# Rule 15-5 Precedence of motions

Current through 2024. Source: DLR publication. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## Rule 15-5 Precedence of motions

Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 15-5 (2026)

(a) In general. When a motion is pending before the City Council, no other motion may be received unless the other motion:

  (1) is 1 of those listed in subsection (b) of this rule; and

  (2) has a higher precedence than the pending motion.

(b) Order of precedence. The following motions have precedence in the order listed:

  (1) Privileged motions:

    (i) call of the roll when there is not a quorum present;

    (ii) to make, or give notice of, a motion to reconsider;

    (iii) to adjourn;

    (iv) to recess;

    (v) questions of privilege of the house: A. Organization of the house; B. Expelling or censuring a member or the member’s capacity to serve; C. Call of the house when a quorum is present; D. Comfort of the members; E. Freedom from disturbance; F. Disorderly conduct of members; G. Conduct of officers or employees or the removal or censure of officers or employees; H. Conduct of reporters or the press or the accuracy of published reports; and I. Accuracy of the journal and records of the house; and

    (vi) questions of personal privilege: A. questions relating to the reputation of members in their representative capacity; and B. Questions relating to the conduct of members in their representative capacity.

  (2) Incidental motions:

    (i) Points of order;

    (ii) Appeals;

    (iii) Parliamentary inquiry and like requests for information;

    (iv) Orders of the day;

    (v) Requests or motions for leave to withdraw a motion that is under consideration;

    (vi) Suspension of rules for some immediate purpose;

    (vii) Objection to consideration of a proposal;

    (viii) Manner or order of consideration of motions;

    (ix) Motions relating to voting;

    (x) Motions relating to nominations and elections; and

    (xi) Motions relating to division of a proposal; and

  (3) Subsidiary motions:

    (i) to lay on the table (postpone temporarily);

    (ii) the previous question (vote immediately);

    (iii) close, limit, or extend limits of debate;

    (iv) postpone definitely or to a certain time;

    (v) to refer or commit;

    (vi) to amend; and

    (vii) to postpone indefinitely.