JHU SGAThe 114th Session
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Robert's Rules of Order Clarification and Voting Bill

Bill / Other · 111th session · created October 6, 2023 · updated October 17, 2023

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Senate of the Student Government Association of The Johns Hopkins University

{ S. Bill 23-24, X }

An Act to Amend the SGA Bylaws to Clarify Robert’s Rules of Order and Voting

Introduced By: KSAS Senator Jaden Garcia of the Class of 2026 First considered this 10th day of October in the Year 2023 Next considered this 17th day of October in the Year 2023

Sponsored By: Senator Raven McCoy, Chair for Disability Caucus Senator Stone Meng, President of the Class of 2026 Senator Mufasa Moreno, Representative of the Class of 2024

Referred to the Senate by the Internal Affairs Committee which recommends its passage by a Unanimouis Vote

Be it enacted by the Senate of the Student Government Association of The Johns Hopkins University assembled that: 

SECTION 1. TITLE.  This Act may be referred to as the “2023 SGA Robert's Rules of Order Clarification and Voting Bill” 

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. 

  1. SGA — The term “SGA” shall refer to the Homewood Student Government Association of The Johns Hopkins University.
  2. GBM — The term “GBM” shall refer to General Body Meetings of the Senate.

SECTION 3. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. 

  1. FINDINGS
    1. SGA functions off of the rules stated in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition, but there remains some ambiguity as to how to approach motions and how to function as a medium-sized deliberative body.
    2. Several times during the 2023-2024 session have GBMs been stalled or stopped due to confusion of Robert’s Rules of Order.
  2. PURPOSES
    1. Clarify Robert’s Rules of Order to ensure that GBMs move without as much disruption as possible.
    2. Change the Bylaws to make the Senate more representative

SECTION 4. BYLAWS AMENDMENTS.  Amendment 1 The original text of the section to be amended is as such:   4.1.2.4 LEADERSHIP OF COMMITTEES … 4.1.2.4.2 SELECTION OF THE CHAIR … 4.1.2.4.2.6 Any candidate receiving a plurality of votes will then be installed as committee chair or co-chair and will be sworn in by the President of the Senate. 4.1.2.4.2.7 The Student Body Vice President and Student Body Treasurer, in their respective roles as ex-officio members of the Internal Affairs Committee and of the Finance Committee, shall also serve as respective ex-officio co-chairs of those committees. 4.1.2.4.2.8 If no candidate receives a plurality, the President of the Senate shall cast a tie breaking vote. 4.1.2.4.2.9 The Committee Chair’s term of office shall extend for the term of the Senate.

The section will read, after amendment, as such:  4.1.2.4 LEADERSHIP OF COMMITTEES … 4.1.2.4.2 SELECTION OF THE CHAIR … 4.1.2.4.2.6 Any candidate shall be required to win an absolute majority vote of all Senators duly elected to be installed as committee chair or co-chair and will be sworn in by the President of the Senate. 4.1.2.4.2.6.1 In the case of an election consisting of only 2 candidates that didn’t win an absolute majority vote, the Senate shall repeat the elections for the committee chair until an absolute majority can be reached by 1 candidate. 4.1.2.4.2.6.2 In the case of an election consisting of more than 2 candidates that didn’t win an absolute majority vote, the candidate that won the least amount of votes shall be removed as a candidate for their respective committee chair, and any candidate that wishes to drop out as a candidate shall be allowed to rescind their name as a candidate. Another vote shall take place and the process described above shall continue until either there are 2 candidates remaining or a candidate wins an absolute majority of the vote. 4.1.2.4.2.6.2 If no candidate receives an absolute majority due to a tie, the President of the Senate shall cast a tie-breaking vote. 4.1.2.4.2.6.3 In the event that there are 2 candidates that have not won an absolute majority vote for the committee chair after 2 rounds of voting, any Senator may move to reduce the absolute majority vote needed to a plurality vote needed, which shall require a simple majority vote of the Senate to pass. 4.1.2.4.2.7 The Student Body Vice President and Student Body Treasurer, in their respective roles as ex-officio members of the Internal Affairs Committee and of the Finance Committee, shall also serve as respective ex-officio co-chairs of those committees. 4.1.2.4.2.8 The Committee Chair’s term of office shall extend for the term of the Senate.

