changing a motion

[Guest Kyle]

If a board made a motion at a previous meeting to send to the entire organization for vote, but then decides it wants to change that motion before a vote takes place, can they create a new motion at a different meeting to override the existing motion?

[Josh Martin]

On 4/25/2022 at 9:21 AM, Guest Kyle said:

If a board made a motion at a previous meeting to send to the entire organization for vote, but then decides it wants to change that motion before a vote takes place, can they create a new motion at a different meeting to override the existing motion?

Some additional facts regarding the situation may be helpful, but generally speaking, it would seem to me that the board is free to change its recommendation to the full membership if the membership has not yet met to consider the recommendation.

There may be complications if this is a matter for which the bylaws require previous notice (such as an amendment to the bylaws) and the deadline for providing such notice has passed.

[Tim Wynn]

On 4/25/2022 at 10:21 AM, Guest Kyle said:

If a board made a motion at a previous meeting to send to the entire organization for vote, but then decides it wants to change that motion before a vote takes place, can they create a new motion at a different meeting to override the existing motion?

Presumably, a member of the board MADE the motion and the board ADOPTED the motion. 

In general, the motion to Rescind/Amend Something Previously Adopted can be used to cancel or change a previous action, as long as it is not too late (meaning you cannot rescind a motion to chop down a tree after is felled).

If you're referring to some vote by mail or other absentee voting method that the board is authorized by the bylaws to initiate, then the board could use the motion to Rescind/Amend Something Previously Adopted to modify the motion that will be sent to the members.

If you're referring to a recommendation contained in a board report to the general membership, this recommendation could be amended in a board meeting before the report is presented at the general-membership meeting. This would also be done by the motion to Rescind/Amend Something Previously Adopted. In any event, when a recommendation contained in a report comes before the assembly, it is generally subject to debate and amendment before it is put to a vote.  

For more information on the motion to Rescind/Amend Something Previously Adopted, see RONR (12th ed.) Section 35. 

For more information on the motion to Amend, see RONR (12th ed.) Section 12.

 

[Richard Brown]

On 4/25/2022 at 9:21 AM, Guest Kyle said:

If a board made a motion at a previous meeting to send to the entire organization for vote, but then decides it wants to change that motion before a vote takes place, can they create a new motion at a different meeting to override the existing motion?

How (and when) is the board changing its mind about sending the motion to the membership?  Has another board meeting intervened at which the board rescinded its prior decision?  Or is it just that some board members appear to have a change of heart?  If the board adopted a motion to refer something to the membership, that is a "done deal" and the board can rescind or change that decision only at another board meeting (unless email motions are permitted).  Please tell us more about  this alleged changed position of the board.   As the previous comments indicate, it is possible for the board to change its mind provided it follows the proper procedure in doing so.