Their names indicate which matters fall under their jurisdiction. The General Committee discusses questions concerning the Ministry of Justice in addition to regional policy and other questions which do not fall within the jurisdiction of any of the other committees. Both cabinet and private Member's bills are referred to committee following the first reading. A bill may, however, be referred to committee at any stage. Parliamentary resolutions are also referred to committee after the first reading.
Committees hold meetings in camera.
They may request that interested parties or specialists in a matter either submit their opinion in writing or attend certain meetings. When a committee has concluded its discussion of a bill or resolution it delivers a written report on how it considers the Althingi should deal with the matter, or separate reports if the Members of the committee are not in agreement. Any proposals for amendments must be submitted in writing. If the bill is referred again to the committee between the second and third readings, the committee may submit an additional opinion. Committee Members may decide to submit a bill on behalf of the committee in areas which fall under its jurisdiction.