Amendment 2 The original text of the section to be amended is as such:   [No such text exists yet]

The section will read, after amendment, as such:  4.1.6 ELECTIONS FOR SENATORIAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS 4.1.6.1 President and Vice President of the Senate 4.1.6.1.1 For the elections of the President and Vice President, an absolute majority of all Senators duly elected shall be required for any candidate to be chosen as President or Vice President of the Senate 4.1.6.1.2 In the case of an election consisting of more than 2 candidates that didn’t win an absolute majority vote, the candidate that won the least amount of votes shall be removed as a candidate for their respective position, and any candidate that wishes to drop out as a candidate shall be allowed to rescind their name as a candidate. Another vote shall take place and the process described above shall continue until either there are 2 candidates remaining or a candidate wins an absolute majority of the vote. 4.1.6.1.3 In the case of an election consisting of only 2 candidates that didn’t win an absolute majority vote, the Senate shall repeat the elections for the President or the Vice President of the Senate until an absolute majority can be reached by 1 candidate. 4.1.6.1.4 In the event that there are 2 candidates that have not won an absolute majority vote for President or Vice President of the Senate after 2 rounds of voting, any Senator may move to reduce the absolute majority vote needed to a plurality vote needed, which shall require a simple majority vote of the Senate to pass. 4.1.6.2 Vice President Pro-Tempore 4.1.6.2.1 Should the elected president of the senate request a Vice President Pro-Tempore, they can add a plurality vote for this position to the agenda following the electoral process outlined in 4.1.6.1.2 through 4.1.6.1.4. 4.1.6.2.2 The order of succession for presiding officer over the senate meeting shall follow President of the Senate, Vice President of the Senate, then Vice President Pro-Tempore respectively. 4.1.6.1.3 The Vice President Pro-Tempore must be a duly elected member of the senate.

Amendment 3 The original text of the section to be amended is as such:   4.2.3 LEGISLATIVE PROCESS … 4.2.3.4 The President of the Senate shall then add the legislation to the next Senate Meeting agenda under the first reading section. 4.2.3.4.1 During the first reading of legislation, the legislation is briefly explained and the Senate votes to send the legislation to the Committee. 4.2.3.5 Once legislation is referred to a Committee of the Senate, the Committee shall deliberate and vote upon a recommendation to the Senate for the legislation’s adoption or rejection. The Committee will then prepare a report containing the Committee’s recommendation, majority and minority opinions of the Committee, and a description of any amendments made in Committee. 4.2.3.5.1 A plurality vote shall be necessary to recommend legislation’s adoption or rejection, or to undertake other committee actions. 4.2.3.5.2 A committee may also elect to advance legislation to the Senate with no recommendation, if after significant deliberation, the committee elects to do so. 4.2.3.5.2.1 A tie vote within a committee brings the legislation before the Senate with no recommendation. 4.2.3.5.3 If the committee does not vote on the bill, it can not advance beyond the committee. 4.2.3.6 After passage by a committee, the President of the Senate will add the legislation to the next Senate Meeting agenda under the second reading section. 4.2.3.6.1 In the most exceptional of cases, the President of the Senate shall be empowered to waive the committee consideration requirement to allow the Senate to quickly address pressing matters

The section will read, after amendment, as such:  4.2.3 LEGISLATIVE PROCESS … 4.2.3.4 The President of the Senate shall then add the legislation to the next Senate Meeting agenda under the first reading section. 4.2.3.4.1 During the first reading of legislation, the legislation is briefly explained and the Senate votes to send the legislation to the Committee. 4.2.3.4.2 During the first reading, debate may take place but cannot extend past 10 minutes. Debate during the first reading should focus on the purpose of the bill, major issues for the committee to discuss, and any overarching ideas of the bill, not small details. Nevertheless, topics of debate are not restricted by this clause. 4.2.3.5 Once legislation is referred to a Committee of the Senate, the Committee shall deliberate and vote upon a recommendation to the Senate for the legislation’s adoption or rejection. The Committee will then prepare a report containing the Committee’s recommendation, majority and minority opinions of the Committee, and a description of any amendments made in Committee. 4.2.3.5.1 A plurality vote shall be necessary to recommend legislation’s adoption or rejection, or to undertake other committee actions. 4.2.3.5.2 A committee may also elect to advance legislation to the Senate with no recommendation, if after significant deliberation, the 43 committee elects to do so. 4.2.3.5.2.1 A tie vote within a committee brings the legislation before the Senate with no recommendation. 4.2.3.5.3 If the committee does not vote on the bill, it can not advance beyond the committee. 4.2.3.6 After passage by a committee, the President of the Senate will add the legislation to the next Senate Meeting agenda under the second reading section. 4.2.3.6.1 Bills cannot have committee consideration waived, unless by a Motion to Discharge Committee, in which case a 2/3 vote is needed to pass the motion. 4.2.3.6.1.1 A Motion to Discharge Committee must be placed on the Agenda by the President of the Senate if the bill is time-constrained or is a pressing matter of utmost urgency. However, the President of the Senate must give their reasoning to the Senate as to why committee consideration of the bill should be waived and the Senate shall be allowed to debate the Motion to Discharge Committee before voting on the motion, which shall require a simple majority vote only when placed on the Agenda. No Senator can bring a Motion to Discharge Committee without it being on the agenda.

