Previous Question

Debate may be cut short by a vote to take the previous question. This means that the original or main question under discussion be immediately voted on regardless of amendments and secondary questions and without further debate. A two-thirds vote is necessary to order the previous question.

1.     If the motion for the previous question is carried, then the main question must be immediately taken without further debate.

2.     If the motion for the previous question is lost, the debate proceeds as though no such motion had been made.

3.     If the motion for the previous question is lost, it cannot be renewed with reference to the same question during the same session.

To Lay On The Table

Immediate and decisive action on any question under discussion may be deferred by a vote to lay on the table the resolution pending. This disposes of the whole subject for the present and ordinarily is, in effect, a final dismissal of it. But any member has the right, subsequently, to call it up and the body will decide by vote whether or not it shall be taken from the table.

1.     Sometimes, however, a resolution is laid on the table for the present or until a specified time to give place to other business.

2.     A motion to lay on the table must apply to a resolution or other papers. An abstract subject cannot be disposed of in this way.

Postponement

A simple postponement is for a specified time or purpose, the business to be resumed when the time or purpose is reached. A question indefinitely postponed is considered as finally dismissed.

Not Debatable

Certain motions, by established usage, are not debatable but when once before the body must be taken without discussion. These are: the previous question, for indefinite postponement, to commit, to lay on the table, to adjourn. When these motions are modified by some condition of time, place, or purpose, they become debatable and subject to the rules of other motions, but debatable only in respect to the time, place, or purpose which brings them within the province of debate. The body may, however, by vote allow debate on all motions.

To Reconsider

A motion to reconsider a motion previously passed must be made by one who voted for the motion when it passed. If the Body votes to reconsider, then the motion or resolution being reconsidered stands before them as previous to its passage and may be discussed, adopted, or rejected. A vote to reconsider should be taken at the same session at which the vote reconsidered was passed and when there are as many members present.

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