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. 83, No. 1, Fall 2021, p. 18. Questions should be emailed to npquestions@nap2.org. Appreciation is expressed to Thomas J. Balch, PRP and Steve Glanstein, PRP, for their assistance with this research question and answer.
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Question 11: Our group meets monthly and does not publish their minutes as provided for by RONR (12th ed.) 48:16. We had a few questions regarding the best practices for minutes: 1. Is the heading “New Business” included in the minutes even if there was no new business introduced at the meeting? 2. Should announcements be placed in the minutes? 3. Is it okay to use footnotes in the minutes? Answer: RONR (12th ed.) 48:2 states that: “In an ordinary society, the minutes should contain mainly a record of what was done at the meeting, not what was said by the members.” If no new business was introduced, then there is no need to include the heading, “New Business”, since there were no motions made in that category and so nothing was done. As provided by RONR (12th ed.) 48:4, a separate paragraph should be provided for each subject matter in the body of the minutes, and should include main motions and motions to bring a question again before the assembly (except usually those that were withdrawn), and their disposition. Adopted secondary motions may be referenced if they are necessary for completeness or clarity. The
38 National Parliamentarian • Summer 2022
