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Modified Rules for Committees


Watson

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In the National Parliamentarian (First Quarter, 2012), Paul McClintock addressed the differences between the 10th and 11th editions of RONR in his article Robert's Rules for Committees and Small Boards, noting, however, that, "Neither edition requires a motion to be seconded."

More recently, in a Forum post, Dan Honemann stated that, "A committee, on the other hand, is required to use the modified rules unless otherwise directed."

My city's municipal code, which specifies RONR as its parliamentary authority, contains the sentence, "No motion shall be discussed or acted upon until it has been seconded."

Question: Does the special rule of order in the municipal code supersede RONR in regard to the modifies rules for committees?

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In the National Parliamentarian (First Quarter, 2012), Paul McClintock addressed the differences between the 10th and 11th editions of RONR in his article Robert's Rules for Committees and Small Boards, noting, however, that, "Neither edition requires a motion to be seconded."

More recently, in a Forum post, Dan Honemann stated that, "A committee, on the other hand, is required to use the modified rules unless otherwise directed."

My city's municipal code, which specifies RONR as its parliamentary authority, contains the sentence, "No motion shall be discussed or acted upon until it has been seconded."

Question: Does the special rule of order in the municipal code supersede RONR in regard to the modifies rules for committees?

Yes, if it is applicable to committees.

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Yes, but Dan's distinction is important. The municipal code must provide that the rule applies to committees, as distinct from a full body, before it would supersede RONR's rules for committees.

I serve on a school board which has a similar rule, and although it is only a body of nine, all motions must be seconded, and the names of both mover and seconder must be entered in the minutes. The president neither makes nor seconds motions. But other rules for small boards are followed: viz. the president speaks in debate and votes.

However, since the special rule does not state that it applies to committees of the board, seconds are not required in committee, not even in Committee of the Whole.

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