To Lay a Motion on the Table – IMPROPER MOTION
In parliamentary law, a motion is often referred to as a “question” because a motion is a proposal that presents a “yes” or “no” question for the assembly to decide.
Q: What if a motion is made to “table” the motion or “lay the motion on the table”?
A: You have a few choices. You can interrupt to say “Point of Order” which the chair knows is a violation complaint.
The motion to Lay on the Table enables the assembly to lay the pending question aside temporarily when something else of immediate urgency has arisen or when something else needs to be addressed before consideration of the pending question is resumed…
This motion is commonly misused in ordinary assemblies-in place of a motion to Postpone Indefinitely (11), a motion to Postpone to a Certain Time (14), or other motions. Particularly in such misuses, it also is known as a motion “to table.”
By adopting the motion to Lay on the Table, a majority has the power to halt consideration of a question immediately without debate. Such action violates the rights of the minority and individual members if it is for any other purpose than the one stated in the first sentence of this section. In ordinary assemblies, the motion to Lay on the Table is not in order if the evident intent is to kill or avoid dealing with a measure. If a time for resuming consideration is specified in making the motion, it can be admitted only as a motion to Postpone (14), in which case it is debatable.
A motion can be made to postpone to a later date and members can debate on this before a vote is taken.
Remember, a motion to Postpone Indefinitely is a motion to kill the question and is also debatable.
Roberts Rules of Order § 17 LAY ON THE TABLE
NSDAR Handbook – Miscellaneous Parliamentary Points