Motions during meetings

If the meeting agenda has been approved at the start of a meeting and during discussion of one of the meeting topics, a member wishes to make a motion, is it a valid motion and if passed is implemented?

"A motion is a formal proposal by a member, in a meeting, that the assembly take a certain action" (RONR p. 27 ll. 18-19).  It would be pretty difficult for the assembly to do anything without having adopted motions first.

If the motion was not part of the approved agenda, can the motion still be made, seconded and voted on?

If the motion was not part of the approved agenda, can the motion still be made, seconded and voted on?

Sure, during New Business. It would also be appropriate to Suspend the Rules in order to bring up the motion at a different time.

If this has already happened, it's too late to raise a Point of Order about it now. 

Perhaps (judging from the questions) there was no "New Business" included in the adopted agenda?

As unwise as that may be, even if it was done, the adopted agenda can be amended.

Perhaps (judging from the questions) there was no "New Business" included in the adopted agenda?

 

As unwise as that may be, even if it was done, the adopted agenda can be amended.

I recall some fairly persuasive arguments from Mr. Elsman that items of New Business may be introduced after all business on the agenda has been completed, even if the agenda does not provide for New Business, so long as the assembly has no special rules of order which specifically require items to be on the agenda, or to be submitted in advance, or whatever.

Also if the agenda contains nothing but topics: "If the meeting agenda has been approved at the start of a meeting and during discussion of one of the meeting topics," I can't see why a motion related to that topic would require any kind of rule suspension, in fact, it should be understood that it's normal for motions to arise out of these topics.

Also if the agenda contains nothing but topics: "If the meeting agenda has been approved at the start of a meeting and during discussion of one of the meeting topics," I can't see why a motion related to that topic would require any kind of rule suspension, in fact, it should be understood that it's normal for motions to arise out of these topics.

George

Thanks for the input.  The agenda did contain other motions but this one came up after much discussion over the topic and did reverse an earlier discussion.  This motion passed with a 5-1 vote.

If a motion was approved by the majority (quorum was met), can you retrack the approved motion or reconsider the approved motion in the next Board meeting?

If a motion was approved by the majority (quorum was met), can you retrack the approved motion or reconsider the approved motion in the next Board meeting?

I'm not familiar with the term "retrack" (perhaps it's a typo for "retract," which would make more sense, but that's not a parliamentary term). The time limits for Reconsider have most likely passed. The board may, however, rescind or amend the motion at its next meeting, provided the motion has not yet been fully carried out. This requires a 2/3 vote, a vote of a majority of the entire membership, or a majority vote with previous notice.

Additionally, for future reference, please post a new question as a new topic, even if an existing topic appears similar.

I agree with the previous posters in that nothing in RONR 11th would make the adoption of the motion invalid. At worst it might have been out of order at the time (but I doubt it, if it arose out of an agenda item) and it is too late to raise a point of order. However, I would caution you that your special rules or applicable legislation may differ, for example if this is an HOA board or government body.  (And if that is the case, consult an attorney, this board is only about RONR)

Perhaps (judging from the questions) there was no "New Business" included in the adopted agenda?

 

As unwise as that may be, even if it was done, the adopted agenda can be amended.

I recall some fairly persuasive arguments from Mr. Elsman that items of New Business may be introduced after all business on the agenda has been completed, even if the agenda does not provide for New Business, so long as the assembly has no special rules of order which specifically require items to be on the agenda, or to be submitted in advance, or whatever.

I'm sure I would be easily persuaded to agree with those arguments!

I'm sure I would be easily persuaded to agree with those arguments!

Mr. Elsman's arguments were almost always persuasive. 

Sure, during New Business. It would also be appropriate to Suspend the Rules in order to bring up the motion at a different time.

Maybe the discussion should be considered part of a report?  "A motion arising out of an officer's, a board's, or a committee's report is taken up immediately, since the object of the order of business is to give priority to the classes of business in the order listed."  RONR (11th ed.), p. 356, ll. 12-15.  Could this apply in the OP scenario?

Maybe the discussion should be considered part of a report?  "A motion arising out of an officer's, a board's, or a committee's report is taken up immediately, since the object of the order of business is to give priority to the classes of business in the order listed."  RONR (11th ed.), p. 356, ll. 12-15.  Could this apply in the OP scenario?

Certainly. Additionally, as Mr. Mervosh has noted, it seems the agenda may have consisted of "topics" rather than specific motions, so that may be another possibility for how the motion could have been germane to the item of business at hand.