CHAPTER 2109. VOLUNTEERS
GOVERNMENT CODE
TITLE 10. GENERAL GOVERNMENT
SUBTITLE C. STATE ACCOUNTING, FISCAL MANAGEMENT, AND PRODUCTIVITY
CHAPTER 2109. VOLUNTEERS
Sec. 2109.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Governmental entity" means a state agency or any other
governmental entity supported in whole or in part by funds
received from the state.
(2) "Human services" means providing for basic human mental or
physical needs.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1993.
Sec. 2109.002. USE OF VOLUNTEERS FOR HUMAN SERVICES. A
governmental entity that provides human services shall use
volunteers, if feasible, to assist in providing human services of
a high quality.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1993.
Sec. 2109.003. DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRAMS. (a) Each governmental
entity shall develop a volunteer program.
(b) In developing the program, the governmental entity shall
consider volunteers a resource that requires advance planning and
preparation for effective use.
(c) The governmental entity shall include, if practicable,
volunteers in addition to paid staff in planning the
implementation of the program.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1993.
Sec. 2109.004. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES. (a) A
volunteer program must include:
(1) an effective training program for paid staff and prospective
volunteers;
(2) the use of paid staff to plan and implement the volunteer
program;
(3) an evaluation mechanism to assess:
(A) the performance of the volunteers;
(B) the cooperation of paid staff with the volunteers; and
(C) the volunteer program; and
(4) follow-up studies to ensure the effectiveness of the
volunteer program.
(b) A volunteer program may:
(1) establish a program to reimburse volunteers for actual and
necessary expenses incurred in the performance of volunteer
services;
(2) establish an insurance program to protect volunteers in the
performance of volunteer services;
(3) cooperate with private organizations that provide services
similar to those provided by the governmental entity; and
(4) purchase engraved certificates, plaques, pins, or awards of
a similar nature, with a value that does not exceed $75 for each
volunteer, to recognize special achievement and outstanding
services of volunteers.
(c) This section applies to a volunteer program of a
governmental entity, regardless of whether the governmental
entity provides human services.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1993.
Sec. 2109.005. MERIT PAY; PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS. A
governmental entity that has a volunteer program shall consider
the use of volunteers in determining merit pay increases and
performance evaluations.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1993.
Sec. 2109.006. STATE BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS. During the
preparation of budget recommendations, the Legislative Budget
Board shall review the use of funds requested for volunteer
programs.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1993.