Legal Definitions - standard descriptive characteristics

Standard descriptive characteristics refer to the fundamental procedural rules that govern how a specific proposal, known as a "motion," is handled within a formal meeting operating under parliamentary procedure. These characteristics outline the essential attributes of a motion, ensuring that discussions and decisions are made in an orderly and fair manner.

They include details such as:

• When the motion can be introduced (in order).
• Its priority relative to other motions (its rank).
• Whether it can interrupt a speaker.
• Whether it requires support from another member (a second).
• Whether it can be discussed by the group (debatable).
• Whether its wording can be changed or modified (amendable).
• The type of vote required for its approval.
• Whether the decision on the motion can be revisited later (reconsidered).

Here are some examples illustrating how standard descriptive characteristics apply:

• Motion to Adjourn a Meeting: Imagine a community council meeting running late, and a member wants to end it. They would make a "motion to adjourn." The standard descriptive characteristics for this motion dictate that it is typically in order at almost any time, has a very high rank (meaning it takes precedence over most other motions), cannot be debated or amended, requires a second, and needs a simple majority vote to pass. It also usually cannot be reconsidered. These characteristics ensure that a meeting can be brought to an immediate close efficiently when necessary, without prolonged discussion.
• Motion to Amend a Proposal: During a non-profit board meeting, a proposal is on the table to fund a new outreach program. A board member likes the idea but wants to change the proposed budget amount. They would make a "motion to amend" the original proposal. The standard descriptive characteristics for a motion to amend specify that it must be seconded, is debatable (allowing discussion on the proposed change), and is also amendable itself (meaning someone could propose an amendment to the amendment). It requires a majority vote. These characteristics ensure that proposals can be refined and improved through discussion and modification before a final decision is made.
• Motion to Postpone Indefinitely: Consider a homeowners' association meeting where a controversial proposal to increase monthly dues is being discussed. A member, believing the proposal is fundamentally flawed and should not be considered further, makes a "motion to postpone indefinitely." The standard descriptive characteristics for this motion indicate that it is debatable (allowing members to discuss why the main motion should or should not be killed), requires a second, is not amendable, and needs a majority vote to pass. If passed, the main motion is effectively killed for that session. This illustrates how specific characteristics allow a group to decisively remove a proposal from consideration without directly voting it down, often to avoid a divisive direct vote.