Parliamentary Procedure

1. Parliamentary Procedure • To review: • The basic principles of parliamentary law • Executive Session • The voting process • To conduct a role playing exercise for new members of the HOD

2. Principles of Parliamentary Law • Democratic principle: Majority Rules • The minority has a right to be heard • Rules of group discussion • Appropriateness of amendments • Exercise respect and courtesy • Debate measures - not people

3. Principles of Parliamentary Law • Majority (or consensus) is 51% • There will not be unanimous opinion on every issue • There is no “Minority Report” • You agree to support the body’s decision even if you voted against it

4. Categories of Motions • Main Motion • Subsidiary Motion • Incidental Motion • Privileged Motion

5. Motions • Precedence of Motions • When a motion is pending, a higher motion is permitted; any motion lower on the list is prohibited • Last Motion made is first one voted on

6. Main (Principle) Motions • Only one main motion at a time • Require a second • Restated by Speaker before discussion • Are debatable and amendable • Usually require a majority vote

7. Main (Principle) Motions . . . • Resolution - an important main motion • Submitted in writing a minimum of 42 days prior to the meeting to allow sufficient time for discussion and consideration • Resolutions usually recommend action rather than directly initiate action • Committee Recommendation • Considered to have a second; move directly into discussion

8. Subsidiary Motions • To amend the main motion • To change wording and/or meaning before a vote • To table‡, postpone (temporarily or indefinitely), refer, limit or close debate‡*, call the question‡* • To dispose of the main motion temporarily or end the debate ‡not debatable *2/3 vote required

9. Incidental Motions • Do not apply to the main motion but are incidental to it • rise to a point of order or information** • used when out of order or when additional information is needed prior to vote • appeal decision of the chair, suspend rules*‡, withdraw or modify the question, object to consideration* ** may interrupt the speaker * 2/3 vote required ‡ not debatable

10. Privileged Motions • To adjourn‡, fix time to adjourn‡, recess‡, raise a question of privilege**, call for orders of day‡ • Highest precedence - must act on immediately ‡not debatable**may interrupt the speaker

11. Executive Session • Any part of a meeting where proceedings are to be kept confidential • Attendance by persons other than House members may be permitted by the Speaker • Typically used for AARC Budget approval &/or to candidly discuss sensitive issues

12. Executive Session . . . • Those attending are obligated to maintain confidentiality and may not repeat anything said to anyone who was not in attendance • No notes or recordings may be taken during Executive Session • No official actions are to be taken during Executive Session

13. Voting Process • Primary mechanism one voice vote per delegation • If unable to detect clear majority - Placard vote(analogous to raising hands) • “Division of the House” • Poll vote - may be called for at the request of any member • for issues pertaining to the general membership (based on the number of active members)

14. Addressing the House • Wait to be recognized by Speaker • Or Parliamentarian if a list is forming • Go to the microphone • State your name and State Affiliate each time you are recognized • Each delegation may only speak to an issue twice