Legal Definitions - call for the regular order

Call for the regular order

This term refers to a procedural motion used in formal meetings of deliberative bodies, such as legislative assemblies, committees, or councils. When a member "calls for the regular order," they are insisting that the meeting return to its pre-established agenda or adhere strictly to its adopted rules of procedure. This motion is typically invoked when a discussion has strayed off-topic, when business not listed on the agenda is being considered, or when there is a perceived deviation from the agreed-upon rules governing the meeting.

The primary purpose of calling for the regular order is to maintain efficiency, ensure fairness, and keep the body focused on the specific matters it was convened to address.

• Example 1: City Council Debate

  During a city council meeting, the agenda item is a proposed ordinance to regulate short-term rentals. A council member begins a lengthy monologue about the city's inadequate public transportation system, which is not related to the current agenda item. Another council member might then call for the regular order to remind the speaker and the body that the discussion should focus solely on the short-term rental ordinance, as per the published agenda.

• Example 2: Corporate Board Meeting

  At a quarterly board meeting for a technology company, the primary item for discussion is the approval of the next fiscal year's budget. While reviewing financial projections, one board member starts to passionately advocate for a completely new product line that was not part of the strategic plan presented or on the current meeting's agenda. The board chair or another director could call for the regular order to guide the conversation back to the budget approval process, suggesting that the new product idea be submitted for consideration at a future meeting.

• Example 3: Homeowners Association (HOA) Annual Meeting

  An annual HOA meeting is underway, with the agenda including the election of new board members and a vote on a proposed increase in monthly dues. During the discussion about dues, a homeowner raises a complaint about a neighbor's unkempt lawn, an issue that falls under specific covenant enforcement procedures and is not on the meeting's agenda. The HOA president or another member could call for the regular order to redirect the discussion to the scheduled business of the meeting, reminding attendees that individual covenant violations are handled through a separate process.