Tennessee House Bill HB2852

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 11-25-109, relative to the Doe Mountain recreation authority.

Impact

The bill's modification to the eligibility of volunteers for benefits could have significant implications for the Doe Mountain recreation authority's operational framework. By clearly establishing that volunteers do not receive state benefits, it emphasizes the volunteer nature of their roles and may help manage expectations for those participating. This potentially reduces the state's liability regarding volunteer injuries and their eligibility for worker's compensation, which could affect recruitment and retention of volunteers for recreational programs in that area.

Summary

House Bill 2852 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 11-25-109, which relates to the Doe Mountain recreation authority. The amendment focuses on the employment status of volunteers within the authority, explicitly stating that these volunteers shall not be entitled to worker's compensation or any other benefits from the state due to their status as volunteers. The bill seeks to clarify the distinction between volunteer and employee roles in the context of state benefits, particularly for those involved in recreational activities at Doe Mountain.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2852 appears to be cautiously positive among supporters who value the clarity it brings to volunteer roles and the operational structure of recreational programs. There is an understanding that while this measure protects the integrity of volunteering at state-run facilities, it also poses challenges regarding volunteer engagement due to the lack of provided benefits. Opposition or concerns may arise, particularly from advocacy groups for workers' rights or from individuals who believe volunteers should be afforded certain protections.

Contention

A notable point of contention involves the balance between protecting state interests and ensuring that volunteers feel valued and supported. Critics might argue that the amendment could limit the appeal of volunteering within state-run recreational facilities by not providing any benefits. This raises important questions about how the state values the contributions of volunteers, especially in high-traffic recreational areas like Doe Mountain, and whether the changes could impact community engagement in volunteer opportunities.