First Reading of Policy at SC Meeting

[Maureen S]

Could you please advise if a first reading of a policy at a School Committee meeting can then be referred back to the Policy Subcommittee for further review and revision after a motion was made to accept for a second reading?  There was a vague comment that there may be further revisions by one of the members, but they did not indicate which policy.

 

Thank you!

[Chris Harrison]

Generally speaking motions can be referred to a (sub)committee up until it has been voted on.  However, RONR doesn't address "first readings" and "second readings" as apparently your rules do so the default rule on what can be Referred and when may not apply to this School Committee.

[Richard Brown]

I agree with Chris Harrison.  The answer depends on your own bylaws and rules of procedure.... and possibly on state open meetings laws if this is a public body of any kind.

[Gary Novosielski]

Could you please advise if a first reading of a policy at a School Committee meeting can then be referred back to the Policy Subcommittee for further review and revision after a motion was made to accept for a second reading?  There was a vague comment that there may be further revisions by one of the members, but they did not indicate which policy.

 

Thank you!

Well, they'd have to indicate what policy they were recommitting. You say a motion was made to accept it (of course, or you wouldn't be discussing it at all) but was a vote taken on accepting it for a second reading?  Your rules on two readings are specialized, and not included in RONR.  

 

But I think it would be safe to say that if the motion was still under discussion (pending--no vote yet taken), then a motion to refer it (back) to a committee would be in order.  it would require a second and a majority vote on the motion to recommit. Vague comments are no substitute for an actual motion.

 

If the motion was voted on and the next item of business taken up, it would be less likely that you could refer it anywhere without at least a motion to Reconsider it.   But your rules might offer some other way.  I'd just be guessing what that way might be.