In Robert’s Rules of Order, renewing a motion is something members do to reintroduce an issue. It is important to learn the proper way to renew a motion and the alternative ways to do so. This way, members of an organization, including a homeowners association, can stick to standard procedure and carry out meetings efficiently.
Robert’s Rules of Order Renewing a Motion: How to Do It
There are two methods to reintroduce a motion to the assembly. One approach is to renew a motion. According to Robert’s Rules, to renew a motion, a member may present it as new business at the following meeting. This usually happens when the assembly votes down the motion at the current meeting.
The second method involves a set of alternative motions. It’s a parliamentary rule that a member may not bring up a defeated main motion again in the same meeting unless it fulfills one of the following conditions:
- Substantially transforms into a new question;
- Undergoes significant wording changes;
- Sees alterations in time or conditions; or,
- Follows the special procedures explained in this article.
Alternative Ways to Reintroduce a Question
Other than Robert’s Rules of Order renewing a motion, there are ways to return a question for reconsideration. Members utilize these motions when no other business is currently under consideration.
1. Take from the Table
- Purpose: To remove a motion from the table.
- Requires a second.
- Non-debatable.
- Adopts with a majority vote.
- No reconsideration.
- Outcome: The motion is taken from the table and becomes the immediate pending business.
When a motion is temporarily set aside (tabled), members must bring it back before the end of the next meeting, or else it expires. This motion should be made when no other business is ongoing, can be proposed by anyone, requires a second, and is not open for debate. The vote is immediate and needs a majority to pass. If approved, the previously tabled motion is reintroduced to the assembly.
2. Reconsider
- Purpose: To review the vote on a motion.
- Only a member who voted on the prevailing side can propose the motion.
- Requires a second.
- Debatable if the motion being reconsidered is debatable.
- Adopts with a majority vote.
- No reconsideration itself.
- This motion can be proposed but not discussed when other business is under consideration.
- Outcome: If adopted, the original motion is presented to the assembly as if the assembly didn’t previously vote on it.
The motion to reconsider enables the members to change their decision on a vote. In one-day meetings, members must propose this motion on the same day as the original vote. In conventions or multi-day sessions, members can reconsider a vote from the previous day. If time has run out for reconsideration, members can use the motion to rescind or amend something previously adopted. If the motion was defeated in the past, a member can reintroduce it as new business.
The member proposing this motion should declare being on the winning side. If not, the chair must ask. If no business is ongoing, the motion is taken up immediately. However, if business is underway, the secretary notes it and brings it up when a member calls for it with no other business pending, which could be in another meeting.
If carried, the original motion is back before the assembly as if never voted on. If members exhaust their right to debate, they can’t debate it again unless revisited in another meeting.
The restrictions on reconsidering a motion are when:
- The motion’s provisions are partially carried out
- A vote results in irreversible actions
- A contract is made, and the other party is notified
- Another parliamentary motion can achieve the same outcome
3. Rescind and Amend Something Previously Adopted
- Purpose: To alter something previously approved, either by completely removing the action or by modifying part of it.
- Requires a second.
- Can be amended.
- Open for debate.
- If no prior notice is given, it needs a majority of the whole membership or a two-thirds vote, whichever is more practical. With prior notice, the motion requires a majority vote to adopt.
- Can only reconsider a negative vote.
- Outcome: Adoption of this motion reverses or modifies the previously approved motion.
The rules for the motions to rescind and amend something previously adopted by the assembly are similar. These motions are considered as incidental main motions, requiring a second and being open for debate. They are not allowed if the action has already been carried out and is impossible to reverse.
Requirements and Limitations
Debate can focus on the merits of the original motion. Rescinding or amending a motion is not allowed if:
- Someone proposes the motion to reconsider the vote, and it can be brought up.
- Action on the motion has been carried out, and it is impossible to undo.
- Resignation is acted upon, and the person is notified.
- A person is elected to or removed from membership and notified. (If removed, they must reapply according to the bylaws.)
- An officer is elected to or removed from office and notified. (If elected to office and members want to rescind the action, they can do so if the bylaws permit.)
The vote requirements for these motions are:
- With prior notice, it needs a majority vote.
- It requires a two-thirds vote or a vote of majority from the whole membership without prior notice to preserve the rights of absent members.
Providing previous notice is recommended, especially for controversial issues. Members can request including notice in the letter sent to the membership or give notice orally at the preceding meeting.
4. Discharge a Committee
- Purpose: For the assembly to take control of a matter from a committee or subcommittee before receiving its report so that the assembly can decide.
- Requires a second.
- Can be amended.
- Open for debate. Discussion can focus on the question’s merits in the committee.
- If no prior notice is given, it requires either a two-thirds vote or a majority of the entire membership, whichever is more practical to obtain. With prior notice, the motion requires a majority vote to adopt.
- Outcome: If adopted, and if a motion was referred to the committee by a subsidiary motion, the motion is promptly brought before the assembly for discussion.
If a committee doesn’t report on time, discharging it requires a majority vote. If the committee provides a partial report, members can still discharge it with a majority vote.
The motion to discharge a committee is an incidental main motion and can only be proposed when no other business is ongoing. Use this motion when a committee fails to report on time or when something urgent arises and the assembly needs an immediate decision. Ensuring a motion or question doesn’t get stuck in committee is handy.
Robert’s Rules of Order Renewing a Motion
Mastering the art of renewing motions according to Robert’s Rules of Order enhances the functionality of any assembly. Whether through straightforward renewal or alternative motions, members gain valuable tools to revisit decisions and adapt to changing circumstances. An HOA board with little to no experience, though, would benefit from hiring an HOA management company.
