Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary law is an orderly set of rules for conducting meetings of organized groups for the purpose of accomplishing their goals fairly. Principles of parliamentary law are:

  • Justice and courtesy to all
  • Rights of the minority protected;
  • Rule of the majority reflected
  • Partiality to none
  • Consideration of one subject at a time.
  • Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, is the parliamentary text that governs the PTA where the PTA bylaws do not apply. The California State PTA Bylaws and Bylaws for Local PTA/PTSA Units always take precedence over Robert’s Rules of Order.

A parliamentarian can assist the president when questions of procedure arise. If a parliamentarian is not appointed and ratified, the president should appoint one (pro tem) for each meeting to assist the president in conducting an orderly meeting.

GOING THROUGH MOTIONS

Terminology

  • Bylaws – The bylaws are specific rules that govern a unit, council or district. They are the “Articles of Organization”. They may not be set aside, waived or suspended, even by a unanimous vote. Upon discovery of such action, the action may be declared null and void.  All PTA bylaws have specified sections in common. Any change in bylaws requires a review by the state Parliamentarian, followed by a 30-day written notice and a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership.
  • Chair – The presiding officer
  • Majority vote – More than one-half (1/2) of votes cast
  • Motion – A formal proposal made to bring a subject before an assembly for discussion and vote
  • Quorum – The number of members that must be present at a meeting, as set forth in the bylaws, in order legally to conduct business
  • Standing Rules – Rules outlining procedures of the organization that are not included in the bylaws and that do not restate or conflict with the bylaws. They may be amended at any time by a two-thirds (2/3) vote or, if written notice has been given, by a majority vote.

8 Steps to Making a Motion

A motion to take action is introduced by a member, seconded, discussed and is voted upon. Only those who have been members for at least 30 days are allowed to make motions, discuss and vote. The eight steps to making a motion are:

  1. Member stands and waits to be recognized.
  2. Chair recognizes the member.
  3. The member presents the motion by stating, “I move…” (The secretary records the exact wording of the motion once there is a second.)
  4. Another member seconds the motion. This shows that more than one person is interested in bringing the business before the group for discussion. (If there is no second, there is no motion and nothing is recorded in the minutes.)
  5. The chair restates the motion. This ensures all members understand what is to be discussed.
  6. Discussion is held on the motion. During discussion, all members participate fully, but not until they have been recognized by the chair.
  7. The chair puts the motion to a vote by stating, “All those in favor say ‘aye.’” (Pause for vote) “Those opposed say ‘no.’ (The chair may restate the motion before taking the vote.)
  8. The chair announces the result of the vote to assure all members know whether the motion was adopted or defeated.

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