Page, TSC 4^th Edition

Explanation

Revision Authors

Edwin C. Bliss¹, CPP, Chair Business consultant, retired

Joseph G. DiStasio, CPP-T Doctor, Orthodontist, retired

Barry M. Glazer, CPP-T Doctor, Anesthesiology

James Lochrie, CPP-T Computer consultant

Joyce C. Parks¹, CPP-T Professor, Dept of Speech Communications

Gregg Phifer, CPP Professor, Dept of Speech Communication, retired

J. Thomas Soliday, CP Doctor, Maxillofacial Surgeon

To the Reader

This section has been omitted in the 4^th Edition

Introduction xxiii

The Introduction has been re-written and mainly concentrates on the history of the book.

5

Title "Bylaws" has been changed to "Bylaws and Rules." This indicates that an organization may adopt other rules that would take precedence over the Parliamentary Authority.

14

new para

1^st paragraph on page added. Clarifies that seconds are not required in committees or by motions made by committees or by small boards

14

new para

Paragraph starting "In very large assemblies .." was added to include references to use of technology such as overhead projectors and computers in presentation of motions.

16 –17

new classification of motions

Adds a new classification of motion – restorative main motions. It takes the motions previously known as "specific main motions" (reconsider, rescind, resume consideration) and adds the motions amend a previous action and ratify, for a total of 5 restorative main motions.

Where these motions are mentioned elsewhere in the book the two motions amend a previous action and ratify are included.

17

motion to Postpone to a Certain Time

Under Subsidiary Motions, the motion to Postpone Definitely is now known as Postpone to a Certain Time. This reflects more accurately the purpose of the motion to postpone an item of business to a certain date or time. The motion should specify the time or date.

This has been changed throughout the 4^th edition.

18

In the list of Incidental motions the motion to Suspend the Rules has been placed second to reflect its order of explanation in Chapter 10, Incidental Motions.

18

remove para

A paragraph (previously on page 17 of 3^rd Ed) has been removed. This paragraph previously explained some of the characteristics of incidental motions. It was removed because of its complexity and because each of the incidental motions is explained in Chapter 10.

20

remove para

A paragraph (previously on page 19 of 3^rd Ed) has been removed. This paragraph previously listed the subsidiary motions that could be made as a main motion (no motion pending). It listed Amend as one of those motions. Amend as a main motion has now been replaced by the motion Amend a Previous Action – one of the restorative motions.

22

new section

A new section entitled Incidental Motions has been added to explain the precedence of incidental motions (there is no precedence amongst these motions)

25

Last paragraph in this section now lists "demands" (along with "requests") as motions not requiring a second

26

First paragraph adds the motions Ratify and Amend a Previous Action as fully debatable. Later on in the same page it explains the rationale for this (member needs to fully explore and understand what is being accomplished)

28

add

The motions to Amend a Previous Action and Ratify are added to those motions that may be amended

28-29

add

The motions to Amend a Previous Action and Ratify are added to those motions that may have the motions close and limit debate applied

30

new heading

A new heading, Repeal by Implication, has been added to highlight this concept.

33

new sentence

Added a new sentence on 5^th paragraph of the page, "Once it is so stated, ownership of the motion transfers from the maker to the assembly." This emphasizes the little known concept of ownership of motions by the assembly and not by the maker of the motion.

36 – 37

new section

A new section has been added explaining the restorative motion Amend a Previous Action

37 – 38

new section

A new section has been added explaining the restorative motion to Ratify.

38 – 39

adopted versus passed

Under FORM of motion to Reconsider, the word "adopted" replaces the word "passed" in the example. The word "adopted" is preferred to the word "passed" when announcing the result of a vote in the affirmative.

39

new sentence

The last sentence in the paragraph beginning "The motion to reconsider …" has been added. The sentence "Amendments to main motions, whether carried or lost, can be renewed if, in the judgment of the chair, another vote might result differently."

This is to reflect the very few times that it might be advisable to rethink the adoption of or defeat of an amendment. It allows the presiding officer some flexibility in renewing the motion.

41

The footnote now includes a reference to Robert’s Rules of Order.

42

clarify

Previously the 3^rd item in the list of characteristics of the motion to Reconsider said the motion was debatable. This has been changed to "Debate is restricted to the reasons for reconsideration." This reflects what the text explains.

