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Points of Order and Debate Discussion
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During the March 7, 2019 Roundtable, Councilmember Johnson brought up the debate process and the rights of the members to be recognized during debate. He stated that the current rules do not require recognition of a speaker. Also of some concern was the proper procedure if in the future someone would attempt to interrupt the speaker who had the floor. The Council has adopted Robert's Rules of Order except where specifically changed by the Council's adoption of a rule. The Committee requested Staff bring back information on Robert's Rules regarding Points of Order and rights of debate of members of a body. To facilitate further discussion on "Points of Order" and the rules of debate, please find attached for the Committee's reference:
1. Duhaime's Law Dictionary - Point of Order Definition,
2. Excerpt of several sections from Robert's Rules of Order Online Version dealing with "Debate", "Decorum in Debate", and "Closing Debate and Preventing Debate" detailing rules of debate,
3. "Running Meetings with Robert's Rules of Order" article from https://www.alphaharhochi.org/documents/2014/03/roberts-rules-tip-sheet.pdf. This article includes explanations of being recognized, speaking and which motions are used for specific purposes, and
4. "Survival Tips On Robert's Rules of Order" from http://roberts-rules.com/part11.htm.