Generic Parliamentary Question

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Motions & Rationale
Posted by N899 -- Created about 1 year -- Viewed 828 Times
A multi-part motion was submitted on paper by a committee to the full body for consideration. Each part of the motion was followed by a printed rationale. Members of the committee stated several times during the meeting that the rationale was not to be considered part of the motion. The motion was passed in a close vote. The committee now wishes to expand the rationale, because the motion now has to be submitted to a higher authority for final approval. The parliamentarian has ruled that the rationale was part of the motion that was passed, and therefore cannot be changed without reconsidering the entire motion. Is this correct? Is the rationale properly considered part of the motion?
Posted by Smalley43 -- about 1 year
First, for future reference the motion and rational can be on one document for discussion, but when the chair puts the motion to the vote it should only be for the motion. Example, the Question is on the adoption of the motion that the association purchase 10 Roberts Rules of Order. Those in favor . . . . It would help me to better answer the question if I knew what the minutes say. Do the minutes include the rationale with the motion as being approved or do the minutes only include the motion? Did the chair make it clear when voting (not the committee members but the chair) that the assembly was only voting on the motion and not the rationale? As you know, since the vote was close, you need to be careful to handle this correctly. Without knowing about the minutes or how the chair handled the vote, it would be paramount that the body that voted on the motion would have to be consulted as to adding more rationale. Instead of reconsideration you would simply need to get approval from the body for adding additional rationale. You can e-mail me at Smalley43@gmail.com if you need to followup. I really need to know what the minutes say to help.