Reconsider and Rescind:
What Are the Actions Needed?
?
By Cynthia R. Mayo, PRP and Margie R. Booker, PRP
Organizations sometimes make decisions too hastily, there is a lack of research based on the wishes of a few influential members, or new information becomes available that impacts the decision. Once the organization realizes that the action would not be in the best interests of the organization, some will ask, “How can we change this action?” There are several ways the action can be changed, provided the action has not been started and/or completed. Several parliamentary processes can be adopted: Rescind, Reconsider, or Amend Something Previously Adopted. How can this be done? Reconsider Reconsider is a technique that can be used within a limited time period and without notice to bring back for further consideration a motion which has already been voted on. Its purpose is to reconsider a decision that may have been hasty, ill-advised, or the action was incorrect. New information may have also been obtained that causes a need to reconsider. This motion has key characteristics that are useful and provide protection against abuse and other incorrect procedures. Unique Characteristics
• Can be made only by a member who voted with the prevailing side. That is, if a member voted “yes” if the 8
National Parliamentarian • Summer 2020
motion was adopted, or “no” if the motion was lost, the member can move to reconsider the motion. • Can be made subject to time limits, which means that in an ordinary meeting of an organization, or a one-day convention, the motion to reconsider can be made on the same day the vote to be reconsidered was taken. If a convention or session lasts more than one day, reconsider can be moved only on the same day the original vote was taken or on the next succeeding day within the session in which a business meeting is held. The time limits do not apply to standing or special committees. • The motion can be made and seconded when it is not time for it to come before the assembly for debate or vote. This means it can be taken up later, even after it would be too late to move it in the first place. “If it is made when it cannot be taken up, the chair does not state the question, but asks the secretary to record the motion as made and seconded. This suspends any action growing out of the vote it is proposed to reconsider. While a motion to reconsider the vote on the main motion has this status, a member can bring the motion before the assembly at any time when its consideration is in order.” RONR (11th ed.), p. 317.
