Subsidiary motion

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A subsidiary motion, in parliamentary procedure, is a type of motion by which a deliberative assembly deals directly with a main motion prior to (or instead of) voting on the main motion itself.^[1]

[edit] Explanation

Some of the subsidiary motions may also be applied to certain other subsidiary motions, incidental motions and privileged motions.

[edit] Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR)

Robert's Rules of Order recognizes seven subsidiary motions. Ranked lowest to highest in order of precedence, they are the motions to^[2]:

1. Postpone indefinitely -- to end consideration of the main motion for the balance of that session, without a direct vote on the main motion.
2. Amend-- to change the main motion. (May also be applied to certain other motions).
3. Commit or Refer -- to send the main motion and any pending subsidiary motions to a committee for consideration.
4. Postpone to a certain time (or Postpone Definitely, or Postpone) -- to delay consideration of the main motion and any pending subsidiary motions.
5. Limit or extend limits of debate -- to change limitations on number or length of speeches from those previously adopted.
6. Previous Question -- to close debate, preclude any further amendments and vote immediately. (May apply to any motion or pending series of motions.)
7. Lay on the Table (or Table) -- to suspend consideration of the main motion and any pending subsidiary motions to allow for immediate consideration of more urgent business.

Motions 1, 2, 3 and 4 are debatable and require a majority vote for adoption. Motions 5 and 6 are undebatable and require a two-thirds vote for adoption. Motion 7 is undebatable and requires a majority vote for adoption. Each subsidiary motion ranks higher than the main motion and lower than the privileged motions, and also yields to applicable incidental motions.

[edit] The Standard Code (TSC)

The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure differs as follows:

• The motion to Postpone Indefinitely is omitted. The motion to Table (or Postpone Temporarily) is used instead, a usage prohibited by Robert's but in fact used in many organizations.^[3]
• The motion for the Previous Question is regarded as outdated, confusing terminology, and is instead called the motion to Close Debate.^[4]
• The motion to Table is also called the motion to Postpone Temporarily, and unlike in Robert's, may be used to kill a motion without a direct vote and without debate, but in this case a two-thirds vote is required.

[edit] References

v • d • e Parliamentary Procedure Major concepts Deliberative assembly · Motions · Main motion · Quorum · Session Subsidiary motions Postpone indefinitely · Amend · Commit · Postpone to a certain time · Limit or extend limits of debate · Previous question · Lay on the table Privileged motions Call for the orders of the day · Raise a question of privilege · Recess · Adjourn · Fix the time to which to adjourn Incidental motions Point of order · Appeal · Suspend the rules · Objection to the consideration of a question · Division of a question · Consideration by paragraph or seriatim · Division of the assembly · Motions relating to methods of voting and the polls · Motions relating to nominations Incidental motions (Requests and inquiries) Parliamentary inquiry · Point of information · Request for permission to withdraw or modify a motion · Request to read papers · Request to be excused from a duty · Request for any other privilege Motions that bring a question again before the assembly Take from the table · Rescind, repeal, annul or amend something previously adopted · Discharge a committee · Reconsider Legislative procedure Call of the house · Hoist · Pass on Disciplinary procedures Censure · Declare the chair vacant · Impeach Parliamentary authorities Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) · The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (TSC) · Demeter's Manual · Riddick's Rules of Procedure · Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure Other concepts Committee · Committee of the whole · Dilatory motions and tactics · Minutes · Second · History of parliamentary procedure · Principles of parliamentary procedure