We Interrupt This Meeting! By Todd Brand, PRP
While our teachers and loved ones may have taught us the sage advice, “never interrupt,” we parliamentarians know that interruptions are an important part of the parliamentary process. One common motion is a Point of Order, which alerts the chair and the assembly to a breach of the rules. Two other interrupting motions are found in section 33 of RONR, specifically a Request for Information, and a Parliamentary Inquiry. The purpose, characteristics, and proper handling of these latter two motions are the focus of this article. As we jump in, let’s note two reasons these motions are important. It is not uncommon to witness a member saying, “Point of Order” (which requires a ruling of the chair) when really the goal of the member was not to point out a breach of the rules, but rather to gain information or understanding. It makes sense to use the right motion and avoid the need for a ruling if that is not the goal. Second, these motions aid the membership’s decision making. While we work to keep meetings moving forward efficiently, a meeting that rushes by with members casting votes without the information they need or 4
National Parliamentarian • Summer 2021
without understanding the current parliamentary process, can lead to frustration and poor decision making. Members have the right to certain information, and always the right to know what is happening in the current parliamentary situation. So, what are the common characteristics of these two motions? Can we even call them motions? These requests are indeed motions; however, they are unique in certain ways. Let’s discuss. The standard descriptive characteristics of these two requests require no second, neither is debatable or amendable, and neither is subject to reconsideration. More important, neither includes a vote, so they are certainly not your typical motions! For further characteristics, the reader should examine RONR 33.2. The purpose of a Parliamentary Inquiry is “…to obtain information on a matter of parliamentary law or the rules of the organization bearing on the business at hand.” RONR 33:3. Often this type of request will arise around the process of handling amendments, as this can be confusing for members. It may also come up in the context of questioning the order