Amendment 4 The original text of the section to be amended is as such:   4.3.1.3 ORDER 4.3.1.3.1 The Senate shall follow the most current version of Robert’s Rules of Order in its general body meetings, subservient to any provisions of the SGA Constitution, Bylaws, or Senate Procedural Rules Bill. 4.3.1.3.2 Moving the Motion 4.3.1.3.2.1 Following the moving of a motion and a proper second (if required), the Chair shall immediately state the motion to the assembly. If the motion may be discussed, the Chair shall immediately ask, “Is there any discussion?” and the body shall discuss the motion. If the motion may not be discussed, the Chair shall immediately put the motion to a vote. 4.3.1.3.3 Discussion on the Motion 4.3.1.3.3.1 It is in the interest of the Senate (being a deliberative assembly) to foster productive and persuasive speech by each member so long as it is done in an efficient manner. The author of the motion shall be given the opportunity to speak first in order to present the reasoning behind the motion. Other motions may be moved anytime during discussion. 4.3.1.3.3.2 During debate, filibusters are not permitted. 4.3.1.3.4 Voting 4.3.1.3.4.1 Abstentions, used at the individual Senator’s discretion, should only be used in the rare case of a direct conflict of interest. 4.3.1.3.4.2 Votes become final when the Chair announces the vote. 4.3.1.3.4.3 The use of “straw poll” votes is highly discouraged. 4.3.1.3.4.4 Per the Constitution, all votes and discussions shall be public, except for those permitted to be closed by the Constitution. 4.3.1.3.4.5 Proxy Voting 4.3.1.3.4.5.1 Due to the deliberative nature of Senate meetings, and due to the possibility of the swaying of one’s opinions during a debate, proxy voting is neither permitted nor accepted.

