What does it mean to "suspend the rules" during a meeting?

To "suspend the rules" during a meeting refers to the practice of temporarily setting aside the usual parliamentary procedures established by the group's governing documents. This allows a group to bypass normal protocols for a specific purpose, usually to expedite a process, allow for a different type of discussion, or address an urgent issue that may not fit neatly within the established rules.

By suspending the rules, members can adapt their procedures to better suit the needs of the meeting at that time without permanently altering the governing framework of the organization. This action requires a formal vote and is often used to facilitate productive discussions or decision-making in situations where strict adherence to the rules might hinder progress.

In contrast, permanently changing an organization's procedures would imply a more structured and formal method requiring thorough discussion, votes, or amendments to bylaws. Eliminating all rules for the meeting would undermine the order and structure that rules provide and is not a feasible or acceptable practice. Similarly, limiting speaking rights to certain members does not reflect the essence of suspending the rules, which generally applies to procedural flexibility for all members.