Based on Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition)
The motions below are listed in order of precedence. Any motion can be introduced if it is higher on the chart than the pending motion.
YOU WANT TO | YOU SAY: | INTERUPT? | 2ND?1 | DEBATE? | AMEND? | VOTE? |
§21 Close meeting | I move to adjourn | No | Yes | No | No | Majority |
§20 Take a break | I rise to a recess for | No | Yes | No | Yes | Majority |
§19 Register complaint | I rise to a question of priviledge | Yes | No | No | No | None |
§18 Make follow | I call for the orders of the day | Yes | No | No | No | None |
§17 Lay aside temporarily | I move to lay the question on the table | No | Yes | No | No | Majority |
§16 Close debate | I move the previous question | No | Yes | No | No | 2/3 |
§15 Limit or extend debate | I move the debate to be limited to… | No | Yes | No | Yes | 2/3 |
§14 Postpone to a certain time | I move to postpone the motion to… | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority |
§13 Refer to committee | I move to refer the motion to… | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority |
§12 Modify wording of motion | I move to amend the motion by… | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority |
§11 Kill main motion | I move that the motion be postponed indefinitely | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority |
§10 Bring business before assembly (a main motion) | I move that [or “to”] | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority |
– Slide 1
1, Some more formal requirements, like seconds to motions, may not apply in smaller boards or any size committee.
Jim Slaughter, Attorney, Certified Professional Parliamentarian-Teacher, Professional Registered Parliamentarian
Author, Robert’s Rules of Order Fast Track and Notes and Comments on Robert’s Rules, Fifth Edition
Web site: www.jimslaughter.com