JHU SGAThe 114th Session
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SGA Robert's Rules of Order Specific

This document is from a previous session and is kept for the record. It may have been amended or replaced since.

ROBERT'S RULES CHEAT SHEET Privileged Motions:

If you want to:

You say:I?S?V?A?D?R?

End meeting

I move that we adjourn (at [time])NoYes1/2NoNoNo

Have the meeting stop for a period of time

I move that we recess until [specific time] OR I move that we recess for [time duration]NoYes1/2YesNoNo

Complain about noise, room, temperature, etc.

Point of (personal) privilege, [then state your reasoning for the point]YesNoN/ANoNoNo

Make the meeting conform to the schedule

Will the assembly proceed to the orders of the day? OR I call for the orders of the dayYesNo2/3 to overturnNoNoNo

Change the normal rules of procedure by temporarily suspending the Bylaws, SGA Rules Bills, Robert’s Rules

I move to suspend the rules in order to [describe reasons]NoYes2/3NoNoNo

Mention Something to the Senate

I move to address the SenateNoNoChairNoNoNo

Re-elect the chair

I move to vote to re-elect the (President/ Vice President) of the SenateNoYes1/2NoNoNo

Subsidiary Motions:

If you want to:

You say:I?S?V?A?D?R?

Temporarily stop discussion of a motion/item

I move to lay [motion/item] on the tableNoYes1/2NoNoOnly if failed

Go into voting procedures and stop further debate

I move to have a vote on [motion/item] OR I move the previous questionNoYes1/2NoNoNo

* Speak on a debatable motion/item

I move for an [time duration] moderated caucus with [time duration] of speaking timeNoYes1/2YesNoNo

Ask a question to the speaker

I move for an [time duration] Q-and-A with [time duration] of speaking timeNoYes1/2YesNoNo

Extend debate

I move to extend [type of debate] by [time amount]NoYes1/2YesNoNo

Limit or end debate

I move to end [type of debate]NoYes2/3NoNoNo

Stop discussion of an item until a definite time or date

I move to postpone this matter until [time/date/session]NoYes1/2YesYesOnly if carried

Forward legislation for committee consideration

I move to refer [name of legislation] to the [name of committee]NoYes1/2YesYesYes

* Change a motion/item

I move to amend the [motion/item] by [desired change]NoYes1/2YesYesYes

Stop discussion of an item until an unknown time or date (Often “kills” the motion /item)

I move to postpone this question indefinitelyNoYes1/2YesYesOnly if carried

Skip committee consideration for legislation

I move to discharge [name of legislation] from committee considerationNoYes2/3YesYesOnly if failed

Take up a motion/item tabled

I move to take from the table [motion/item]YesYes1/2NoNoNo

* This motion might not apply to some motions Same colored motions have equal precedence, I separated them into different rows for easier understanding though. Incidental Motions:

If you want to:

You say:I?S?V?A?D?R?

Point out rule-breaking, improper behavior, or vulgar language

Point of Order, [reason]YesNoChairNoNoNo, but can be appealed

Inquire about the business at hand or give valuable information to a question

Point of Information, [question/information to add]YesNoN/ANoNoNo

Inquire about the rules of the SGA Constitutions, Bylaws, Robert’s Rules

(Point of) Parliamentary Inquiry, [question]YesNoN/ANoNoNo

Stop an irrelevant, inappropriate, or undesirable item from being considered

I object to the consideration of this questionYesNo2/3NoNoOnly if failed

Challenge a ruling made by the chair

I appeal the Chair’s decisionYesYes1/2NoYesYes

Split up a motion/item so that different parts may be debated and voted upon separately

I move for the division of the questionYesYes1/2YesNoNo

Change the voting method to roll call

I move for roll call voteYesYesNoYesNoNo

Be free from specific obligations stated in the Bylaws

I request to be excused from [obligation]YesNo1/2YesYesOnly if failed

Main Motions:

If you want to:

You say:I?S?V?A?D?R?

Bring a new idea before the Senate

I move to [your idea]NoYes1/2YesYesYes

Overturn an attendance requirement not including GBM/Committee meetings

I move to vote to overturn the attendance requirement for [specific event]NoYes2/3YesYesYes

Close the meeting to the public

I move for a closed sessionYesNo2/3NoNoNo

Introduce impeachment charges

I move to present the President of the Senate with charges of impeachmentNoNoN/ANoNoNo

Amend the SGA Constitution

I move to vote to amend the SGA ConstitutionNoYes3/4YesYesOnly if failed

Amend the SGA Bylaws

I move to vote to amend the SGA BylawsNoYes2/3YesYesOnly if failed

Remove a committee chair by a vote from the entire Senate

I move to vote to remove [name of committee chair] as chair of [committee name]NoYes1/2YesYesYes

Remove a member from a committee

I move to remove [name of Senator] from [committee name]NoYes2/3YesYesYes

Repeal or cancel a previous motion/item already adopted

I move to (repeal/rescind/annul) [motion/item previously adopted]NoYes2/3YesYesOnly if failed

* Vote again on a motion/item and you are a part of the winning side

I move to reconsider [motion/item already voted on]YesYes1/2NoOnly if original isNo

* This motion is complicated and might not apply to some motions Other requests that can be made.

If you want to:

You say:Interrupt Speaker?Requires a Second?

Withdraw a motion you made

I move to withdraw my motion OR I withdraw my motionYes, but must be made before the motion is voted uponNo

Agree with a motion initially made

I second OR SecondNo, but must be done after the chair requestsNo

Definitions:

  • Privileged Motion: a motion that is allowed to interrupt other motions and thus can be brought forth when other motions are on the floor
  • Subsidiary Motion: a motion used to assist with a main motion or legislative items
  • Incidental Motion: a motion arising out of immediate necessity following another motion. They’re allowed to interrupt other motions and thus can be brought forth when other motions are on the floor EXCEPT in the case of adjournment, recess, or point of privileged
  • Main Motion: a motion used to bring business before the assembly and can only be brought forth when no other motion is on the floor.
    • Note: some main motions cannot be brought forth UNLESS they are on the agenda, so they aren’t included here since they cannot be considered during a meeting
    • All BOLDED votes require that portion of all Senators, regardless of presence/attendance.

I? = Can the person saying the motion interrupt the speaker? S? = Is a second needed? V? = Vote needed to pass? Chair = the chair decides A? = Is the motion amendable? D? = Is the motion debatable? R? = Can the motion be reconsidered

There is an order of precedent for all motions: Privileged, then Subsidiary, then Main. The table shows which motion takes precedence over another (adjournment takes precedence over recess, therefore it is above that motion in this chart), but all main motions have equal weight (no precedence over another main motion). All Incidental motions fall out of the order of precedence since they arise out of need, but are generally understood to be dealt with as soon as they are said (temporarily take precedence over any motion on the floor) and all have equal weight (no precedence over another incidental motion).