When a motion to approve is made by an officer,but there is no second to the motion, can discussion continue on topic?

[Guest Jim]

When a motion to approve is made, but there is no second made. Is the motion dead and can the chair continue debate on topic?

[Richard Brown]

2 hours ago, Guest Jim said:

When a motion to approve is made, but there is no second made. Is the motion dead and can the chair continue debate on topic?

Unless you are operating under the "small board rules" in RONR, a motion dies for lack of a second if no one seconds the motion.  There should not be any debate until there is a second.  However, if the chair allows debate to start without a second, and no one raises a point of order, the lack of a second is waived.  Under the small board rules set out in Section 49:15 for boards of no more than about a dozen members and committees, seconds are not necessary.