Committee declines new rule on on-the-spot law-department responses, allows sponsor to withdraw
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Summary
A proposed rule to let any council member pose a question to the law department upon recognition was discussed; members said routine questions are already handled outside meetings and that in-meeting exceptions are rare, and the maker withdrew the order.
The committee discussed a March 2025 order that would add a rule allowing any council member, once recognized by the chair, to pose a question to the law department and receive an in-chamber answer without suspending rules for nonmembers.
Several councilors, including Linda Bacon and Kevin Jourdain, said Robert’s Rules require a rule suspension for nonmembers and that members should generally do such legal “homework” before meetings. Speakers noted the law department regularly provides written opinions and that on-the-spot consultation is already granted in limited, uncontroversial circumstances when members and the president agree.
At the end of the discussion the sponsor asked to withdraw the order; the committee granted leave to withdraw and tabled further action so members can consider alternatives such as creating a paid parliamentarian to advise on procedural questions.
No formal rule change was adopted.