Committees help the legislature run more smoothly, and their work ensures that the many issues facing the legislature are dealt with in an orderly fashion. As a general rule, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate decide who will be appointed to various committees. Members of the legislature serve on multiple committees, and typically a legislator has some knowledge of or interest in the topic covered by a committee to which he or she is appointed. Most committee hearings and meetings are open to the public, but in special cases committees may vote to close hearings or meetings to the public.
For more information about each type of committee, click on the links below.