3b. Commonly Used Motions for Committees — original pdf

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Commonly Used Motions for Committees John W. K. Overbey, PRP prp@jwko.net Motion Purpose What to Say Special Characteristics Main Motion Introduce an item of business “I move to adopt the proposed budget.” “I move to approve the resolution on . . .” Can only be moved when no other motions are pending. Postpone Indefinitely Kill a sensitive main motion without a direct vote “I move that the main motion be Postponed Indefinitely.” No amendment. Amend Change the wording of a main motion “I move to Amend the main motion by striking out $750 under the line item for Postage and inserting $785.” Forms: Add or Insert; Strike Out; Strike Out and Insert; Substitute (entire main motion). Refer to Subcommittee Allow further study of a main motion “I move to Refer the main motion to the X subcommittee (with instructions to report to the main committee at the March regular meeting).” Can amend as to which subcommittee and the instructions to it. Postpone Delay decision on a main motion until later “I move to Postpone the main motion to the next regular meeting.” “I move to postpone the main motion until after lunch.” Can amend as to the time of postponement, but cannot extend beyond the next regular meeting. Previous Question Force a vote without further debate or amendment “I move the Previous Question.” “I move the Previous Question on all pending questions.” 2/3 vote required. No debate. Normally, not allowed in a committee. Recess Allow an interlude in a meeting “I move to Recess for 15 minutes.” Point of Order Identify an error in procedure “Point of Order! Our rules/charter/policies require that we ________. Request for Information Ask a factual question, directed to staff, officers, or subcommittee chairs. “I have a question regarding the budget.” Can amend as to the length of the recess. One member can demand that the rules be followed. No second, debate, or amendment. Most common tool for exercising duty of care. No second, debate, or amendment. Note: motion to “Table” is ambiguous and often misused. Instead, use Postpone to delay a decision, and Postpone Indefinitely to indirectly dispose of or kill a motion.