hb 0385

CHAPTER 288

HB 385 - FINAL VERSION

AN ACT changing the name, membership and duties of the office of volunteerism.

SPONSORS: Rep. Peterson, Hills 8; Rep. Rowe, Hills 14; Rep. Scanlan, Graf 11; Sen. Eaton, Dist 10; Sen. Wheeler, Dist 21

This bill changes the New Hampshire office of volunteerism to Volunteer NH, a nonprofit organization administratively attached to the department of administrative services. The bill provides for a board of directors and an executive director. The bill further describes the structure and duties of Volunteer NH.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

AN ACT changing the name, membership and duties of the office of volunteerism.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

288:1 The State and Its Government; Office of Volunteerism; Restructuring the Office of Volunteerism as Volunteer NH, a Non-Profit Organization. RSA 19-H is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:

I. There is hereby established Volunteer NH, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that incorporates the previous responsibilities and programs of the New Hampshire office of volunteerism, the governor's council on volunteerism, and the New Hampshire commission for national and community service (AmeriCorps). The board of directors of Volunteer NH shall consist of at least 15 members but not more than 25 members. The board shall include, as a minimum:

(1) An individual with expertise in the educational, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth.

(2) An individual with experience in promoting the involvement of adults 55 years of age or older in service and volunteerism.

(3) A representative from a community-based agency or community-based organization with volunteer participation.

(7) An individual between 16 and 25 years of age, inclusive, who is or has been a participant or supervisor in a service program.

(8) A representative of a national service program described in section 122(a) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended.

(d) One member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house.

II. The members in subparagraph (a) shall serve for renewable terms of one, 2, or 3 years. The terms for members listed in subparagraphs (b) through (f) shall be coterminous with their term of office. Vacancies shall be filled for the remainder of the term in the same manner and from the same group as the original appointment.

III. The board shall appoint an executive director who shall serve for a renewable term of 4 years. If a vacancy occurs, the board shall appoint a new executive director to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.

19-H:2 Compensation. The executive director shall receive no state compensation.

19-H:3 Staff. The executive director may employ staff, including volunteers, necessary to carry out the responsibilities and programs of Volunteer NH.

I. The board may organize an advisory council and program committees to develop, promote, execute, sustain, and provide education and recognition to volunteer activities and programs in New Hampshire.

(b) Promote and support national, state, and local community service initiatives.

(c) Assume responsibility for duties established for state commissions in section 178 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended.

(d) Assist and advise state agencies and political subdivisions to establish, maintain, and expand volunteer programs.

(e) Serve as a resource to coordinate and collaborate with other nonprofit and volunteer organizations throughout the state.

(f) Provide technical assistance to state agencies and political subdivisions, including a database that details the needs and capabilities of volunteers and volunteer organizations throughout the state.

(g) Take other appropriate actions to promote active participation of volunteers which would enrich state and local programs without supplanting public employees.

19-H:5 Cooperation. Volunteer NH may cooperate with any state or federal agency or any private organization in conducting studies, programs, and joint efforts in the areas of service and volunteerism.

19-H:6 Report. The board shall submit an annual report of its activities to the governor and council, the senate president, and the speaker of the house of representatives.

19-H:7 Authority to Accept Gifts. Volunteer NH may accept any gifts, donations, bequests, federal, state, or local funds, or grants from any source if the gifts, donations, bequests, funds, or grants received are used to sustain the organization and to further the duties and programs of Volunteer NH.

19-H:8 Administratively Attached. Volunteer NH shall be administratively attached to the department of administrative services and shall receive in-kind office space and essential services and support from the state.

19-H:9 Limitation on Service. No volunteer whose service or activities are promoted, coordinated, or assisted by Volunteer NH shall be used in the enforcement of any law, or in any civil or criminal investigation.