Amending a Motion

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th Edition · § 12

An amendment changes wording of a pending motion before it is decided.

Common approaches are inserting words, striking words, and striking and inserting replacement wording.

Amendments must relate to the motion and not turn it into an unrelated proposition.

Vote on the amendment first, then on the main motion in its resulting form.

Example

A proposal to buy four benches may be amended to buy two benches. The assembly considers that change before deciding the final proposal.

Avoid confusion

A so-called friendly amendment still needs proper treatment after the chair has stated the motion; the maker cannot simply rewrite an assembly-owned motion without its consent.

Source: Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th ed., § 12. Official reference · GCA Bylaws. This original explanatory guide is not a substitute for either governing source.