Does an incidental motion take precedence over motions that are pending?

An incidental motion indeed takes precedence over pending motions. Incidental motions are often considered procedural and arise out of the current business being discussed. They are necessary for the proper conduct of the meeting and can generally be introduced without waiting for the pending motion to be resolved.

For example, if there is a motion on the floor being debated and a member wishes to propose an incidental motion, such as a request for clarification or a point of order, that incidental motion must be addressed and dealt with before the assembly can continue deliberating the main motion. This precedence is crucial as it allows the assembly to ensure that the meeting runs smoothly and effectively.

By allowing incidental motions to take precedence, the rules highlight the importance of addressing immediate procedural issues that could affect the ongoing business, thus ensuring fairness and clarity in the discussion.