(a)

(1) Every department which utilizes the services of volunteers is authorized to provide volunteers with incidental reimbursements as are consistent with allowances authorized by law for reimbursement for state or local employees.

(2) Such reimbursements include transportation costs, lodging, and subsistence, as the department deems appropriate, to assist volunteers in performing their duties, provided that sufficient funds are available.

(b) (1) (A) Departments may furnish meals without charge to regular-service volunteers, provided that the scheduled work assignments of such volunteers extend over an established meal period.

(B) Meals may be furnished without charge to occasional-service volunteers at the discretion of the department's executive head.

(2) Lodging, if available, may be provided temporarily at no charge to regular-service volunteers, at the discretion of each department.

(3) (A) (i) Transportation reimbursement may be furnished to those volunteers whose presence is determined to be necessary to the department.

(ii) Rates or amounts of such reimbursement shall not exceed the allowances provided under applicable state travel regulation for state departments or under applicable travel regulations with respect to volunteer services rendered departments of political subdivisions and school districts.

(B) Volunteers may utilize department vehicles in the performance of their duties, subject to the rules and regulations governing use of state vehicles by paid staff.