Amend a motion on bylaws

[Guest Rick Libert]

A motion was made to amend a section of our bylaws. According to our bylaws the amended language must be published and announced 2 consectutive weeks before voted on. The motion was laid on the table (incorrectly it should have been postponed) to a special business meeting. In the mean time the person who made the motion orginally wishes to change the language. Can that be done during the regular buisness meeting (which occurs before the special meeting)? How?

[jstackpo]

The motion to amend the bylaws (lets say "change the bylaws" to avoid using a word in two slightly different contexts) is a main motion. As such it can itself be amended as long as the amendment to the change is "within the scope" of the original notice to change the bylaws. Scope is tricky to write about -- see RONR, and check out the index references to "Notice, scope of".

[Tim Wynn]

A motion was made to amend a section of our bylaws. According to our bylaws the amended language must be published and announced 2 consectutive weeks before voted on. The motion was laid on the table (incorrectly it should have been postponed) to a special business meeting. In the mean time the person who made the motion orginally wishes to change the language. Can that be done during the regular buisness meeting (which occurs before the special meeting)? How?

You will have to comply with the bylaw amendment procedure contained in your bylaws.

Generally, a motion requiring notice is not made before the notice is given.

Under RONR's requirement for previous notice, the motion for which notice has been given can be amended during its consideration without invalidating the effect of the notice, so long as the amendment does not go beyond the scope of the notice. However, the notice requirement in your bylaws may be more restrictive.