217.055. 1. The department and its divisions are authorizedto develop effective citizen involvement to recruit, train andaccept the services of volunteers, to supplement the programsadministered by the department or its divisions.
2. Volunteers recruited, trained, or accepted by thedepartment or its divisions shall comply with applicabledepartment or division policy regulations.
3. Each division utilizing the services of volunteers shall:
(1) Provide staff as deemed necessary for the effectivemanagement and development of volunteer programs;
(2) Take such actions as are necessary and appropriate todevelop meaningful opportunities for citizen involvement indepartment-administered programs;
(3) Develop and provide to all volunteers written rulesgoverning the job descriptions, recruitment, screening, training,responsibility, utilization, and supervision of volunteers;
(4) Take such actions as are necessary to ensure thatvolunteers understand their duties and responsibilities;
(5) Take such actions as are necessary and appropriate toensure a receptive climate for citizen involvement;
(6) Provide for the recognition of volunteers who haveoffered exceptional service to the department or its divisions.
4. Volunteers shall be deemed unpaid employees and shall beaccorded the protection of workers' compensation, the legalexpense fund and liability provisions.
5. Reimbursement for transportation and other necessaryexpenses may be furnished to those volunteers whose presence onspecial assignment is determined to be necessary by thedepartment or its divisions. Such expenses shall be reimbursedfrom the regular appropriations of the department. Volunteersmay utilize state vehicles in the performance ofdepartment-related duties, subject to those rules and regulationsgoverning use of state vehicles by paid staff.
6. Any person serving as a volunteer may be terminated fromservice in that capacity by the director. Any person soterminated shall be given a written statement of the reasons fortermination and shall, upon request, be accorded a review of thetermination.
(L. 1982 H.B. 1196 ยง 14, A.L. 1989 H.B. 408)