Legal Definitions - main motion

A main motion is a formal proposal presented by a member during a meeting to introduce a new subject or course of action for the group's discussion and decision. It is the fundamental mechanism for bringing new business before an assembly. Typically, a main motion requires a second from another member, is open for debate, and can be amended before the group votes on it.

• Imagine a local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting. Sarah, a parent, stands up and says, "I move that the PTA allocate $500 from our general fund to purchase new books for the school library."

  Explanation: Sarah's statement is a main motion because it introduces a new, substantive proposal – the allocation of funds for books – for the PTA to discuss and vote on. It brings a fresh piece of business before the group.

• Consider a city council meeting. Councilwoman Chen states, "I move that the city council approve the rezoning application for the old industrial park to allow for mixed-use development."

  Explanation: This is a main motion as Councilwoman Chen is formally proposing a specific action – approving a rezoning application – that requires the council's deliberation and a vote to either pass or fail. It initiates a new item on the agenda.

• During a professional organization's annual conference, a member, Dr. Lee, addresses the assembly and declares, "I move that our organization establish a new committee dedicated to researching ethical artificial intelligence guidelines."

  Explanation: Dr. Lee's proposal constitutes a main motion because it introduces a new initiative – forming a research committee – for the organization to consider, debate, and potentially adopt, thereby bringing new business to the floor.