Secondary Motions and How They Work

Secondary motions

Beyond the basic building blocks of main motions, there are three categories of secondary motions: subsidiary, incidental, and privileged.

Though it may sound overwhelming, each of these kinds of motions has a very specific role in how board members can interact with main motions.

Subsidiary Motions

Simply stated, subsidiary motions are put forth in order to propose changes or actions upon the main motion. When made, this kind of secondary motion supersedes the main motion and must be addressed before returning to the question of the main motion. Subsidiary motions have an order of precedence, which must be followed in a parliamentary setting:

  • Lay on the table
  • The previous question
  • Limit or extend limits of debate
  • Postpone definitely, or to a certain time
  • Commit or refer, or recommit
  • Amend
  • Postpone indefinitely

Incidental Motions

According to RobertsRules.org, the purpose of incidental motions is “to provide a means of questioning procedure concerning other motions and must be considered before the other motion.” In other words, incidental motions are often used by directors to clarify the parliamentary process or to adjust it as needed. Most incidental motions fall into one of these categories:

  • Point of order
  • Appealing the ruling (decision) of the Chair
  • Suspend the rules
  • Object to consideration of the question
  • Division of the question
  • Consider seriatim (by paragraph)
  • Division of the assembly
  • Motions related to method of voting and the polls
  • Motions related to nominations
  • Request to be excused from a duty
  • Parliamentary inquiry
  • Request for information
  • Request permission to withdraw or modify a motion
  • Requests to read papers
  • Other requests and inquiries

Privileged Motions

Privileged motions are very special in that they take precedence to all other motions and on account of high privilege, are not debatable. Privileged motions typically are not relating to the pending question. They usually fall under one of these categories and take precedence in the order below:

  • Fix the time to which to adjourn (if made while another question is pending)
  • Adjourn (if unqualified and if it has not the effect to dissolve the assembly)
  • Take a recess (if made when another question is pending)
  • Raise a question of privilege
  • Call for orders of the day

For more detailed information on secondary motions and how they help move the parliamentary procedure along, visit Robert’s Rules Online.

 

Posted in General Board Topics.