Whether the issue being addressed is routine matters affecting the committee’s operations, reports following the completion of an inquiry, or recommendations to the steering committee, a well written and structured committee report is a critical tool for any board. The purpose of a committee is to gather insights and data on key issues and make recommendations for the executive or steering committees to use to govern an organization.
During the meeting, take note of the agenda items, committee members present and their titles, as well as the length of the meeting. Additionally, take note of any crucial points the committee discussed that it may need to discuss again at a later date or time. Moreover, note the number of members who concurred versus those who dissented with respect to each point.
After the committee completes deliberation on a matter, it votes to report or not to report a bill for consideration by the entire House of Representatives. Alternatively, the committee may decide to amend the bill and report it back for further deliberation. The committee can also vote to table the bill, meaning it will not be considered further, or to pass the bill without amendment and allow the bill to become law.
At the conclusion of a select committee inquiry, the government will normally respond to the report, either by publishing the response itself (as Command Papers) or by sending it to the committee for publication as a special report. Depending on the complexity of the issue, the committee can choose to publish the government’s responses together or separately.
The Committee on Open Government oversees and advises the public, news media, and government agencies regarding Freedom of Information, Open Meetings, and Personal Privacy Protection laws. The committee answers phone inquiries, prepares written legal advisory opinions, and offers training to government employees. In addition, the committee offers guidance to the public, journalists, and news organizations in developing and implementing policies that comply with these laws.