52

clarify

Filling Blanks has been clarified to say that "the number receiving the highest vote, provided that it is a majority is inserted in the blank.." Previously it simply indicated the highest affirmative vote filled the blank. It also clarifies that on a tie vote or if no suggestion attains a majority, all suggestions are voted on again.

53

new para

The 2^nd paragraph (modified) and 3^rd paragraph (new) under the Section Withdrawing and Accepting Amendments, clarifies the process of accepting amendments. It also introduces in the 3^rd paragraph the term "friendly amendment" and explains its use.

55

new para

The 2^nd paragraph beginning, "Sometimes a motion …" has been added. This explains the repeal by implication as it relates to action previously taken (see page 30 for Repeal by Implication).

56

new sentence

The following sentence has been added to the last paragraph on the page, "If the committee is to take action, rather than merely to report, the wording of the motion should indicate that it has the power to act." This introduces the useful concept of "power to act" when items are referred to a committee.

59

The examples at the top of the page have been changed to reflect the change made in TSC to disallow postponing a motion to a future convention. However see page 61which does allow postponing a subject to a future convention.

60

new sentence

Last sentence under section Postponing as a General or Special Order has been added. It clarifies that a motion postponed to a certain time may again be postponed by a majority vote (as a opposed to a special order that requires a 2/3 vote).

61

new para

The last paragraph under Types of Postponement has been added. This explains the concept of postponing a subject (as opposed to a motion) to a future convention. It also explains various options for getting the subject on the future convention’s agenda.

61 - 62

Last paragraph on page 61 has been changed to more fully explain the effect of adopting the motion to postpone to a certain time. It includes the effect of adhering motions and how they are treated.

65

name change of motion

The motion to Close Debate heading has been replaced by the motion to Close Debate and Vote Immediately. This new name for the motion more accurately describes what occurs when the motion is adopted – debate is not only closed, but the vote must be taken immediately (closes off the making of amendments). Reference in the examples to the old form - the Previous Question - has been removed.

66

new sentence

First paragraph under Proposal of the Motion to Close Debate has a sentence added. This clarifies that a member may not debate a motion and end the remarks with a motion to Close Debate and Vote Immediately.

67

sentence deleted

Under the section Termination of the Motion to Close Debate, the last sentence has been deleted (page 60 in 3^rd Ed). The sentence was redundant as it basically repeated earlier material.

69

para deleted

Under Reasons for Postponing Temporarily the last short paragraph was deleted (page 62 in 3^rd Ed). This paragraph disallowed the motion to Postpone Temporarily to apply to communications or committee reports. It now may be applied to this type of business.

69

para deleted

Under the section on Time Limits a paragraph was deleted (page 63, 3^rd Ed.). In part it said, "A motion that is Postponed Temporarily is postponed to an undetermined time….." This paragraph was considered redundant.

70

clarify

3^rd line from the bottom clarifies the Chair’s interpretation of the use of the motion to "table" as a motion to kill and therefore requires a 2/3 vote.

77 – 81 Adjourn

All references to the motion to Adjourn as "qualified" or "unqualified" have been removed. The motion is now treated as a main motion or a privileged motion only. The motion may be amended either as a main motion or a privileged motion to allow for a continued meeting. As a main motion it is debatable but as a privileged motion it is not debatable.

See table on page 81 which also clarifies that the motion takes precedence over all other motions when privileged, that it now can be amended and is not debatable when privileged (but is debatable otherwise).

85

Item 3 under the section Which Rules Cannot be Suspended was changed to highlight that a specific bylaw rule may be suspended provided it contains a clause allowing for its own suspension. Previous item 3 was unclear and seemed to restrict the suspension of a bylaw to those items dealing with the method or order of considering business. Now any rule may be suspended provided the bylaw section allows for it.

96

The heading Division of a Question has replaced Request for Division of the Question. This reflects that the motion, in addition to being stated as a request, may be made as a formal motion.

97

Division

re-written

The section Motions Divided by the Assembly has been re-written. It explains that the formal motion made to divide a question in effect accomplishes two things if adopted: it allows the motion to be divided and defines how it is to be divided.

