Which type of committee operates indefinitely and is established in the association's bylaws?

The correct answer is a standing committee. A standing committee is a permanent committee established in the organization's bylaws, which means it operates indefinitely as long as the association exists. These committees are typically responsible for ongoing tasks or issues that are critical to the function of the organization, such as finance, membership, or program planning.

By being codified in the bylaws, standing committees have an established mandate and structure, allowing them to provide continuity and stability to the association's governance and activities. Their long-term nature facilitates sustained focus on specific areas of concern and allows for ongoing expertise to develop over time, as members serve multiple terms and build institutional knowledge.

Other types of committees, such as task forces or special/ad hoc committees, are typically formed for a specific purpose or project and disband once that work is completed. Special interest groups may focus on particular interests within the organization but are not defined as standing committees, lacking the permanence that is characteristic of standing committees.