A committee chair serves as the parliamentary head of a committee. The chair sets the committee’s agenda, determining when, or in many states, whethe bills will be considered. Other responsibilities of a committee chair typically include:
-Calling the committee together to perform its duties.
-Presiding and maintaining order over meetings.
-Deciding all questions of order subject to appeal.
-Supervising and directing the staff of the committee.
-Preparing, or supervising the preparation of, reports of the committee for submission to the body.
-Taking custody of all papers referred to the committee and transmit them to the clerk of the chamber as required.
Because committees play such a key role in the legislative process and significant power frequently is given to the chair, committee leadership selections are carefully considered by the body's designated appointing authority. Most often, it is the presiding officer of a legislative assembly. In 63 of the nation's 99 legislative chambers, committee chairs are appointed by the president of the Senate or the speaker of the House.Sometimes, another legislative leader—such as the president pro tem, the speaker pro tem or the majority leader—selects the committee chairs. In 13 chambers, standing committee chairs are appointed by a committee—such as a committee on committees, rules committee or management committee.
