Main motion
A main motion, in parliamentary procedure, is a motion that brings business before the assembly.[1]
Explanation and use
| Class | Main motion |
|---|---|
| Requires second? | Yes |
| Debatable? | Yes |
| May be reconsidered? | Yes |
| Amendable? | Yes |
| Vote required | Majority |
Main motions are made while no other motion is pending. Any of the subsidiary, incidental and privileged motions may be made while the main motion is pending, and in many cases these motions, if passed, will affect the assembly's consideration of the main motion.
When greater formality is desired, the main motion may be made in the form of a resolution, which is always submitted in writing.[2] A preamble containing several paragraphs explaining background information or justification for the proposed action is often included, but is not required.[3]
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR)
Normally, this is a motion that introduces a substantive question as a new subject, in which case it is also called an original main motion.[4] Otherwise, it is an incidental main motion, examples of which are the motions to adopt recommendations of a committee, to ratify action previously taken without a quorum, to rescind an action previously taken, or to adjourn or recess while no main motion is pending.[5] Unlike original main motions, incidental main motions cannot have an objection to the consideration of the question applied to them.
