RULE IV — MOTIONS

RULE IV — MOTIONS

Section 1 — Definition

A motion is a proposal made during a meeting for the assembly to take action.

When adopted, motions become official decisions recorded in the minutes.

Section 2 — Authority

Any voting member may make a motion unless restricted by the Bylaws.

Section 3 — Proper Use

Motions are used to:

    approve expenditures

    authorize activities

    adopt resolutions

    adopt or amend RO or policies

    direct officers

The following motions shall be recognized:

a)   Main Motion — to introduce or direct business;

b)   Amend — to modify a motion;

c)   Refer to Committee — to assign further study;

d)   Previous Question — to close debate;

e)   Postpone — to delay consideration;

f)   Adjourn — to close the meeting;

g)   Recess — to temporarily pause;

h)   Point of Order — to enforce rules;

i)    Appeal — to challenge the ruling of the chair;

j)    Reconsider — to revisit a previous decision.

The presiding officer shall rule on the admissibility and priority of motions in accordance with these Rules and Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.

See Appendix F–  Motion Types

Section 4 — Improper Use

Motions shall NOT be used to:

     amend bylaws

     override governing documents

     create standing rules

    grant authority not allowed by bylaws

Section 5 — Processing a Motion

The process for handling a motion shall be as follows:

            (1) Motion Made — A member obtains recognition and states the motion;

            (2) Second — Another member seconds the motion to indicate support for                                                consideration;

            (3) Statement of the Motion — The presiding officer restates the motion for the                                         assembly;

            (4) Debate — Members may discuss the motion when recognized;

            (5) Vote — The presiding officer calls for a vote using an appropriate method;

            (6) Announcement — The presiding officer announces the result of the vote.

Section 6 — Recording

The Secretary records:

            • exact wording

            • mover

            • vote result

Section 7 — Order of Precedence of Motions

When more than one motion is pending, motions shall be considered in the following order of precedence, with higher-ranked motions taking priority over lower-ranked motions:

(1) Privileged Motions

    (a) Adjourn;

    (b) Recess;

    (c) Question of Privilege;

    (d) Orders of the Day.

(2) Subsidiary Motions

    (a) Previous Question (Close Debate);

    (b) Limit or Extend Debate;

    (c) Postpone to a Certain Time;

    (d) Refer to Committee;

    (e) Amend.

(3) Main Motion

Incidental motions (such as Point of Order, Appeal, and Division of the Assembly) may be raised at any time and shall be decided immediately.

A motion of higher precedence shall be decided before a motion of lower precedence.

The presiding officer shall rule on the precedence and admissibility of motions in accordance with these Rules and Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.