Test Yourself
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Questions Answers The intent of this column is to provide general answers or advice (not formal, official opinions) about the questions asked. The answers are based on the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, unless otherwise indicated, and do not take into account such governing authorities as statutes, bylaws, adopted special rules of order, other parliamentary authorities, or earlier editions, except as specifically mentioned. The abbreviations used in these questions and answers are explained in National Parliamentarian Vol. 81, No. 2, Winter 2020, p. 24. Questions should be emailed to npquestions@nap2.org.
Ratification of Executive Committee Actions
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Question 14: At a recent meeting, a motion was made for members to ratify, approve, and consent to the business conducted by the executive committee from March 2019 to March 2020. The motion was seconded. This group meets once a year, which is considered its annual meeting. The executive committee is allowed to conduct necessary business during the year pursuant to the bylaws. Discussion arose after the motion to ratify. Some members felt ratifying action gave too much latitude to the executive committee to “spend” as they wished. Others felt that as long as the actions of the executive committee were in agreement, and fell within the approved budget, that the motion was superfluous. The motion was defeated. It has been my experience that at the annual meeting, a motion is made to ratify the actions of the executive committee or board, even if no action has been taken. Is this practice correct? Answer: There is considerable confusion in the understanding of members on the motion to ratify and on the powers of the executive committee and of the assembly. A motion to ratify (also called approve or confirm) is used to confirm or make valid action already taken that cannot become valid until approved by the assembly. See RONR (12th ed.) 10:54-57 for further rules and examples. Some actions cannot be ratified. An assembly can ratify only actions of officers, committees, delegates, subordinate bodies, or staff as it would have had the right to authorize in advance. See RONR (12th ed.) 10:55.
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National Parliamentarian • Winter 2021
