling is permitted.
    
19. There shall be no defacing or marking of Boys' State T-Shirts.
20. Neither smoking nor smokeless tobacco is allowed at any time at Boys' State.
21. Beepers and cell phones shall be shut off during classes and lectures.
22. All facilities at Stonehill College not assigned to Boy’s State are off limits at all times

 

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Parliamentary law establishes an orderly procedure for meetings. This procedure originated with the Senate of ancient Rome, but the rules commonly used in legislative bodies, clubs, lodges, and most other deliberative groups emanated from the British Parliament in 1722. The purpose of these rules is to conduct meetings efficiently and equitably.

At Boys’ State, city and town meetings, political conventions, and meetings of the House, Senate or Governor's Council are to be conducted under parliamentary procedure; of course, limitations may be necessary due to time restrictions. At Boys’ State, the senior counselor in attendance serves as parliamentarian and rules on all matter of parliamentary inquiry.

Motions

Business is conducted by acting on motions. A subject is introduced by a main motion. Once this has been seconded and stated by the presiding officer nothing else should be taken up until it is disposed of. Long and involved motions should be submitted in writing. Once a motion has been stated, the mover may not withdraw it without the consent of the meeting. Most motions must be seconded.

While a main motion is being considered, other parliamentary motions, which affect either the main motion or the general conduct of the meeting, may be made. The ones most frequently used are described in general below, but it should be noted that there are exceptions and modifications that cannot be included in this brief text.

1 • Amend. . . . . Debatable. . . . . majority vote
Used when the intention is to change, add or omit words in the main motion. The first vote is on the amendment. The second vote is on the motion as changed or as originally proposed depending on the first vote.

2 • Refer. . . . . Debatable. . . . . majority vote
If a motion becomes too complicated through amendments or if more information is needed, a motion may be made to refer it to a committee for study or redrafting. This committee must report back or as instructed.

3 • Postpone. . . . .Debatable. . . . .majority vote
Consideration of a motion can be delayed until a more suitable time, until other decisions have been made or until more information is available, by a motion to postpone to a stated future time.

4 • Lay on the Table. . . . . Not debatable. . . . . majority vote
"I move that we table this motion." This postpones consideration in such a way that the motion can be taken up again in the near future if a majority decides to "take it from the table."

5 • The Previous Question. . . . . Not debatable. . . . . .two-thirds vote
"I move the previous question." This motion is used to end debate that has become lengthy or repetitious. When seconded, the presiding officer immediately asks for a vote on the question of closing debate. If this receives a two-thirds vote, the pending motion is voted on without further discussion.

6 • Reconsider. . . . . Usually debatable. . . . . majority vote
A vote may be reconsidered through a motion, which must be made on the same day by someone who voted on the prevailing side. A motion can be reconsidered only once. The first vote is on whether the motion should be reconsidered. If passed, the 2nd vote is on the motion itself.

7 • Point of Order or Appeal
A member who feels the rules are not being followed may call attention to the breach by rising and saying: "Point of order." The chair says: "State your point of order." Upon hearing it, the chair may say: "Your point is well taken," or "Your point is not well taken." One dissatisfied with the ruling may appeal to the meeting for a final decision: "Shall the decision of the chair be sustained?" This appeal is debatable. A majority of “no” votes is necessary to reverse the ruling; a

8 • Questions and Inquiries
Whenever necessary, advice may be asked to correct procedures (parliamentary inquiry), facts may be requested (point of information), or change may be sought for comfort or convenience (question of privilege). The presiding officer responds to the question or refers it to the proper person.

9 • Adjourn . . . . . Usually not debatable. . . . . majority vote
If the time set for adjournment has arrived or there is no further business, the presiding officer declares that meeting adjourned without waiting for a formal motion. A member may move to adjourn at any time except when a speaker has the floor or a vote is in the process. If the motion carries, the meeting is immediately adjourned.

Parliamentary Tips
• Though most motions require a 2nd, they do not require a 3rd or 4th.
• Voice votes are routine, standing votes common, roll call votes rare.
• Most votes require a majority of those in attendance, but a two-thirds vote is needed to "suspend the rules".
• In governmental bodies, a two-thirds vote is needed to borrow money or pledge the credit of the city, town or state.
• The presiding officer, who chairs the meeting, often sits above the rank and file members.
• The chair has the exclusive right to recognize people from the floor.

Boys State Criminal Code

Chapter 1.  Crimes of Violation of the General Rules of Boys State

(1)        Whoever violates any of the General Rules of Massachusetts Boys State shall be punished by serving not less than one hour of community service or, in the case of offenses where jurisdiction is assumed by the Chairman of Boys State, by a penalty up to and including expulsion from Massachusetts Boys State.

(2)        Subject to the Chairman’s jurisdiction described in Chapter Eight below, the Trial Court shall have jurisdiction over the following offenses under the General Rules of Massachusetts Boys State:

(a)	Rule 3:	Failure to Check Car Keys with the Chairman;
(b)	Rule 4:	Soliciting Rides;
(c)	Rule 5:	Consuming Food and Beverages Outside of Dining Commons;
(d)	Rule 9:	Failure to Adhere to Boys State T-Shirt and Attire Policy;
(e)	Rule 10:	Failure to Carry Boys State I.D. Card
(f)	Rule 11.	Failure to Maintain Neat Appearance; Wearing Hat Indoors;
(g)	Rule 12:	Failure to be in Attendance at Schedule Events or Adhere to “Lights Out”;
(h)	Rule 13:	Loitering in Residence Halls During Recreation Period;
(i)	Rule 14:	Posting Campaign Signs and Materials in Unauthorized Locations;
(j)	Rule 15.	Failure to Maintain Access to Dormitory Room After “Lights Out”;
(k)	Rule 16:	Using IPods, Games, or Similar Device During Scheduled Events;
(l)	Rule 18:	Gambling at Boys State;
(m)	Rule 19:	Unauthorized Defacing or Marking of Boys State T-Shirts;
(n)	Rule 20:	Smoking or Using Smokeless Tobacco;
(o)	Rule 21:	Using Cell Phones or Sending Text Messages During Classes or Lectures;
(p)	Rule 22:	Trespassing on Stonehill College Property Not Assigned to Boys State.

