Pass It So We Can Find Out What’s in It By John R. Berg, PRP
The presiding officer of a legislative body has been widely quoted as saying “we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it” (https://youtu.be/hV-05TLiiLU). This raises the question of whether it is best to adopt something first and then fill in the details, or to fill in the details before adopting it. The normal parliamentary procedure in the adoption of a motion involves amending it before it is adopted. Some may ask, “Why take all the time to amend something if it may not pass anyway?” The primary reason can be expressed in the idiom, “the devil is in the details.” While many members may approve of a general concept, they might not approve of it when specific details are included. The majority might agree to apple pie for dessert, but some may not want walnuts or too much cinnamon in it, or some may want apple pie with no sugar added. What about adding ice cream, or perhaps a slice of cheddar cheese? A specific type of apple pie may not receive majority support while generic apple pie more likely would. It can be very frustrating for members to have originally supported a general concept, only to realize that
they cannot later support it in its final form. Two thirds might approve a bylaws amendment to achieve an admirable goal by modest means, only to realize that the subsequent measures to implement it, adopted by only a majority, become grossly objectionable. A Pandora’s box can be opened when something is approved without knowing the details that will follow. For this reason, the general rule is that a motion is amended before it is adopted. Hopefully, it also will be read by those called upon to vote on it. In purchasing a new car, does the wise buyer first agree to purchase the car, then negotiate the features, price, and terms? An experienced car salesperson would say that psychologically the buyer actually does agree to buy the car before filling in the details. The buyer does not www.parliamentarians.org
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