Bill > PR26-0285

This resolution declares an emergency need to amend the Volunteer Services Act of 1977 to clarify the authority of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) to create regulations governing volunteer services within their office. The resolution explains that while the original Act established a policy of utilizing volunteer citizens in government programs, the current law does not explicitly authorize the independently elected Attorney General to promulgate volunteer regulations. This gap in legal authorization is particularly significant because volunteers, including attorneys and interns, provide crucial support across OAG's operations, contributing to legal, investigatory, research, and constituent services. The emergency legislation is intended to align the law with the Attorney General's independent personnel authority and prevent potential disruptions to the agency's various programs, divisions, and ongoing cases that rely on volunteer assistance. By adopting this emergency resolution, the Council of the District of Columbia aims to ensure that the OAG can continue to effectively use volunteers to enforce District laws and protect residents without administrative or legal obstacles.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/PR26-0285