(a) A VSC may generate resources to enhance the lives of the persons served at a facility.
(b) The community relations director and volunteer and community relations unit may work with the VSC to enhance fund-raising activities.
(c) The head of the facility and community relations director are nonvoting members of the VSC board and executive committee.
(d) The community relations unit may process and issue receipts for donations to the VSC.
(e) No employee may sign a VSC check or use a VSC debit or credit card.
(f) The volunteer and community relations unit may maintain a VSC petty cash fund of up to $300.00 to be used for the benefit of persons served by a facility.
  (1) The community relations director may make expenditures of up to $300.00 from the petty cash fund on behalf of the VSC for the benefit of persons served.
  (2) The community relations director must appoint a primary and alternate custodian for the VSC petty cash fund.
  (3) The primary custodian of the petty cash fund is responsible for maintaining receipts and accurate documentation of all funds disbursed and for furnishing this documentation to the treasurer of the VSC.
  (4) An officer of the VSC, or an employee outside of the community relations unit, must reconcile the petty cash fund at least once every two months.
(g) A facility may provide items of support for the VSC, such as:
  (1) office space;
  (2) fund-raising assistance;
  (3) clerical and administrative services;
  (4) assistance in the coordination of activities; or
  (5) other items or services requested by the VSC upon approval by the head of the facility.
(h) Funds generated by a VSC may only be used for:
  (1) the needs of persons served by the facility;
  (2) the enhancement of existing facility operations;
  (3) recognition and education projects;
  (4) new initiatives to improve the quality of life for persons served by the facility; and
  (5) other expenses specifically authorized by the VSC board of directors.
(i) The VSC must not use funds or reference the facility's name or branding for:
  (1) recognition events, receptions, or gifts for a legislator;
  (2) political contributions, political advertisements, or lobbying efforts;
  (3) alcoholic beverages, unless used at an off-campus fund-raising event;
  (4) loans, including travel advances;
  (5) operating programs, or contracting for programs on behalf of the facility;
  (6) cash awards or salary supplementation for employees; and
  (7) other purposes determined by the department to be unethical, unlawful, or inappropriate.
(j) All funds and goods donated to the VSC remain the property of the VSC until the facility accepts them.
(k) The department has the right to review and approve all VSC donations of real property and any permanent improvements to existing real property that may be donated to the facility by the VSC.

Source Note: The provisions of this §417.306 adopted to be effective April 24, 2008, 33 TexReg 3292; amended to be effective February 6, 2019, 44 TexReg 478