What is an "incidental motion"?

An incidental motion is defined as a motion that emerges from another motion and must be resolved before addressing the main motion under discussion. This type of motion is crucial because it impacts the procedural dynamics of the meeting and ensures that any questions or concerns related to the main motion are addressed first.

The essence of incidental motions is that they deal with procedural issues that arise directly from the pending matter. For example, if a member raises a point of order during a discussion, that point of order must be resolved before the assembly continues deliberating on the main motion. This ensures that the meeting's flow is maintained while adhering to proper parliamentary procedure.

Understanding incidental motions is important for effective meeting management because they allow members to clarify or adjust the process as needed, facilitating a smoother and more organized discussion.