Volunteer Services Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025
Impact
The proposed amendment is expected to reinforce the role of the Attorney General in regulating volunteer services, ensuring that there is a standardized approach to oversight that aligns with broader legal frameworks. This could have implications for how volunteer organizations operate, particularly regarding compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining accountability for volunteer-related activities. Also, it may enhance the ability of the Attorney General’s office to respond to issues that arise within the context of volunteer service, thereby increasing reliability and trust in such programs.
Summary
Bill B26-0336, titled the Volunteer Services Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025, aims to amend the Volunteers Services Act of 1977. This bill is designed to clearly establish that the Attorney General for the District of Columbia has the authority to create regulations regarding the use of volunteers. By explicitly naming the Attorney General in the legislation, the bill aims to clarify governance and oversight concerning volunteer activities within the community service framework in Washington D.C.
Contention
While the legislative text does not suggest substantial opposition or divisive issues, the underlying changes could provoke discussions around the extent of regulatory authority attributed to the Attorney General. Members of the council and public advocates may scrutinize the implications of centralizing authority within one office, raising concerns about transparency and the potential for bureaucratic hurdles in volunteer service initiatives. The temporary nature of the amendment might also invite questions about its long-term sustainability and the need for further legislative review.