Rules of Procedure 2023

Proposed Rules of Procedure

Annual Meeting of the MidAmerica Region, UUA

June 8, 2023

Given the situation of the global pandemic concerning Coronavirus and COVID-19 illnesses, we the representatives attending the Annual Meeting of the MidAmerica Region realize that this is not “business as usual,” and agree to these relaxed Rules of Procedure, given the exigencies of the situation.

RULE 1. ORDER OF BUSINESS

Consideration of and action upon items must proceed in the order set forth in the Final Agenda unless, during the meeting, that order is changed by majority vote.

RULE 2. PARTICIPATION IN DEBATE

Speakers recognized by the President shall identify themselves by name and congregational affiliation. Participation in debate is limited to delegates. The President may waive this requirement.

RULE 3. MEANS OF VOTING

Action on any question, unless the Bylaws otherwise provide, will proceed by vote of those in attendance. A vote will be called by the President. The required proportion of votes cast by delegates to approve any action or resolution will be as set forth in the Bylaws or these Rules of Procedure. Given the global pandemic, those present have the right to declare to a quorum being present, without an actual tally of all delegates.

RULE 4. PRESENTATION OF ITEMS

The provisions of Rule 5 notwithstanding, the Board will, at its discretion, either move the item as printed on the Final Agenda or move an amended version of the item.

RULE 5. AMENDMENTS

Except for clarifying amendments, amendments to the main motion and motions to refer, table or to call the question will not be in order until there has been at least ten minutes of debate, if that much is needed, on the merits of the main question as moved. No amendment or other change to any motion under consideration will be entertained unless it is submitted in writing. However, the President may waive this requirement.

RULE 6. TIME LIMITS

The following time limits are imposed on all business transacted by the assembly. If, however, there is no objection from the floor, the President may grant minor extensions of time. Any time limits imposed by this rule may be extended by a two‐thirds vote.

a) No person may speak on any motion for more than two minutes, and not more than once, so long as there are others who have not spoken who desire the floor, except that persons having special information may, with the permission of the President, reply to questions.

b) Twenty minutes is allowed for discussion of any proposed bylaw amendment, rule change, resolution, or action on a report that is on or admitted to the Final Agenda, unless the time limit is extended in the manner provided in the first paragraph of this Rule 6. Whenever possible, the discussion time will be equally divided by proponents and opponents and by the alternate recognition of Pro and Con speakers.

c) A motion to call the previous question on the main motion shall not be in order if there are potential speakers at both Pro and Con microphones and the original or extended time for discussion has not expired. A motion to call the previous question on a motion to amend the main motion is in order after 8 minutes of discussion concerning the amendment.

RULE 7. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

At any stage of the meeting, the President, without a vote of the assembly, at their discretion from time to time may order the meeting resolved into a Committee of the Whole or reconvened in regular Session. While the meeting is acting as a Committee of the Whole, the following Special Rule will apply: The Presiding Officer, without a vote of the Committee of the Whole, may permit reconsideration of any action taken by the Committee of the Whole, and other departures of the Rules of Parliamentary Procedure if it appears to them that the work of the Committee of the Whole will thereby be expedited. When the assembly is reconvened, the only motion in order will be to adopt the recommendation of the Committee of the Whole. A motion recommended by the Committee of the Whole will not be subject to amendment, debate, or delay.

RULE 8. AMENDING THE RULES OF PROCEDURE

These Rules of Procedure will be adopted by a two-thirds vote and may be amended, suspended, or repealed during the course of the assembly only by a two-thirds vote.