A committee is a group of people subordinate to a deliberative assembly or other organization that is charged with conducting research and making recommendations on specific matters. The committee may also be tasked with other duties related to the assembly’s overall work, such as evaluating candidates for awards or nominations. Usually, an assembly sends matters to committee so they can be explored more fully than would be possible in the full assembly.
When a committee completes its work, it provides the results in a report to the body that appointed the committee. The report typically includes the methods used, facts uncovered, and conclusions or recommendations. If the assembly elects to act on the findings of the committee, it will usually do so through a vote. A bill sent to committee that is voted on and reported back to the House will be assigned a new number (see How Our Laws Are Made).
Committees can take many forms, from informal groups of several people examining a single matter, to the permanent, structured organ of an assembly between two congresses in the case of communist parties. They are often organized by a chairperson who organizes meetings and keeps discussions focused on the relevant subject matter. Meetings can take place in person or through videoconferencing when committee members cannot attend in person. Depending on the size and type of the committee, some may follow formal rules of procedure that are set out in the assembly’s by-laws or in Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised when deciding how to run their meetings.
From the welfare of laying hens to the impact and risks of cryptocurrencies, Parliament’s committees have been busy this year. Read on to find out about some of the highlights.
The Committee on Open Government oversees and advises the government, public, and news media on Freedom of Information, Open Meetings, and Personal Privacy Protection laws. It offers guidance in response to phone inquiries, prepares written legal advisory opinions, and conducts training for government and other interested groups.