AG 1999 09 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Rule 16. Substantive Motion. A substantive motion is out of order while another substantive motion is pending. Comment: This rule sets forth the basic principle of parliamentary procedure: to consider and deal with distinct issues one at a time. A new proposal may not be put forth until action on the preceding one has been concluded. RRO does not refer to substantive motions as such; instead, it uses such adjectives as "main" or "principal". Here, a substantive motion is any motion other than the procedural motions listed in Rule 19. The possible subject of a substantive motion coextends with the board's legal powers, duties, and responsibilities. Indeed, since Rule 13 provides that the board proceed by motion, the substantive motion is the board's exclusive method of action. The procedural motions detailed in the following rules set forth the board's various options in disposing of substantive motions. Rule 17. Adoption by Majority Vote. A motion shall be adopted if approved by a majority of the votes cast, a quorum being present, unless an extraordinary majority is required by these rules or North Carolina laws. Rule 18. Debate. The chair shall state the motion and then open the floor to debate, presiding over the debate according to these general principles: (1) The member making the motion or introducing the ordinance, resolution, or order is entitled to speak first. (2) A member who has not spoken on the issue shall be recognized before someone who has already spoken. (3) To the extent possible, the debate shall alternate between opponents and proponents of the measure. Rule 19. Procedural Motions. (a) In addition to substantive proposals, the procedural motions listed in subsection 0o) of this mle, and no others, shall be in order. Unless otherwise noted, each motion is debatable, may be amended, and requires a majority vote for adoption. Comment: This rule substantially departs from RRO. Each procedural motion in RRO was reviewed to determine whether it as appropriate for use by a small board; substantial modifications and deletions were the result. The following enumeration of procedural motions is exhaustive; ifa procedural option is not listed, it is not available. (b) In order of priority (if applicable), the procedural motions are: Comments: While a substantive motion is out of order if another substantive motion is pending, several procedural motions can be entertained in succession without necessarily disposing of the immediately pending one. The order of the list below establishes which procedural motion yields to which--for example, a move to defer consideration (6) may be made while a move to refer to committee (9) is pending because (6) ranks higher on the list.