Historical Resolution Tracking Feature » Proposed GAC-related Bylaws revisions

Important note: The explanatory text provided through this database (including the summary, implementation actions, identification of related resolutions, and additional information) is an interpretation or an explanation that has no official authority and does not represent the purpose behind the Board actions, nor does any explanations or interpretations modify or override the Resolutions themselves. Resolutions can only be modified through further act of the ICANN Board.

Proposed GAC-related Bylaws revisions


Resolution of the ICANN Board
Topic: 
Bylaws revisions proposed by GAC
Category: 
Board
Meeting Date: 
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Resolution Number: 
2014.07.30.03
Resolution Text: 

Whereas, Recommendation 11 of the first Accountability and Transparency Review Team (ATRT1), called for the formalization of a process for Board consideration of advice from the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC).

Whereas, the Board/GAC Recommendation Implementation Working Group was formed to address this and other recommendations, and developed a "Process for Consultations between the ICANN Board of Directors ("Board") and the Governmental Advisory Committee ("GAC"), including those required pursuant to Article XI Section 2.1.j of the ICANN Bylaws" (Process for Consultations), which includes a requirement that 2/3 of Board members eligible to vote on an issue approve any action in contravention of GAC advice.

Whereas, revisions to ICANN's Bylaws are required to give implement this new voting threshold.

Resolved (2014.07.30.03), the Board approves the posting for public comment of proposed revisions to the ICANN Bylaws to give effect to the Process for Consultations.

Rationale for Resolution: 

The posting for public comment of these proposed Bylaws is the logical next step in the implementation of Recommendation 11 of the first Accountability and Transparency Review Team (calling for the development of a formal process for Board/Governmental Advisory Committee consultations on GAC advice) as well as Recommendation 6.5 of the second Accountability and Transparency Review Team (calling for the consideration of Bylaws changes to give effect to the developed process). Though a formal "Process for Consultation between the ICANN Board of Directors ("Board") and the Governmental Advisory Committee ("GAC"), including those required pursuant to Article XI Section 2.1.j of the ICANN Bylaws" [DOC, 42 KB] was developed and accepted in April 2013, Bylaws revisions to give full effect to that process have not yet been presented to the Board due to the potential for additional proposed Bylaws changes to be identified. At the Board/GAC Recommendation Implementation Working Group session at ICANN's June 2014 meeting in London, England, it was determined that it is now timely to bring these changes to the Board.

The posting of these Bylaws changes for public comment is in line with ICANN's commitment to accountability and transparency. All public comments will be evaluated and presented to the Board for consideration and decision. There are no fiscal impacts in submitting this document for public comment. The posting of these proposed Bylaws changes is not anticipated to have any impact on the security, stability or resiliency of the DNS.

This is an Organizational Administrative Function for which public comment is not required.