Improper motions

[Ursula]

Just trying to be clear: if a member makes a motion about a matter that is already under consideration by a standing committee of the assembly, is that an improper motion?

[Josh Martin]

Just trying to be clear: if a member makes a motion about a matter that is already under consideration by a standing committee of the assembly, is that an improper motion?

If the assembly has referred a motion to a committee, it is not in order for a member of the assembly to make a motion which conflicts with it. He would need to wait until the committee reports or move to discharge the committee from further consideration of the motion.

If a standing committee is working on a matter on its own initiative, however, that doesn't prevent a member in the parent assembly from making a motion on the issue.

[Bruce Lages]

Josh - if the bylaws stipulate the general areas of interest assigned to the standing committee(s), and the committee is considering an item within its assigned area, is it in order to discharge the committee from further consideration of that item?

[Josh Martin]

Josh - if the bylaws stipulate the general areas of interest assigned to the standing committee(s), and the committee is considering an item within its assigned area, is it in order to discharge the committee from further consideration of that item?

Yes.