Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD666

Introduced
2/16/23  
Refer
2/16/23  
Refer
2/16/23  
Engrossed
5/18/23  

Caption

An Act to Support Community-based Volunteer Organizations

Impact

If enacted, LD666 will create a supportive framework that will likely enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of community-based volunteer organizations across the state. By providing targeted assistance and training, the legislation is expected to empower these nonprofits, enabling them to better serve their communities. This could lead to increased volunteer participation and a more robust nonprofit sector, ultimately benefiting the local community and economy.

Summary

Legislative Document 666, known as the Act to Support Community-based Volunteer Organizations, establishes a program within the Department of Economic and Community Development designed to provide technical assistance and skill development training for small start-up nonprofit volunteer organizations. The program aims to enhance the operational capacity of these organizations by equipping them with the necessary skills and tools to thrive. By focusing on volunteer-driven nonprofit entities, the bill acknowledges the critical role they play in fostering community engagement and support.

Sentiment

The sentiment around LD666 appears to be positive, particularly among advocates for community development and nonprofit sectors. Proponents emphasize the importance of supporting volunteer organizations as vital components of social infrastructure. However, some concerns may arise about the bill's implementation, including questions regarding the resources available for training and the potential for bureaucratic hurdles that could impact the efficiency of the assistance provided.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for the overarching goal of assisting nonprofit organizations, notable points of contention may center on the details regarding eligibility criteria for receiving support and the effectiveness of the training programs established. Stakeholders may debate how inclusively the program serves varying sizes of nonprofit organizations and whether the rules implemented adequately address the specific needs of different community contexts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME HB8813

Supporting Survivors from Faith-based Communities Act

ME HB1625

Supporting back country search and rescue organizations and volunteers through the creation of the back country search and rescue grant program.

ME SF609

Community volunteers supporting students in public schools authorization

ME HB5605

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED LIVING

ME AB2649

Youth service organizations: parent volunteers.

ME HB1430

Community Health, Department of; license supportive senior housing communities; provide

ME HB254

Supporting Inclusive Community Adaptation Act

ME HB0254

Supporting Inclusive Community Adaptation Act

ME HB129

Provide income tax benefit to support emergency response volunteers

ME SB1299

Relating to the prohibited release by a public agency of personal affiliation information regarding the members, supporters, or volunteers of or donors to certain nonprofit organizations; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.