The section will read, after amendment, as such:  4.3.1.3 ORDER 4.3.1.3.1 The Senate shall follow the most current version of Robert’s Rules of Order in its general body meetings, subservient to any provisions of the SGA Constitution, Bylaws, or Senate Procedural Rules Bill. 4.3.1.3.1.1 The Parliamentarian shall be tasked with ensuring the Senate follows Robert’s Rules of Order and advise the President of the Senate on how to act. 4.3.1.3.1.2 The Parliamentarian’s role shall be an advisory role to the President of the Senate and to the Senate as a whole, and the President of the Senate shall be tasked with enforcing the rules of proper procedure and any advice made of it from the Parliamentarian. 4.3.1.3.1.3 The Senate may override any ruling made by the Parliamentarian with a 2/3 vote. 4.3.1.3.2 The Chair of the meeting shall be the only one who can bring the meeting to order. No other member can move to start the GBM, as per Robert’s Rules of Order. 4.3.1.3.3 Moving the Motion 4.3.1.3.3.1 Following the moving of a motion and a proper second (if required), the Chair shall immediately state the motion to the assembly. If the motion may be discussed, the Chair shall immediately ask, “Is there any discussion?” and the body shall discuss the motion. If the motion may not be discussed, the Chair shall immediately put the motion to a vote. 4.3.1.3.3.2 The Chair shall not require a motion to vote (move into voting procedures), a motion to approve the agenda, or a motion to consider an item from a Senator if the item in question, for the previously mentioned motions, is a part of the agenda. 4.3.1.3.4 Discussion on the Motion 4.3.1.3.4.1 It is in the interest of the Senate (being a deliberative assembly) to foster productive and persuasive speech by each member so long as it is done in an efficient manner. The author of the motion shall be given the opportunity to speak first in order to present the reasoning behind the motion. Other motions may be moved anytime during discussion. 4.3.1.3.4.2 During debate, filibusters are not permitted. 4.3.1.3.4.3 The types of debate permitted are followed as such: Q&A, Moderated Caucus, and Round Robin 4.3.1.3.4.3.1 Q&A shall require a definitive time for when the motion will expire and a definitive speaking time for how long members can speak. During a Q&A, members are allowed to ask questions to the speaker(s) present and answer questions, if they have an answer. 4.3.1.3.4.3.2 Moderated Caucus shall require a definitive time for when the motion will expire but not require a definitive speaking time. The Chair shall decide for how long a member may speak. During a Moderated Caucus, members are allowed to speak on the debated topic at hand. 4.3.1.3.4.3.3 During a Round Robin, members are asked to give their brief opinion on the topic at hand with speaking times at the Chair’s discretion. Members shall be called in alphabetical order or as ordered on the SGA roster. Non-voting members are only allowed to speak at the Chair’s discretion. 4.3.1.3.5 Voting 4.3.1.3.5.1 Abstentions, used at the individual Senator’s discretion, should only be used in the rare case of a direct conflict of interest. 4.3.1.3.5.2 Votes become final when the Chair announces the vote. 4.3.1.3.5.3 The use of “straw poll” votes is highly discouraged. 4.3.1.3.5.4 Per the Constitution, all votes and discussions shall be public, except for those permitted to be closed by the Constitution. 4.3.1.3.4.4.1 Per the Constitution, the Motion to Rescind or Expunge from Minutes shall be prohibited. 4.3.1.3.5.5 Proxy Voting 4.3.1.3.5.5.1 Due to the deliberative nature of Senate meetings, and due to the possibility of the swaying of one’s opinions during a debate, proxy voting is neither permitted nor accepted. 4.3.1.3.5.6 Motions to change the voting method shall require only a second to be passed and a vote on the motion will not be needed. 4.3.1.3.5.6.1 If a member wishes to challenge the motion for changing the voting method that has been passed, they may move for Reconsideration of the motion, at which the meeting will take a standard vote on the motion and shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order. 4.3.1.3.5.7 A motion to vote shall not be necessary unless debate happens on the item or motion, or the item in question is a bill or resolution. 4.3.1.3.6 If the case of an emergency, the Chair shall have the power to recess the meeting subject to the call of the Chair. 4.3.1.3.6.1 Any member can challenge the Chair’s decision to recess by appealing the Chair’s decision, at which time a vote will immediately commence on appealing the Chair’s decision, and the Chair’s decision can be overturned with a 2/3 vote.

Amendment 5 The original text of the section to be amended is as such:   4.1.2.1 STANDING LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES 4.1.2.1.4.5 COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL AFFAIRS 4.1.2.1.4.5.1 The Vice President, in their capacity as President of the Senate, and the Parliamentarian shall serve as ex-officio members of the Committee on Internal Affairs, voting only in the case of a tie.

The section will read, after amendment, as such:  4.1.2.1 STANDING LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES 4.1.2.1.4.5 COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL AFFAIRS 4.1.2.1.4.5.1 The Vice President, in their capacity as President of the Senate, and the Parliamentarian shall serve as ex-officio members of the Committee on Internal Affairs, voting only in the case of a tie, unless the Parliamentarian is a Senator of SGA, in which case they will have a standard say and can vote on the committee.

SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY.  Should any provision of this Act, an amendment made by this Act, or the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance be held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act, the amendments made by this Act, and the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

The Bill hereby ???? by a vote of XX to YY with ZZ abstentions.

Upon passage, we have hereunto set our hands and caused the seal of the Senate to be affixed to this bill indicating the Senate’s assent and thus officially designated the bill’s adoption as law.

Signatures of Enactment:

__________________________________ Ryan Chou Johns Hopkins Student Body President

__________________________________ Dalhart Dobbs III President of the Senate

__________________________________ Jackson Morris Student Body Vice President

__________________________________ Amy Li Student Body Secretary

__________________________________ Jenny Chen Student Body Treasurer

Signatures of Ceremony:

__________________________________ Jaden Garcia Introducer of the Bill

__________________________________ XY Co-Sponsor of the Bill

__________________________________ XY Co-Sponsor of the Bill