Robert’s Rules Of Order Renewing A Motion: What To Do

Within Robert’s Rules of Order, renewing a motion allows members to reintroduce a topic. It is crucial to understand the correct method for renewing a motion and explore alternative approaches to ensure that members of an organization, such as HOAs, adhere to established procedures and conduct meetings efficiently.

Robert’s Rules of Order on Renewing a Motion

There are two approaches to reintroduce a motion to the assembly. One method is the renewal of a motion. According to Robert’s Rules, this involves presenting the motion as new business at the subsequent meeting, typically done when the assembly rejects the motion in the current session.

The second method involves employing alternative motions. As per parliamentary rules, a member cannot reintroduce a defeated main motion in the same meeting unless it substantially transforms into a new question, experiences significant changes in wording, sees modifications in time or conditions, or follows the special procedures outlined in this article.

How to Bring a Motion Back to the Assembly

There are alternative ways to bring a question back for reconsideration. Members employ these motions when no other business is currently under consideration.

Take from the Table

• Objective: To take a motion from the table.
• Needs a second? Yes.
• Debatable? No
• Majority vote required? Yes.
• Reconsideration possible? No.
• Outcome: The assembly takes the motion from the table and turns it into the immediate pending business.

When a motion is temporarily suspended (tabled), members must reintroduce it before the conclusion of the subsequent meeting; otherwise, it lapses. This action is appropriate when there is no other ongoing business, can be suggested by any member, needs a second, and is not subject to discussion. The voting process is prompt and demands a majority for approval. Upon approval, the motion previously set aside is reintegrated into the assembly’s proceedings.

Reconsider

• Objective: To reconsider the vote on a motion.
• Needs a second? Yes.
• Debatable? Yes, if the motion under reconsideration is debatable.
• Majority vote required? Yes.
• Reconsideration possible? No.
• Only a member who voted on the prevailing side can make the motion.
• When other business is being considered, this motion may be proposed but not discussed.
• Outcome: The original motion is being reconsidered by the assembly as if the initial vote on it never took place.

The motion to reconsider grants members the ability to alter their decision on a vote. Members must propose this motion in single-day meetings on the same day as the initial vote. Members can revisit a vote from the preceding day for conventions or multi-day sessions.

If the window for reconsideration has closed, members can resort to the motion to rescind or amend a previously adopted decision. A member may reintroduce a previously defeated motion as new business.

The member initiating this motion should confirm being on the prevailing side. If not, the chair must confirm it with the member. If no business is in progress, the motion is promptly addressed. However, if business is underway, the secretary records it and brings it up when a member requests it with no other business pending, possibly in a subsequent meeting.

If approved, the original motion reverts before the assembly as though never voted upon. Once a member has reached their limit on debates, they cannot engage in further debate unless it is revisited in another meeting.

Rescind and Amend Something Previously Adopted

• Objective: To modify something previously approved, either by rescinding it or amending a portion of it.
• Needs a second? Yes.
• Amendable? Yes.
• Debatable? Yes.
• Vote required? If no previous notice was given, a majority of the whole membership or a two-thirds vote is necessary, whichever is more feasible. If previous notice was given, the motion only needs a majority vote.
• Reconsideration possible? Only for a negative vote.
• Outcome: Rescinds or amends a motion that was previously adopted.

The guidelines for the motions to rescind and amend a previously adopted decision by the assembly share substantial similarities. Both motions are classified as incidental main motions, needing a second and being subject to debate. However, they are prohibited if the action has already been executed and is irreversible.

Rescinding or amending a motion is prohibited when:

1. An individual proposes the motion to reconsider the vote, which remains eligible for discussion.
2. Action on the motion has been executed, and it is irreversible.
3. A resignation is acted upon, and the individual receives notification.
4. An individual is elected to or removed from membership and duly informed. In cases of removal, reapplication is required as per the bylaws.
5. An officer is elected to or removed from office and duly notified. Members may rescind an election to office if the bylaws permit it.

Discharge a Committee

• Objective: To assume authority over an issue from a committee or subcommittee before receiving its report, allowing the assembly to make the decision.
• Needs a second? Yes.
• Amendable? Yes.
• Debatable? Yes. Discussion may center on the merits of the question in the committee.
• Vote required? If no previous notice was given, a majority of the whole membership or a two-thirds vote is necessary, whichever is more feasible. If previous notice was given, the motion only needs a majority vote.
• Outcome: Upon adoption, if a motion had been referred to the committee through a subsidiary motion, it is promptly presented for discussion before the assembly.

If a committee fails to submit its report promptly, it can be disbanded with a simple majority vote. Even if the committee delivers a partial report, members can disband it through a majority vote.

The motion to discharge a committee is categorized as an incidental main motion and can only be put forth when no other business is in progress. This motion proves valuable when a committee misses its reporting deadline, or an urgent matter arises, requiring an immediate decision from the assembly. It is a valuable tool to prevent a motion or question from stalling within the committee.

Robert’s Rule: Renew a Motion the Right Way

Learning how to bring back motions, as outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order, improves how meetings work. Members can use simple renewal or other methods to reconsider decisions when needed.

Up Next:

• Robert’s Rules Of Order Officers: What Do They Do?
• Robert’s Rules Of Order Election Of Officers: How It Works
• The Role Of Robert’s Rules of Order Committees