How many main motions may be on the floor at any one time?

How many main motions may be on the floor at any one time?

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: (B)

Only one main motion may be on the floor at a time. A main motion is a substantive proposal for consideration, and once it is made, it becomes the focus of debate and decision. No other main motions can be introduced until that motion is disposed of by voting or otherwise ending it. You can still use amendments or other related motions (like to postpone, refer to a committee, or lay on the table) to modify or manage the current motion, but those aren’t new main motions. After the current motion is disposed of, a new main motion may be brought forward if desired.

Only one main motion may be on the floor at a time. A main motion is a substantive proposal for consideration, and once it is made, it becomes the focus of debate and decision. No other main motions can be introduced until that motion is disposed of by voting or otherwise ending it. You can still use amendments or other related motions (like to postpone, refer to a committee, or lay on the table) to modify or manage the current motion, but those aren’t new main motions. After the current motion is disposed of, a new main motion may be brought forward if desired.