Bill > HB2600

This bill, known as the "Volunteer Communities Act," aims to support mutual aid organizations, which are groups formed to provide assistance and resources within a community or neighborhood. It grants these organizations, if they meet certain criteria and register with the state, benefits such as exemptions from franchise, excise, sales, and property taxes, and provides protections regarding liability, food sharing, and zoning for their activities. A "qualified mutual aid organization" is defined as one that has less than $100,000 in annual revenue, doesn't need to file specific IRS forms (like Form 990), ensures community participation in decision-making, operates on a reciprocal giving principle, and maintains open access to community members. The bill also outlines a transition period and support from the Secretary of State for organizations that exceed revenue thresholds or become subject to IRS reporting requirements, requiring them to either reduce their revenue or obtain federal tax-exempt status and incorporate as a nonprofit. Furthermore, state agencies are encouraged to recognize and streamline processes for these organizations, and local governments are empowered to provide grants, contracts, and in-kind support, with zoning regulations considering mutual aid activities as customary in residential areas. The act emphasizes liberal construction to promote community self-reliance and clarifies that it does not mandate registration for informal mutual aid or limit existing common law rights of voluntary associations.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2600&ga=114