business discussed between meetings

[Guest mark]

Can business be discussed purposely (outside of an executive committee) between some board members in between board meetings without the entire board being given the background information (aka discussions about matters that other board members know nothing about) and then have a motion sprung on the entire board at the next meeting that pertains to that topic/item?

[George Mervosh]

No rule prohibits it.

[David A Foulkes]

While the practice may seem underhanded to some members, unless the motion requires notice there is nothing wrong with making a motion under New Business that other members had no advance knowledge of. If a majority feels more time is needed to consider it, they can adopt a motion to Postpone the motion to the next meeting, or possibly a motion to Refer it to a committee for further study. However, if a majority feels comfortable enough with the debate (that should take place) that they can bring the motion to a vote, then no harm no foul.

[Rev Ed]

And as a motion to end debate takes a 2/3 vote, even if a majority of members have spoken about the issue outside the meeting, as long as at least a third of the members wish to discuss the issue, debate could continue until such time as members are happy to vote on the issue.