Robert’s Rules of Order debates offer valuable guidance on how HOAs can effectively facilitate healthy discussions. Homeowners associations can utilize debates as a constructive means to explore ideas during their meetings. Ensuring a proper and civil debate is crucial to prevent any disruptions.
Robert’s Rules of Order Debates: Identifying Motions
All members possess the right to engage in debate or discussion regarding business presented to the assembly as a main motion. Revoking or restricting the right to debate is only possible through a motion to limit debate or close debate, both of which require a two-thirds majority vote.
The assembly can arrive at an informed decision by considering the facts and persuasive arguments the members present during discussions. Members must resist the temptation to hastily approve a motion without any discussion to save time or stifle opposition.
Not every motion lends itself to debate, and the debatability of motions can vary depending on the circumstances. Below is a compilation outlining which motions are debatable and which are not.
Debatable Motions
- Main motion
- Postpone indefinitely
- Amend
- Refer to a committee
- Postpone to a specific time
- Appeal from the decision of the chair
- Rescind
- Amend something previously adopted
- Reconsider Recess (as an incidental main motion)
- Fix the time to which to adjourn (as an incidental main motion)
Undebatable Motions
- Limit or extend the limits of debate
- Previous question (close debate)
- Lay on the table
- Take from the table
- Call for the orders of the day
- Raise a question of privilege
- Recess (as a privileged motion)
- Adjourn
- Fix the time to which to adjourn (as a privileged motion)
- Point of order
- Withdraw a motion
- Suspend the rules
- Object to consideration of the motion
- Division of the assembly
- Division of the question
- Incidental motions relating to voting when the subject is pending
- Dispense with the reading of the minutes
Robert’s Rules of Order Debates: Limitations
Members have the authority to impose restrictions on debates or bring them to a halt by initiating a motion. It’s important to note that the presiding officer can’t curtail the debate as long as a member expresses a desire to speak. Shouting “Question” or declaring “It’s time to take a vote” does not suffice to conclude the debate.
Debates can only be limited through the motion to limit the debate. Furthermore, you can only achieve closure of debate solely through motions like “previous question” or “close debate.” These motions require a second, are not open to debate, and demand a two-thirds majority for adoption. A rising vote, though not officially counted, is mandatory.
Robert’s Rules of Order Discussions: Rules on Debates
While members have the right to debate, certain established parliamentary rules govern their associated privileges. Here are the key guidelines:
1. Obtaining the Floor
- The presiding officer must recognize a member before commencing a speech.
- Speaking while seated is generally prohibited, except in less formal settings like small board meetings.
2. Order of Speaking
- The member who proposed the motion has the initial right to speak.
- Each member can speak twice on the same day, with the second turn granted after everyone who wishes to speak for the first time has done so.
- A member can speak for ten minutes unless specific rules state otherwise.
3. Relevance and Conduct
- Debates must be germane (relevant) to the motion.
- All remarks must be addressed to the chair; cross-talk between members is prohibited.
- Courteous language is essential, and personal attacks or inflammatory statements are prohibited.
4. Identifying Position
- Members should declare their stance before speaking to a motion.
- In favor: “I speak for the motion.”
- Opposed: “I speak against the motion.”
5. Alternating Debate
- In controversial issues, the presiding officer should alternate the debate between those speaking for and against the motion to ensure balanced representation.
6. Restrictions on Speaking
- The member who proposes a motion cannot speak against it but can vote against it.
- The seconder of a motion can speak against it, signaling a desire for discussion rather than immediate agreement.
7. Reading and Disturbances
- Reading from a manuscript without assembly permission is prohibited, but short, relevant extracts are allowed.
- Members should avoid disturbing the assembly during debates.
8. Presiding Officer’s Role
- The presiding officer, when wishing to participate in debate, relinquishes the chair to an impartial member or officer.
- Members do not have the right to give their speaking time to others.
- The presiding officer remains impartial when chairing but can engage in debate after stepping down from the chair.
A Smooth Discussion
Following Robert’s Rules of Order debates allows members of an HOA to conduct meetings that flow seamlessly. These rules help keep everything in order, ensuring a safe and productive space for discussion. Not all HOA boards know the first thing about facilitating debates and discussions.
