Senate Bill 2515, known as the "Volunteer Communities Act," aims to establish a framework for mutual aid organizations in Tennessee. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "community," "mutual aid organization," and "qualified mutual aid organization," which is defined as an organization with annual revenue under $100,000 that operates on principles of community support and participation. The bill outlines a registration process for these organizations, requiring them to submit documentation to the Secretary of State, and mandates annual reporting on their activities. Additionally, it provides a transition period for organizations that exceed the revenue threshold, during which they must either reduce their revenue or obtain federal nonprofit status to maintain certain tax benefits and protections.

The bill also includes provisions for state agency cooperation, allowing state departments to recognize mutual aid organizations as service providers and to streamline their application processes. It offers tax exemptions for qualified mutual aid organizations and their contributors, as well as liability protections for individuals volunteering with these organizations. Furthermore, local governments are empowered to support mutual aid organizations through grants, contracts, and zoning protections for specific activities. The act is designed to promote mutual aid and community self-reliance while ensuring that informal mutual aid efforts remain unregulated. The provisions of the act are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53-13-102