_____________ bill NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT ESTABLISHING A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO SUPPORT CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES ACTIVITIES; DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AND TO DETERMINE QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIREMENTS, AND TRAINING FOR THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM; EXTENDING RULEMAKING AUTHORITY; and REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT to THE CHILDREN, FAMILIES, HEALTH, AND HUMAN SERVICES INTERIM COMMITTEE."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

NEW SECTION. Section 1. Volunteer program -- rulemaking -- report. (1) There is established within the department a volunteer program to support child protective services activities. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Volunteers are not salaried employees and are not entitled to wages and benefits. The department may reimburse volunteers for uncompensated out-of-pocket expenses, including but not limited to expenditures for transportation, food, and lodging.

(2)        The department shall, by administrative rule:

(a)        establish volunteer positions, which may include but are not limited to clerical, transportation, administrative, or professional positions;

(b)        determine the qualifications and requirements for volunteering;

(c)        provide for the supervision of volunteers; and

(d)        create a training program for volunteers.

(3)        In accordance with 5-11-210, the department shall report to the children, families, health, and human services interim committee regarding the department's efforts under this section.

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Codification instruction. [Section 1] is intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 41, chapter 3, part 1, and the provisions of Title 41, chapter 3, part 1, apply to [section 1].