Final answer:
If a member rises to informally offer an amendment after a main motion is seconded, the chairman should ensure the amendment is acknowledged, seconded, and germane. Then, the committee should discuss and vote on the amendment before proceeding with the main motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are the chairman at a meeting and a main motion is made and seconded, followed immediately by a member informally offering an amendment, you would need to follow the rules of order for handling amendments. The typical process includes recognizing the member who wishes to make the amendment, ensuring that the amendment is properly seconded, and determining if the amendment is germane to the main motion. It is important to note that the rules about amendments can vary depending on the specific parliamentary procedure being followed, but they usually involve discussion and a vote on the amendment before returning to the main motion.
During the markup stage in Congress, for instance, a bill is amended and voted on. Amendments are often a critical part of the process for enacting laws. The House and Senate may have different rules regarding amendments with the Senate allowing unlimited debate and non-germane amendments, highlighting the intricate nature of legislative processes.