99 - 101

The heading Call for Division of the Assembly has replaced Request for Division of the Assembly. This reflects that the call is not a request but is a demand. Other changes in this section define the call as a demand.

102

clarify

The first sentence in Chapter 11 adds the word "advance" prior to "notice", to clarify that advance notice is required

104 – 105

new para

A second paragraph has been added to clarify that amendments to motions must remain within scope of the advanced notice of those motions. An example is provided.

108

new section

Closed Session

A new meeting type called Closed Session is defined and explained. It is a meeting closed to non-members, except by invitation. Minutes may only be distributed to those authorized to attend, unless permission is given. A caution is offered in that sunshine laws may restrict the use of Closed Sessions for incorporated bodies.

109

new section

Telephone and E-Meetings

Telephone and Electronic Meetings are defined and explained. Rules for conducting such meetings are defined. Electronic mail, because it is asynchronous, is not considered a meeting, but is considered a useful technology for rapid exchange of information. The section concludes with a caution regarding the rights of absentees and the need for formal notice of such meetings.

111

Change in Quorum rule

The first paragraph under Chapter 13, Quorum, has been re-written. Previously the rule was that without a quorum there was no meeting. This has been changed so that a meeting may be held, but no business may be transacted. It allows items to be dealt with provided no action is required. Such items may be the reading of reports. Minutes may be produced from a meeting held without a quorum.

116

deletion

The last sentence of the first paragraph now excludes the rule that a presiding officer may add an item to or omit an item from the agenda (See page 109 of 3^rd Ed.)

116 – 117

new section

Priority Agenda

A new concept under the heading Priority Agenda is defined and explained. It allows items of business that must be conducted to be grouped together and dealt with near the beginning of the meeting.

120

Announcements – this has been changed by removing words that required announcements to be made only at the time set for announcements. It provides more flexibility to the meeting in allowing announcements.

123

new sentence

The following sentence has been added to the 1^st paragraph under Obtaining the Floor in Debate, "In a large meeting or convention, special rules may be adopted describing the method used to obtain the floor." This is to acknowledge that organizations may require special rules regarding obtaining recognition because of the size of the assembly or the physical attributes of the meeting place.

131

First sentence on this page in the 3^rd Ed (page 123) started, " Some parliamentary writers …" and has been changed to "Some people ..". The change in wording reflects the widespread belief that votes higher than a majority affords better protection to the meeting when in fact it affords less protection for the majority.

133

The 4^th paragraph on this page has been changed to add the words "in good standing" as it applies to members. It effectively excludes those members not in good standing from being counted in computing the majority required.

134

clarify

The second paragraph has been changed for clarification in regard to how to calculate the result of a vote by those present and voting (excludes abstentions).

135

new section

Abstentions

A new section – Abstentions – has been added. It defines the right of a member to abstain and under which circumstance the member must abstain.

141 – 142

Voting in Meetings

re-written

The section Voting in Meetings has been re-written. It now :

• Reflects that the presiding officer usually determines the method of voting, when it is not defined in the bylaws. The assembly, however, may decide by majority vote
• Adds General Consent as a method of voting
• Changes a "Rising or Raising Hands" vote to "Standing Vote or Show of Hands."

142

Section on Voting By General Consent has been moved (See page 136 in 3^rd Ed). This new placement reflects the position of General Consent in the hierarchy of methods of voting.

143 – 144

new section

Show of Hands

Show of Hands has been added. It indicates that a show of hands is usually employed in committees, boards and small assemblies.

146 – 147

new section

Internet Voting

Internet Voting has been added. It provides a status of this new technology and its usefulness in voting. It also touches on voting by telephone, cautions that safeguards need to be in place, and if used, must be authorized in the bylaws.

148

new section

Preferential Voting

Preferential Voting has been added. Describes the process of preferential voting, its usefulness in mail balloting/voting, and cautions that a method of breaking ties should be in place before voting occurs.

151 – 152

clarify

The section on Closing Nominations has been re-written for clarity.

153

The duties listed under Duties of a Nominating Committee have been redefined and more succinctly stated. Previously it was stated as a duty to "study the problems and leadership requirements of the organization." This has been deleted.

161

clarify

Last paragraph under Challenging an Election has been changed to more clearly state that if illegal votes and practices could not have changed the result of an election the illegal votes or practices do not void the election.

