Substitute resolutions

[Guest Bill]

A resolution was submitted. A substitute resolution was submitted and accepted/vote.

1. Does the substitute resolution have to deal with the original subject? In this case the original resolution dealt with a change to the organizational structure through a change to the governing document. The substitute resolution proposed a committee to study the issue.

2. If the substitute is approved and then withdrawn by the maker it appears that the original resolution is also cancelled. This could be a method for the majority of a governing body to never vote a resolution up or down.

[Bruce Lages]

1. From what you describe, it sounds like what you are calling a 'substitute resolution' was actually a motion to refer the original proposal to a committee for further study. Nothing wrong with that, and if the 'substitute' was approved the original matter would have gone into the hands of the committee and no longer be under consideration at that meeting. I'm not sure why you think the 'substitute' didn't deal with the original subject.

2. Once the 'substitute' is approved, it cannot be withdrawn by the maker at all, except by a separate motion to rescind something previously adopted or to reconsider the vote on the motion.