Second Reading of Ordinances

[Guest Dominic Holzhaus]

When two readings of an ordinance are required for passage, should the second reading be placed on the agenda under New Business or Unfinished Business and General Orders. The second reading and approval is not really new business because the ordinance has been read once at a prior meeting and approved for second reading. But is doesn't fit the list on pp. 358-9 of RONR, except possibly (d) a matter "otherwise make a general order" for the present meeting.

[jstackpo]

Since RONR doesn't require two "readings" of motions/ordinances, the book has nothing to say (as you found out) on the topic.

What you do with your special rule is up to you.

[Tim Wynn]

When two readings of an ordinance are required for passage, should the second reading be placed on the agenda under New Business or Unfinished Business and General Orders. The second reading and approval is not really new business because the ordinance has been read once at a prior meeting and approved for second reading. But is doesn't fit the list on pp. 358-9 of RONR, except possibly (d) a matter "otherwise make a general order" for the present meeting.

It could be made a general order or a special order. Since this rule concerning two readings is a rule specific to the organization, and not a RONR rule, it's not clear how it would fit into the order of business. It may very well be that the motion is introduced at the second meeting as new business, after having been read at a previous meeting, where that reading at the previous meeting is akin to previous notice.

[Guest Dominic Holzhaus]

Thank you both. The custom (this is governmental entity) is close to what Tim suggests -- the first reading is analogous to notice and the second reading has traditionally been placed under New Business.