163

new para

The third paragraph under The President as Presiding Officer has been added. This discusses the flexibility a presiding officer has in relaxing the formality in a meeting but cautions the need to return to greater formality at any hint of difficulty.

165

Non-Member Presiding

And

230

Under the section When the President Presides a subtle change in wording at the end of the first paragraph hints at non-members being permitted to preside. The previous wording said "and cannot delegate this duty to another member without permission from the assembly." It was changed to "and cannot delegate this duty without permission from the assembly." This reflects the trend of using professional presiding officers who are not members of an assembly. The previous wording could be construed to disallow non-members from presiding.

This complements the new paragraph added on page 230, which allows the presiding officer to turn over, temporarily, the role of Presiding Officer to the parliamentarian.

169

The section heading is changed from "The Member Parliamentarian" to "The Parliamentarian." The first paragraph has been changed to note that AIP or NAP, or both accredit most professional parliamentarians.

175

clarify

The 3^rd paragraph in Chapter 20 has been changed to read, "No committee should be established …" Previously it read "No committee should be appointed …" This changed was made to avoid the confusion over establishing committees (initiating and giving a mandate to the committee) versus appointing (providing for a chair and members of the committee).

177

Chair preferred

The section Selecting the Committee Chair was previously Selecting the Committee Chairman. Throughout the book the word "chairman" is replaced by the word "chair" to reflect society’s move to gender neutral wording. Chair is now the preferred word.

178

clarify

ex officio

The second paragraph under section Ex Officio Members of Committees has been re-written to more clearly define the use of the term ex officio. It defines an ex officio member as a regular working member of a committee who is indistinguishable from other members of the committee except for the method of appointment. If a member of a committee is not expected to be a regular working member of the committee then the member should not be designated as ex officio but more properly as a consultant or advisor. This latter member of a committee has all rights of other members except the right to vote and is not counted in determining the quorum.

180

Item number 1 on this page has been changed to add e-mail addresses and FAX numbers as working materials for committees.

185

new list item

Item #4 has been added. It reads, "A motion, if the committee recommends that an action be taken by the organization." This is included elsewhere in the chapter but needs emphasis as many reports fail to include motions that are to be acted on by the assembly.

187

new sentence

The first sentence under Consideration of Committee Reports has been added. It states that a motion submitted by a committee does not require a second.

188

new list item

List item #7 has been added to highlight that any main motion made by a committee to the assembly is treated exactly as any other main motion (except that a second is not required). Note also on page 189 that the first sentence under Presentation of Committee report has been changed to reflect that recommendations need to be presented as motions.

191 – 193

clarify

New section names have been added to clearly delineate the convention committees – credentials, rules, bylaws and program. Some wording has been shifted but no new concepts or material has been added.

186

In the second paragraph under section Hearings of Reference Committees, provides flexibility to the chair of the committee in setting the length of speech and the number of times a member may speak on the subject, subject to a majority vote of the committee. Previously this flexibility was not stated. In addition the rule now stipulates that a member may not be prevented from speaking at least once on a subject.

198 – 199

The last sentence in the section Responsibility for Minutes has been changed. It now reflects that the minutes of committee meetings be made available to members if so stated in the bylaws or other rules or where the law so requires.

200

The first paragraph of the section under Approval of Minutes has been reordered to emphasize the more efficient way to approve of the minutes - by general consent.

204

The first sentence of the second paragraph under Constitution and Bylaws previously read (3^rd Ed page 194), "Most organizations combine the provisions of a constitution and bylaws in one document, called bylaws." The words "called bylaws" have been removed. This recognizes that some organizations provide for other names for their document of authority.

209

new sentence

The following sentence has been added at the end of section Interpreting Bylaws and Rules, "The final decision on an interpretation of the bylaws and rules rests with the membership." This sentence is added for clarity.

213

new sentence

Under Report of Treasurer the sentence "The treasurer’s report should be filed for audit" is added. This is common practice but is added for clarity.

230

new para

Parliamentarian Presiding

The last paragraph of the section The Parliamentarian has been added. It provides for the situation where the parliamentarian may be requested to preside. This may be done with the consent of the assembly. In this circumstance the parliamentarian as presiding officer does not have the right to vote.

