Legal Definitions - rules committee

A Rules Committee is a type of committee that is responsible for drafting rules and an agenda for the orderly conduct of a deliberative assembly's business, particularly that of a legislative body or a convention. It is a subordinate group to which a deliberative assembly or other organization refers business for consideration, investigation, oversight, or action.

For example, in the United States Congress, the Rules Committee is responsible for determining the rules and procedures for debate and amendment of bills before they are considered by the full House of Representatives. The committee decides which bills will be considered, how long the debate will last, and whether amendments will be allowed.

Another example is a convention's Rules Committee, which is responsible for developing rules and procedures for the convention, such as how delegates will be seated, how votes will be taken, and how resolutions will be considered.

Overall, a Rules Committee plays an important role in ensuring that the business of a deliberative assembly is conducted in an orderly and efficient manner.