Making and seconding motions

[Guest CWSchmitt]

If there is a committee (10 voting members and 8 non-voting members), who is allowed to make a motion or second a motion (only voting members)?

[Rob Elsman]

Yes, only voting members, unless there is some rule of the society that says otherwise.  The eight are not strictly members, in the parliamentary sense. See RONR (11th ed.), p. 3.

[Josh Martin]

27 minutes ago, Guest CWSchmitt said:

If there is a committee (10 voting members and 8 non-voting members), who is allowed to make a motion or second a motion (only voting members)?

I am less certain than Mr. Elsman that the "non-voting members" do not have the right to make motions. This is a question which will depend upon the precise wording of the organization's rules on this matter. In the long run, it would be best to clarify the society's rules on this matter (or better yet, to get rid of "non-voting members" and simply invite these persons to attend and speak at the committee's discretion).

In any event, I would add that seconds are not required in a committee, unless the parent assembly has instructed the committee otherwise.

Edited May 14, 2020 at 07:33 PM by Josh Martin

[CWSchmitt]

Thank you!

[Richard Brown]

20 hours ago, Guest CWSchmitt said:

If there is a committee (10 voting members and 8 non-voting members), who is allowed to make a motion or second a motion (only voting members)?

I agree with Mr. Martin.  A determination of whether those non-voting members may make motions depends upon an interpretation of the exact language used in your bylaws.