What happens when a motion that was laid on the table is taken from the table?

What happens when a motion that was laid on the table is taken from the table?

• A. It is permanently disposed of
• B. It resumes consideration with everything adhering to it exactly as it was when it was laid on the table
• C. It must be reintroduced as a new main motion
• D. It requires a special vote

Answer: (B)

Laid on the table is a way to set a motion aside temporarily so the assembly can handle more urgent business. When you move to take it from the table, you’re reactivating the same motion and resuming it exactly where it left off. All the features of that motion—its amendments, its place in the order of business, and any pending actions—stay in place, so debate can continue as if no time had passed. It isn’t disposed of, and you don’t need to reintroduce it as a new main motion. The act of taking it from the table simply brings the same motion back for consideration in its prior condition, subject to the standard voting required to take it from the table.

Laid on the table is a way to set a motion aside temporarily so the assembly can handle more urgent business. When you move to take it from the table, you’re reactivating the same motion and resuming it exactly where it left off. All the features of that motion—its amendments, its place in the order of business, and any pending actions—stay in place, so debate can continue as if no time had passed. It isn’t disposed of, and you don’t need to reintroduce it as a new main motion. The act of taking it from the table simply brings the same motion back for consideration in its prior condition, subject to the standard voting required to take it from the table.