What type of motion is the motion to Lay on the Table?

The motion to Lay on the Table is categorized as a privileged motion. This classification is due to its purpose: it allows a body to temporarily set aside a main motion or pending matter to address more urgent business. The motions classified as privileged are intended to take precedence over others, reflecting their importance in maintaining the orderly conduct of meetings and ensuring that pressing issues can be dealt with promptly.

The motion to Lay on the Table does not fundamentally alter the main motion; rather, it halts discussion on it until the body decides to take it up again, if at all. This is significantly different from subsidiary motions, which are used to change or affect the main motion itself. While main motions introduce new business for consideration and incidental motions arise in the context of a larger motion to address specific issues like points of order, the privileged nature of the motion to Lay on the Table is distinct, emphasizing its role in maintaining the flow of a meeting by allowing more urgent matters to be prioritized.