§ 207. Assistance and expenditure
(a) Each department specified in this chapter is empowered to employ assistance, clerical
or otherwise, as the Governor deems necessary for its proper and efficient administration
and, subject to the Governor’s approval, to fix the compensation for those employed.
No department shall expend or authorize an expenditure in excess of the amount appropriated
in any fiscal year.
(b) Agency secretaries and department heads are authorized to recruit, train, and accept
without regard to the civil service classification laws and rules, and without statutory
compensation, the services of temporary volunteers for, or in aid of, interpretive
function, visitor services, or other activities in and related to areas administered
by the agency secretary or department head.
(1) Except as provided in this section, a volunteer shall not be deemed a State employee
and shall not be subject to the provisions of law relating to State employment and
a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Vermont and the Vermont State
Employees’ Association, Inc., including those relating to hours of work, rates of
compensation, leave, and State employees benefits.
(2) The consideration for volunteer services is education, training, and experience.
(3) The appointing authority is authorized to provide reimbursement for such necessary
incidental expenses as transportation, uniforms, lodging, and subsistence.
(4) [Repealed.]
(5) Volunteer services shall not be used to displace existing or vacant State positions
but will be used to satisfy unmet public service needs. To ensure compliance with
the intent hereof and merit system principles, any department or agency employing
temporary volunteers shall secure the approval of the Commissioner of Human Resources. (Amended 1973, No. 117, §§ 21, 22; 1989, No. 114, § 11(a)(1); 2003, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § 15; 2025, No. 18, § 7, eff. May 13, 2025.)