• Blog Post
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  • Intermediate

Committee Categories on the Bill Sheet Query Tab

When you create a query on the bill sheet query tab, it is sometimes helpful to filter your results according to the type of committee the bill has been sent to. This filtering can help eliminate bills that are not relevant to your search and help with curating your bill sheet to just the bills you want to track. 

NOTE: Not all bills are sent to a committee and it may take a little time before bills are given committee assignments, so you do need to be careful when using the committee filter. 

Read this post for more information on using the committee filter and the committee quick search. 

So how do you choose which category to use as your filter? We have looked at all the committees across the whole of the country and assigned them one of 11 broad categories according to the main topic area. The table below lists all 11 topic areas and the kinds of policy areas that are included.  The list is not exclusive but it should help you decide which filter to use to capture the bills that interest you.

Committee Category

Policy Areas

Justice

Judiciary, civil, criminal, public safety including firearms , corrections, state properties

Government Affairs

Elections, constitution, ethics, campaigns, state affairs, local affairs, administrative services, intergovernmental affairs / relations, interstate relations, sunset, legislative oversight, administrative regulation, redistricting, reapportionment, state property, state planning, tribal affairs, boundaries, executive, enrollment, oversight

Education

Schools, college, pre-school, children, youth, human services, children's issues, libraries

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Farming, environment, energy / oil industry, forestry, conservation, agribusiness, fisheries, water, toxic materials, parks, wildlife, livestock

Business and Industry

Banking, insurance, commerce, tourism, other specific industries e.g. wine, technology, economic development, consumer protection, gambling, racing, arts

Labor and Employment

Labor, salaries, benefits, retirement incl pensions, human resources, human services, personnel, licensing, occupations, licensed activities, industrial relations

Military Affairs and Security

Defence, veterans, military affairs (not just federal), homeland security, terrorism, cybersecurity, police, fire, emergency preparedness

Budget and Finance

Taxation, fiscal responsibility, appropriations, audit, budget, ways and means, financial instututions, probate, trusts, bonds

Health and Social Services

Health, health care professionals, health insurance, social services

Transportation and Infrastructure

Transportation, highways, motor vehicles, public works, telecommunications, utilities

Housing and Urban Affairs

Planning and development, property, urban affairs