Discussion Requirements When Two Votes Mandated on One Motion

[Guest Greg Steeves]

Our church bylaws require that for a change to the bylaws it requires that, "A simple majority of those members present and voting in favor of the amendment at two consecutive business meetings is required."

 

We will have the first business meeting next week, at which time the motion will be presented, discussed and put to a vote for the first time.  The 2nd business meeting will follow one week later.

 

My question is procedural.  After presenting the motion in the second meeting, is it necessary to invite discussion and possibly entertain motions to amend?  Or, could the motion go straight to a 2nd vote with the discussion at the 1st meeting considered end of discussion?  I see challenges with debating at both meetings since if an amendment is passed on the 2nd meeting, then it seems like a third vote would be required so that the final wording gets affirmed twice.

 

Input would be appreciated.

[Edgar Guest]

After presenting the motion in the second meeting, is it necessary to invite discussion and possibly entertain motions to amend?  Or, could the motion go straight to a 2nd vote with the discussion at the 1st meeting considered end of discussion? 

 

Since RONR doesn't require two votes on the same (or amended?) motion, I'm afraid you're on your own. Though you've certainly pointed out the problems inherent in your current procedure. Perhaps it's time for a change?

[Richard Brown]

Good question.  My thoughts are that since this is a customized rule, it will be up to your organization to interpret it.

 

The best analogy I can come up with is a vote to override a veto in a governmental body such as a city council, state legislature or Congress.  The second vote is an up or down vote on adopting the measure notwithstanding the veto.  That's not an exact parallel, but it's the best I can come up with at the moment.

 

However, I do agree with your thought that if amendments are allowed (and adopted) at the second vote, a third vote would probably be required so that there are two consecutive votes on the exact same wording.