Today, CLPA begins a new series where we will quickly explain terms you will regularly see when reviewing legislation or minutes from legislative bodies. We will publish these terms on a weekly basis, oftentimes multiple times a week if we feel it is necessary.
Term of the day
Consent agenda
Consent agendas (referred to as a "consent calendar" in Roberts Rules of Order) are used by meeting bodies to simplify meeting procedures by grouping non-controversial items together on an agenda so they can all be passed with a single motion and vote. Examples of items that appear on a consent agenda:
Board meeting minutes from the previous session;
Committee reports
Appointments requiring board confirmation
Actions that are required in the bylaws
Routine correspondence that requires no action
Minor changes in a policy or procedure
Below is an example on a consent agenda from the Prince George's County Council:
