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This entry was published on 2014-09-22
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SECTION 8
Motions
Senate Rules (CMS) CHAPTER , RULE 6
§ 8. Motions. a. When a question is before the Senate, only the
following motions shall be made by a Senator, and such motions shall
have precedence in the order here stated, viz.:

(1) For an adjournment.

(2) For a call of the Senate.

(3) For the previous question.

(4) To lay on the table.

(5) To postpone to a certain day.

(6) To commit to a standing committee.

(7) To commit to a select committee.

(8) To change calendar arrangement.

(9) To amend.

b. The motion to adjourn, or for a call of the Senate, or for the
previous question, or to lay on the table, shall be decided without
debate, and shall always be in order except as provided in Rules six,
eight and ten.

c. Except for the motions enumerated in subdivision a hereof, all
other motions shall be reduced to writing, if desired by the Presiding
Officer or any five Senators, delivered to the Secretary, and read
before the same shall be debated; and any motion may be withdrawn at any
time before decision or amendment.

d. A motion for the previous question, or a motion to postpone to a
certain day, or to commit, or refer to a standing or select committee,
until it is decided, shall preclude all debate of the main question.

e. A motion for the previous question shall only be in order when made
by the leaders of the respective conferences or their designee. The
"previous question" shall be put as follows: "Shall the main question
now be put before the house?" and until it is decided, shall preclude
all amendments or debate. When, on taking the previous question, the
Senate shall decide that the main question shall now be put, the main
question shall be put to an immediate vote. When, on taking the previous
question, the Senate shall decide that the main question shall not now
be put, the main question shall be considered as still remaining under
debate. The "main question" shall be the advancement or passage of the
bill, resolution or other matter under consideration. Such motion shall
require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Senators elected.