Special Order

A special order is a parliamentary or legislative mechanism used to give a particular item of business priority over the regular order of the day. By adopting a special order, a deliberative body suspends or modifies its standing rules so that a specified bill, motion, or debate is taken up at a fixed time, in a fixed manner, or under particular conditions (such as limited debate or restricted amendments).

In the U.S. House of Representatives, special orders are most commonly associated with the Rules Committee, which reports "special rules" (often called H.Res. resolutions) that govern how major legislation reaches the floor. These rules can be "open" (permitting any germane amendment), "closed" (barring amendments), or "structured" (allowing only specified amendments). The House must adopt the special rule by simple majority before debate on the underlying bill begins. Separately, the term "special order speeches" in the House refers to time reserved at the end of legislative business for members to address the chamber on topics of their choice, typically for up to one hour per member.

In bodies governed by Robert's Rules of Order, a special order requires a two-thirds vote to adopt (because it suspends the regular agenda) and takes precedence over general orders at the designated time. It is distinct from making a question a "general order," which simply places it on the calendar without overriding other business.

In Model UN, delegates may encounter analogous procedures—such as motions to set a speakers' list, suspend the meeting, or adopt a specific agenda order—that function similarly to special orders by altering the default flow of debate. Understanding the distinction between procedural votes (which structure debate) and substantive votes (which decide policy) is essential when navigating these motions in committee.