Considerations in Appointing Committee Members

In the California Legislature, there are 33 Assembly standing committees and 22 Senate standing committees. In the Assembly, the Speaker determines the composition of standing committees and, in the Senate, the Senate President pro Tempore makes a similar determination. Is there any guidance provided in the Legislature’s rules regarding appointments to committees?

Assembly Rule 12 is titled, “Membership of Standing Committees.” AR 12 provides that the Speaker shall determine the size, and appoint the membership and the chairperson and vice chairperson, of all standing committees and subcommittees. In appointing Members to serve on committees, the Speaker shall consider the preferences of the Members.

Based upon AR 12, the only requirement imposed on the Speaker is to “consider the preferences of the Members” of the Assembly.

Senate Rule 11 is titled, “Appointment of Committees.” SR 11 provides, in part, that, in making committee appointments, the President pro Tempore shall give consideration to seniority, preference, and experience. However, in making committee appointments, the President pro Tempore shall, as far as practicable, give equal representation to all parts of the state.

Based upon SR 11, there are several requirements imposed on the President pro Tempore, including to consider “seniority, preference, and experience,” as well as “equal representation to all parts of the state.”