HB 327 -- CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS

This bill authorizes the Department of Conservation to establish
a volunteer program.  Volunteers are considered unpaid employees
and are provided legal expense and liability protection.  They
may use state vehicles when specifically authorized and may also
be reimbursed for travel and other expenses.

HB 327 -- CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS (McBride)

This bill authorizes the Department of Conservation to establish
a volunteer program.  Volunteers are considered unpaid
employees.  They are provided legal expense and liability
protection and may also be reimbursed for travel and other
expenses.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 327 -- CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS

SPONSOR:  McBride

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on  State Parks, Natural Resources and Mining by a vote of 16 to
0.

This bill authorizes the Department of Conservation to establish
a volunteer program.  Volunteers are considered unpaid
employees.  They are provided legal expense and liability
protection and may also be reimbursed for travel and other
expenses.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that volunteers are of great benefit
to the Department of Conservation and participation in the
volunteer program should be encouraged.  This bill clarifies the
role of volunteers and protects them from liability concerns.

Testifying for the bill were Representative McBride; Department
of Conservation; Conservation Federation of Missouri; and Sierra
Club.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Terry Finger, Research Analyst

HB 327 -- Conservation Volunteers

Sponsor:  McBride

This bill authorizes the Department of Conservation to establish
a volunteer program.  Volunteers are considered unpaid
employees.  They are provided legal expense and liability
protection and may also be reimbursed for travel and other
expenses.