When a subsidiary motion arises during consideration of a main motion, what must occur before continuing?

• A. The subsidiary motion must be disposed of
• B. The main motion is automatically adopted
• C. The chair must suspend all business
• D. The meeting must adjourn

Answer: (A)

When a subsidiary motion arises, it must be dealt with before you can continue with the main motion. Disposal means the subsidiary motion is acted on—voted on and either adopted or defeated, or otherwise finalized through the appropriate procedural route (such as postponing, tabling, or referring). Once the subsidiary motion is disposed, you resume consideration of the main motion, now in its updated form if the subsidiary motion changed it. This ordering keeps the discussion focused and ensures subordinate questions are settled before the main decision is pushed forward.