Legal Definitions - substantive main motion

A substantive main motion is a formal proposal made in a meeting or deliberative body that introduces a new, significant topic or action for the group to discuss and decide upon. It is the primary way to bring a new subject before an assembly, and it deals with the core issue or matter at hand, rather than procedural details. For a motion to be "substantive," it must propose a specific action or policy that, if adopted, would have a tangible effect or establish a new direction for the group.

Here are some examples illustrating a substantive main motion:

• Example 1: A Corporate Board Meeting

  During a quarterly meeting of a technology company's Board of Directors, one director states, "I move that the company acquire 'InnovateTech Solutions' for $20 million to expand our market share in cloud computing."

  Explanation: This is a substantive main motion because it introduces a new, significant business strategy—a company acquisition—that will have a substantial financial and operational impact on the company. It's not about how the meeting is run, but about a core strategic decision.

• Example 2: A University Faculty Senate Meeting

  At a university's Faculty Senate meeting, a professor proposes, "I move that the university establish a new interdisciplinary degree program in Environmental Sustainability, effective for the next academic year."

  Explanation: This constitutes a substantive main motion as it proposes a new academic initiative that would significantly alter the university's curriculum and resource allocation. It addresses a core educational offering and requires a formal decision from the faculty body.

• Example 3: A City Council Meeting

  During a city council session, a council member declares, "I move that the city allocate $500,000 from the municipal budget to fund the construction of a new public park in the downtown district."

  Explanation: This is a substantive main motion because it proposes a new public works project and a significant financial commitment from the city. It deals with a core governmental function (public infrastructure) and, if passed, would lead to a tangible development within the community.