criswaller Posted February 14, 2024 at 12:19 AM Report Share Posted February 14, 2024 at 12:19 AM Hello, all- At our next meeting, we have a resolution on the agenda. We know it is contentious and that many amendments are likely to be offered. While we want everyone to have their fair say, we also don't want discussion to drag on for hours. My question is whether we can vote on limits to discussion before we start the discussion that also encompass any amendment motions offered. For example, can we make a motion to limit the entire discussion on topic X to 60 minutes, including no more than 10 minutes each on each amendment motion that is seconded, and limit speakers to 1 minute each? If we can do this, then presumably time taken to vote on each amendment motion after discussion does not count towards total discussion time? If we enact a total limit but have not completed discussion on an amendment motion when time is up, do we then immediately move that motion to a vote? Could we also ask for any people who wish to make amendments to state this before we open discussion and then accept only those amendments that were pre-stated or must we accept any amendments from the floor? Just trying to figure out the smoothest way to run this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. J. Posted February 14, 2024 at 12:50 AM Report Share Posted February 14, 2024 at 12:50 AM Yes, it would be necessary to use suspend the rules to limit debate and amendment. See Section 25. It will take a 2/3 vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Elsman Posted February 14, 2024 at 12:51 AM Report Share Posted February 14, 2024 at 12:51 AM Yes, you are on the right track. What you are looking for is a preliminary main motion. A two-thirds vote is required to adopt it, because its effect would be to suspend the rules. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Martin Posted February 14, 2024 at 05:49 PM Report Share Posted February 14, 2024 at 05:49 PM On 2/13/2024 at 6:19 PM, criswaller said: My question is whether we can vote on limits to discussion before we start the discussion that also encompass any amendment motions offered. For example, can we make a motion to limit the entire discussion on topic X to 60 minutes, including no more than 10 minutes each on each amendment motion that is seconded, and limit speakers to 1 minute each? Such a motion is in order and requires a 2/3 vote for adoption. On 2/13/2024 at 6:19 PM, criswaller said: If we can do this, then presumably time taken to vote on each amendment motion after discussion does not count towards total discussion time? Yes. On 2/13/2024 at 6:19 PM, criswaller said: If we enact a total limit but have not completed discussion on an amendment motion when time is up, do we then immediately move that motion to a vote? Yes. If time has expired only for the amendment, a vote would be taken on the amendment, and discussion would resume on the main motion. If the total time has expired, the vote would be taken on the amendment, followed by the vote on the main motion. On 2/13/2024 at 6:19 PM, criswaller said: Could we also ask for any people who wish to make amendments to state this before we open discussion and then accept only those amendments that were pre-stated or must we accept any amendments from the floor? You could include this “pre-submission” requirement in the motion. Otherwise, you would need to accept amendments from the floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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