231 - 237

new chapter

Functioning Under

RONR

The previous Chapter 29 (3^rd Ed page 221) Dealing With Disapproved or Obsolete Motions has been replaced with a new Chapter 29 Functioning Under Robert’s Rules of Order. The new chapter provides guidance to the reader in explaining some of the terminology and motions under Robert and cross-referencing it to the simpler English and meaning used in TSC.

242

The answer to the question, "If a quorum is not present for a meeting, what can be done?" has been changed to reflect changes in Chapter 13, Quorum.

244

new question

The question, "Can an audiotape recording or a verbatim transcript of a meeting substitute for written minutes?" is posed. It is answered No.

245

new question

The question, "If a motion requires a two-thirds vote, do amendments to it require a two-thirds vote?" is posed. It is answered No.

247

new question

The question "What is a Texas Ballot?" has been answered as " … a method of plurality voting in which voters indicate the candidate that they do not wish to be elected." The answer goes on to explain when to use such a voting method.

247

question

modified

The question, "Can a committee meet by telephone?" has been changed to "Can a committee meet by telephone or other electronic means?" It is answered in the affirmative provided that the organization’s bylaws allow it and that all members in the meeting are able to hear and discuss in the same manner as in a face-to-face meeting.

247 – 248

answer modified

The answer to the question "Which term is correct chairman or chairperson?" has been augmented to indicate that many organizations now use the term "chair" and that it is now the preferred term in TSC.

248

answer modified

The answer to the question "What are the mistakes most commonly made by presiding officers?" has one additional bullet:

• Failure to assure that a motion is clearly worded before stating it to the assembly.

249 – 250

answer

modified

The answer to the question, "What are the most common errors secretaries make in keeping minutes?" has been augmented by the following two items:

• Recording the name of the person who seconded a motion
• Recording motions that were withdrawn before they were stated by the chair

250

answer

clarified

The answer to the question, "What is the meaning of the term 'Robert’s Rule'?" has been stated more succinctly.

250 – 251

answer

clarified

The answer to the question, "If one commonly attends meetings where Robert’s Rules of Order is the prescribed authority, would one find it difficult to change to The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure?", has been stated more succinctly.

251

The last question in the Chapter, "Where can I obtain additional information …..?" has been updated to provide address, e-mail and FAX numbers of the American Institute of Parliamentarians. The current address is as follows:

American Institute of Parliamentarians
550M Ritchie Highway #271
Severna Park, MD 21146

Tel: 888-664-0428
Fax: 410-544-4640E-mail address:

aip@parliamentaryprocedure.org.

Web site address: 
www.parliamentaryprocedure.org.

Old Appendix A

Removed

Appendix A in the 3^rd Ed. (page 241) – Governmental Boards, Councils, Commissions, and Committees has been removed in its entirety. This appendix was written in 1950 and reflected the information of that time. In 2001 it is unlikely that the information contained in the chapter is accurate. In addition the information may not apply similarly across all jurisdictions or states.

253 - 254

This appendix, Suggested Bylaw Provisions for an Organization, recommends three additional sections as follows:

• Article IV – D. Method of Filling Vacancies
• Article IV – E. Removal of Officers
• New Article XIV – Dissolution

Article V, section A, subsection 2 has added the words "vacancies" and "removal" so it now reads:

• 2. Elected members: qualification, vacancies, removal

255 – 258

clarify

Appendix B, Model Minutes, has been updated with regard to dates and to clarify through better wording.

259

Notes have been removed and updated to reflect changes in the text

261 – 267

Additional definitions

The following 5 definitions have been added:

1. Closed Session. A session of an assembly, board or committee open only to members of the assembly, board or committee, the proceedings of which are confidential.
2. Legal Ballot. A ballot the intent of which is clear, despite misspelling. (Blank ballots or ballots cast for ineligible persons are not considered legal.)
3. Proviso. A stipulation in the bylaws or rules, usually indicating the date or time it goes into effect.
4. Restorative Motion. A main motion that concerns an action previously taken.
5. Two-Thirds Vote. A vote of at least two-thirds of those present and voting.

The definition of Specific Main Motions has been removed (3^rd Ed. Page 262).