(3)        Where jurisdiction over any of the General Rules of Massachusetts Boys State has not been granted to the Trial Court, jurisdiction shall reside solely and exclusively with the Chairman or, as he may designate, the Staff of Massachusetts Boys State.

(4)        Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Chairman in his sole and absolute discretion may assume jurisdiction over any violation of the General Rules of Massachusetts Boys State.

 

Chapter 2.  Crimes Against The Public Peace

(1)        Whoever intentionally causes a disturbance of the peace of Massachusetts Boys State shall be punished by serving not less than one hour of community service or, in the case of offenses where jurisdiction is assumed by the Chairman of Boys State, by a penalty up to and including expulsion from Massachusetts Boys State.

(2)        Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Chairman in his sole and absolute discretion may assume jurisdiction over any offense encompassed in this Section.

 

Chapter 3.  Crimes Against the Person. 

(1)        Whoever shall intentionally commit an assault or an assault and battery upon another shall be punished by serving not less than three hours of community service or, in the case of offenses where jurisdiction is assumed by the Chairman of Boys State, by a penalty up to and including expulsion from Massachusetts Boys State.

(2)        Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Chairman in his sole and absolute discretion may assume jurisdiction over any offense encompassed in this Section.

 

Chapter 4.  Crimes Against Property. 

(1)        Whoever shall intentionally cause destruction to any of the property belonging to Stonehill College, or to any other Boys State Citizen or Counselor, or to any resident or visitor to the Stonehill College campus shall be punished by serving not less than two hours of community service or, in the case of offenses where jurisdiction is assumed by the Chairman of Boys State, by a penalty up to and including expulsion from Massachusetts Boys State.

(2)        Whoever shall intentionally trespass in the dormitory quarters of another Boys State Citizen, or in another Boys State municipality at times not authorized, or shall enter a location on campus in violation of the direct instruction of a member of the Boys State Staff shall be punished by serving not less than one hour of community service or, in the case of offenses where jurisdiction is assumed by the Chairman of Boys State, by a penalty up to and including expulsion from Massachusetts Boys State.

(3)        Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Chairman in his sole and absolute discretion may assume jurisdiction over any offense encompassed in this Section.

Chapter 5.  Attempt To Commit A Crime.

(1)        Whoever attempts to commit a crime by doing any act toward its commission, but fails in its perpetration, or is intercepted or prevented in its perpetration, shall, except as otherwise provided, be punished by serving not less than one hour of community service or, in the case of offenses where jurisdiction is assumed by the Chairman of Boys State, by a penalty up to and including expulsion from Massachusetts Boys State.

(2)        Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Chairman in his sole and absolute discretion may assume jurisdiction over any offense encompassed in this Section.

 

Chapter 6.  Accessory To A Crime.

(1)        Accessory Before the Fact.  Whoever aids in the commission of a crime, or is accessory thereto before the fact by counseling, hiring or otherwise procuring such crime to be committed, shall be punished in the manner provided for the punishment of the principal offender.

(2)        Accessory After the Fact.  Whoever, after the commission of a crime, harbors, conceals, maintains or assists the offender or accessory before the fact, or gives such offender any other aid, knowing that he has committed a crime or has been accessory thereto before the fact, with intent that he shall avoid or escape detention, arrest, trial or punishment, shall be an accessory after the fact, and shall be punished in the manner provided for the punishment of the principal offender.

(3)        Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the Chairman in his sole and absolute discretion may assume jurisdiction over any offense encompassed in this Section.

 

Chapter 7.   Repeat Offenders; Default of Court Appearance

(1)        Whoever shall be convicted of more than one violation of the Criminal Code of Massachusetts Boys State, or any offender who fails to appear in court to answer for a criminal complaint, shall be deemed a “Class II Offender.”    Any Citizen found to be a Class II Offender shall be punished by serving cafeteria duty or such other campus maintenance task as may be assigned by the Boys State staff in consultation with Stonehill College staff or any other penalty which the Boys State staff, in its sole discretion, may deem appropriate. 

(2)        Lack of knowledge of a criminal complaint shall be no defense for failure to appear.  In cases where a Citizen has had his Boys State I.D. card taken by a staff member for an alleged crime, or in cases where a Citizen has lost or has otherwise become dispossessed of his Boys State I.D. card, it is the duty of the Citizen to appear in the Trial Court to answer for his missing card, no matter how it left his possession.

 

Chapter 8.   Jurisdiction Assumed By The Chairman.

(1)        In the case of any conduct committed by a Citizen of Massachusetts Boys State, whether or not such conduct is in direct violation of the General Rules of Boys State or the Criminal Code of Massachusetts Boys State, but is otherwise determined by the Chairman to be contrary to the general good order of Massachusetts Boys State, the Chairman may, in his sole discretion, assume jurisdiction over the offender and the subject matter and impose any penalty which he, in his discretion, may deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the Massachusetts Boys State Program and notification to the offender’s school principal or school board of the nature of the offense and the reasons for expulsion.