f.
Motion to Object to the Consideration of an Item. This motion, if passed, precludes the Commission from even considering the item on the agenda. However, it does not preclude the item from appearing on a future agenda. (Normally, this motion is unnecessary because the objectionable item can be defeated outright or tabled.)
g.
Motion to Suspend the Rules. This motion IS debatable. This motion allows the Commission to suspend its own rules for a particular purpose. For example, the Commission may desire to give a particular speaker more time than normally allowed. A “motion to suspend the rules and give the speaker ten additional minutes” accomplishes this desire.
6.
Motion to Reconsider
There is a special motion that requires a bit of explanation all by itself: the motion to reconsider. A tenet of parliamentary procedure is finality. After vigorous discussion, debate, and a vote, there must be some closure to the issue. As such, after a vote is taken, the matter is deemed closed, subject only to reopening if a proper motion to reconsider is made.
A motion to reconsider requires a simple majority vote to pass, but there are two special rules that apply only to the motion to reconsider.
a.
The first issue involves timing. A motion to reconsider must be made at the meeting where the item was first voted upon or at the very next meeting (if properly noticed and on the posted agenda). A motion to reconsider made at a later time is considered untimely and may only be considered if the Commission suspends the rules to consider it.
b.
Secondly, the motion to reconsider can only be made by a member of the Commission who voted in the majority on the original motion. The motion to reconsider may be seconded by any member of the Commission regardless of how they voted on the original motion. If a member of the Commission voted in the minority, it MUST be ruled out of order by the Chair. The purpose of this rule is finality. If a member of the minority could make a motion to reconsider, then the item could be brought back repeatedly, which would defeat the purpose of finality.
If a motion to reconsider passes, the original matter is back before the Commission, and a new original motion is in order. The matter may be discussed as if it were on the floor for the first time.
7.
Courtesy, Decorum, and Order
These rules of order are meant to promote an atmosphere of courtesy and decorum appropriate for the efficient discussion of business. It is the responsibility of the Chair (and the members of the Commission) to maintain that atmosphere of courtesy and decorum. The Chair should always ensure that debate and discussion focus on the item and the policy in question, not on the personalities of the participants of the discussion.