Legal Definitions - add

In the context of parliamentary law, an add refers to a specific type of amendment where new words or phrases are appended to the very end of an existing motion, or to the end of a distinct, separable part within that motion. This method expands or clarifies a proposal by attaching additional provisions or details without altering the original text that came before it.

Here are some examples illustrating how an "add" might be used:

• Example 1: Community Council Meeting

  Imagine a local community council discussing improvements to public spaces. An initial motion is proposed: "The council approves the plan to install new benches in Central Park."

  A council member might then propose an "add" to this motion: "...and further directs the Parks Department to prioritize benches made from recycled materials."

  How this illustrates the term: The "add" appends a new directive about material preference to the end of the original motion, expanding on the approval of new benches without changing the core decision to install them. The original motion remains intact, and the new text is simply tacked on at the end.

• Example 2: Corporate Board Meeting

  Consider a corporate board meeting where a new employee wellness program is being discussed. The initial motion is: "The board authorizes the implementation of the 'Healthy Habits' employee wellness program."

  A board member could then propose an "add": "...contingent upon a successful pilot program in the marketing department during the third quarter."

  How this illustrates the term: This "add" places a new condition (a pilot program) at the end of the motion to implement the wellness program. It modifies the original proposal by adding a prerequisite, but the core approval of the program itself is still there, just with an appended condition.

• Example 3: University Faculty Senate

  During a university faculty senate meeting, a motion is made regarding student advising: "The Faculty Senate recommends that all academic departments review their current student advising procedures."

  A faculty member might propose an "add" to this motion: "...and submit a report of their findings and proposed improvements to the Dean's office by the end of the fall semester."

  How this illustrates the term: Here, the "add" appends a specific action (submitting a report) and a deadline to the end of the original recommendation for review. It provides a concrete follow-up step to the initial suggestion, extending the scope of the motion by adding new requirements at its conclusion.