MDKCI BOARD TRAINER The a-b-c’s of PARLIMENTARY PROCEDURE Bryan L. Crenshaw District Administrator

What is Parliamentary Procedure? It’s a set of rules for conducting business at meetings and public gatherings. Why is it important? It allows everyone to be heard and make decisions without confusion.

How Do Members Get Their Say? Present Motions Second Motions (make a proposal)(express support for discussion of another members motion) Debate MotionsVote on Motions (give opinions on the motion)(make a decision)

There are 5 General Types of Motions Main MotionSubsidiary Motions Privileged Motions Incidental MotionsMotions That Bring a Question Again Before The Assembly

Descriptions of Each Motion Main Motions -Used to bring business before the board Subsidiary Motions To change/amend the main motion before the board Privileged Motions These concern special or important matters not related to pending business

Descriptions of Each Motion cont. Incidental Motions These are questions of procedure that arise out of other motions Motions That Bring a Question Again Before the Board These enable certain items to be reconsidered. Usually brought up when no other business is pending

Proper Ways to Make a Motion I MOVE …. Any motion in order for it to be considered has to be made in this manner. Any motion made must be seconded in order for it to move into the discussion/debate SO MOVED This can be used when the Chair states the motion when asking if there is a motion on the floor (example: is there a motion to approve the minutes from the April board meeting? Someone says “So Moved” and another says, “I Second”)

Improper Ways to Make a Motion I motion ……….

How Do You Make a Motion? 1. Obtain the Floor Raise your hand to be recognized when the Chair asks if there is a motion, after being recognized, you state/make your motion 2. Second the Motion Another member must second the motion for it to be discussed. If there is no second, the motion dies due to lack of support

What Happens Next? 3. The Chair States Your Motion The Chair must state your motion “its has been moved and seconded that…” At this point, discussion/debate can begin on the motion 4. Discussion/Discussion Members will debate the pro’s and con’s of the motion being offered. Members will be recognized by the chair to present their argument in favor or against the motion

What Happens Next? 4. The Chair Calls the Question If the Chair sees there is no more discussion, they can call the question. The chair will ask “is there is any other discussion?” If there is not, the chair will ask for one of the methods of voting to take place.

Is there a way to end debate on a motion and put it to a immediate vote? YES …if someone states I move the previous question, a member must second this motion for a vote to call the question. If there is no second, debate will continue. (This is a non- debatable motion If there is 2/3 support when voting to call the question, a vote on the main motion must take place immediately.

Can a Motion be Amended? YES…the person offering the amendment indicates “I would like to offer a friendly amendment to the motion and states what the amendment is. This must be second. Without a second, this will die due to lack of support. If a majority of the body votes to accept the friendly amendment, it then becomes part of the main motion.

Ways to Record a Vote Roll Call – This is where the secretary or recorder ask’s each member how they vote (commonly used when 2/3 majority vote is needed for motion to pass) Voice Vote – The Chair asks the Ayes and Nays Ballot – Members vote on a piece of paper

Ways to Record a Vote cont. Show of Hands – Each member raises their hand when the chair asks if they are in favor or against the motion Stand – The Chair asks all those in favor and those opposed to stand and be counted. General Consent – The chair asks “if there is no objection” Members show consent by their silence. If someone objects, then is must be put to a recorded vote

Can a motion that has been voted on be reconsidered by the body? YES …if someone makes a motion to “reconsider the vote by which the motion (state what the motion was) passed”. This has to be seconded and approved by the body. Discussion then can take place again and once discussion is complete, a vote on the motion can be taken again. This is usually when no other business is pending

Parliamentary Procedure Helps Get Things Done MAKE MOTIONS That are in order OBTAIN THE FLOOR Properly (by raising your hand and being recognized by the chair) SPEAK Clearly and concisely OBEY The rules of debate

Resources on Parliamentary Procedure Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised 11 th Edition Robert’s Rule of Order Newly Revised IN BRIEF Fully Updated 2 nd Edition The a-b-c’s of Parliamentary Procedure

QUESTIONS?