Legal Definitions - unanimous-consent agenda

An unanimous-consent agenda is a list of business awaiting a deliberative assembly's vote that is not expected to be substantially opposed and is therefore scheduled for a vote without debate, or for automatic adoption unless a member objects. It is also known as a consent calendar or unanimous-consent calendar.

For example, a city council may have a long list of routine or noncontroversial matters to consider, such as approving minutes or renewing contracts. Instead of debating each item, they can use an unanimous-consent agenda to quickly and efficiently dispose of these matters. Every member has the right to object, but if no one objects, the items are automatically adopted.

Another example is a legislative committee that has reported out a list of bills for consideration by the entire legislature. If the bills are not controversial, they can be placed on an unanimous-consent agenda for a quick vote without debate.

The examples illustrate how an unanimous-consent agenda can be used to streamline the decision-making process for routine or noncontroversial matters, saving time and resources for the deliberative assembly.