1. At my union meetings an issue concerning awarding vacation versus personal time has been brought for a vote repeatedly over the last few years. Motions have been presented with quorums and have been passed. The following month the issue gets brought up with a slight change and voted on again. The losing faction makes a modified motion the following meeting. This has been happening repeatedly. Finally someone made a motion that we keep the present vacation system and that this system remain in place for the term of the present board (2 years). There was a quorum and it was adopted. A member insists that this is invalid. He states Robert's Rules says that one body cannot restrict another body from conducting business. He says that each monthly meeting is a newly convened body. Is the motion to set aside the vacation issue a valid motion?
2. If a motion is declared illegal can a division of the house be called? What exactly is a "division of the house"?

A:

1. Once an issue such as you describe has been decided, future assemblies may change that decision only by the motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted (see RONR Section 34). Any main motion that is adopted that contradicts that decision should be ruled out of order, with the result being its nullification. See RONR pp 108-09. As I understand your situation, the very first vote on the issue is still in effect; all later changes should be ruled null and void. The vote required to Amend Something Previously Adopted is:
   • Two thirds of those present and voting;
   • A majority of those present and voting, previous notice having been given; or,
   • A majority of the entire membership.

   The member quoting RONR is correct. It is improper to vote to prevent future assemblies from addressing such an issue. (Some motions can be made the adoption of which would bind future assemblies; however, these motions are in the nature of bylaws and special rules of order, which is not the nature of your issue.)

2. I think you mean Division of the Assembly, although it has nothing to do with motions being declared illegal. A Division is a demand that a vote just taken by voice or by a show of hands be retaken by the members rising. See RONR Section 29.

   If the appropriateness of a motion is in question, the proper motion is a Point of Order. The chair rules whether the point is "well taken." See RONR Section 23.

   If desired, two members can then Appeal the decision of the chair. This would take the decision from the chair. See RONR Section 24.