Permissible methods of appointing committees

[Alex Meed]

The section on committees outlines five methods by which committees may be selected, RONR (11th ed.), pp. 493–96. These methods either allow the assembly itself or the presiding officer to appoint committees.

Absent specific authorization in the bylaws, may the assembly delegate the power to appoint a committee to an individual other than the presiding officer? For instance, may the assembly authorize the president to appoint a committee, even if the president is not in the chair or is not at the meeting? May the assembly likewise authorize another officer, such as the vice president or the secretary?

And if such methods are allowed, where do they rank in the list on p. 174, ll. 15–18, that designates the order in which methods of appointment are voted on if more than one is proposed to complete an incomplete motion to commit?

[Josh Martin]

11 minutes ago, Alex M. said:

Absent specific authorization in the bylaws, may the assembly delegate the power to appoint a committee to an individual other than the presiding officer? For instance, may the assembly authorize the president to appoint a committee, even if the president is not in the chair or is not at the meeting? May the assembly likewise authorize another officer, such as the vice president or the secretary?

I see no reason why not. My understanding is that the methods of appointment discussed on pgs. 493-496 are the most common methods used, but are not necessarily intended to be an exhaustive list.

15 minutes ago, Alex M. said:

And if such methods are allowed, where do they rank in the list on p. 174, ll. 15–18, that designates the order in which methods of appointment are voted on if more than one is proposed to complete an incomplete motion to commit?

Well, first, just don't adopt an incomplete motion to commit and you won't have to worry about that.

I would think, however, that methods of appointment other than those listed would fall after all listed methods in the order.