Class | Privileged motion |
---|---|
In order when another has the floor? | Yes, but should not interrupt a person who has begun to speak, unless unavoidable |
Requires second? | No, but if the question of privilege thereby raised is in the form of a motion, the motion must be seconded |
Debatable? | No |
May be reconsidered? | No |
Amendable? | No |
Vote required | Admissibility of question is ruled upon by chair |
In parliamentary procedure, a motion to raise a question of privilege is a privileged motion that permits a request related to the rights and privileges of the assembly or any of its members to be brought up. [1]
In Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR), questions of privilege affecting the assembly may include matters of comfort, amplification, or safety. [2] For example, it may be difficult to hear the speaker. In this case, a question of privilege could be raised to close the doors and windows. A question of privilege can only be interrupted by the motions to take a recess, adjourn, or fix the time to which to adjourn, or any incidental motions that must be disposed of at that time. [3]
An example of a question of privilege is a motion to go into executive session. [2] A question of privilege cannot interrupt a vote or the verification of a vote. [3]
When a question of privilege affects a single member (rather than the entire assembly), it is called a question of personal privilege. [2] Such a question may include a need for assistance, to be excused for illness or personal emergency, or the need to immediately answer a charge of misconduct made by another member. [2] The member rises immediately and without waiting to be recognized states, "Mr. Chairman, I rise on a question of personal privilege," or similar words. [4] If the member has interrupted a speaker, the chair must determine if the matter is of such urgency as demands immediate attention; otherwise, the member will have the floor immediately after the current speaker is finished. [4] According to RONR, questions of personal privilege "seldom arise in ordinary societies and even more rarely justify interruption of pending business". [2]
A question of privilege (not personal) has precedence over questions of personal privilege, should they conflict. [2]