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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 .
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Questions should be emailed to npquestions@nap2.org.
QQuESTION:
Why does RONR use the two different terms, “dies” and “falls to the ground”, when they appear to mean virtually the same thing?
ANSWER:
The two terms often do appear to mean the same thing, namely, that the motion or pending business may no longer be considered at the same meeting or session, depending upon the context (e .g ., regular meeting vs . convention) . However, there are some nuances that might be considered:
1 . An obvious use of “dies” in RONR is “a motion dies for lack of a second . ” RONR (12th ed .) 38:2 . We would not use the term “a motion falls to the ground for lack of a second” because there is really no motion under consideration that would fall to the ground .
2 . An item that has been laid on the table “dies” if not taken from the table within the proscribed limits . RONR (12th ed .) 17:8 .
3 . If a subject is referred to a committee as an incidental main motion, and then that committee is discharged, another main motion would be needed to bring it before the assembly, otherwise the subject “dies . ” RONR (12th ed .) 36:11 .
4 . Unless otherwise stipulated, any agenda item not taken up when the meeting or session adjourns “falls to the ground” upon adjournment . RONR (12th ed .) 6:12(4) . Those items may be taken up again at the next meeting under unfinished business or introduced at the next session as new business . RONR (12th ed .) 21:7 .
