Ballots on Bylaw amendments due October 18--members express views on proposals.

• Position: Professional Ethics Executive Committee - Members

Last month, members were sent a mail ballot that contained proposals to amend the AICPA bylaws in order to implement enhancements to the Institute's ethics enforcement process. Members who have not yet received a ballot packet should either call 888/637-3277 to obtain a new packet or go to the AICPA Web site at www.aicpa.org/enforcement to download the ballot, cover letter and referendum booklet that explains the proposals. However, if you choose to download the ballot material, you must follow the instructions on the Web site (including inserting your membership number and signing the ballot). Using the applicable mailing instructions, mail the ballot to the independent tabulator. In addition to the ballot material, a variety of other explanatory material with regard to proposals and enhancements to the ethics process can be found on that Web page. Members may also find information about the proposals in the June and July/Aug. issues of The CPA Letter and in the Aug. Journal of Accountancy.

All ballots must be returned to the independent tabulator, IVS Associates, Inc., by mail; no other method will be accepted. IVS must receive your signed ballot by close of business (Eastern Time) on Oct. 18, 2003, for your ballot to be counted. A twothirds majority of those voting on each of the measures is required for it to pass.

Summary of Members' Views on Bylaw Proposals

Members were invited to express their views on the proposed changes (The CPA Letter, June, July/Aug.) to the AICPA bylaws in connection with two proposals to enhance the AICPA's ethics enforcement process. The first proposal broadens and extends the AICPA's current authority regarding "automatic" sanctions. It would allow the Professional Ethics Executive Committee to automatically sanction an AICPA member without an investigation if the member is disciplined by any governmental agency or organization approved by the PEEC and the AICPA Board of Directors. In addition, it would expand existing automatic provisions to include admonishments, censures and any other disciplinary sanctions meted out by state boards of accountancy (currently, the provisions permit automatic action only when a state board terminates or suspends a member's CPA license or permit to practice).

The second proposal would establish a new policy for expanded transparency that would allow the PEEC, with approval by the governing Council, to provide for more relevant disclosures about the matters it has...