Section 5508.1 - Volunteers(a) Authorization.-- The secretary is authorized to recruit, train and accept, without regard to the act of August 5, 1941 (P.L. 752, No. 286), known as the Civil Service Act, or regulations promulgated under that act, the services of individuals to assist, without compensation, in carrying out the functions of the corps.(b) Expenses.--The secretary is authorized to provide for incidental expenses for volunteers under this section. This subsection includes transportation, uniforms, lodging and subsistence.(c) Status.--(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), a volunteer under this section shall not be deemed to be a Commonwealth employee and shall not be subject to the provisions of law relating to Commonwealth employment. This paragraph includes law on hours of work, rates of compensation, leave, unemployment compensation and employee benefits.(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply as follows:(i) A volunteer under this section who performs work necessitating the operation of a Commonwealth vehicle shall be deemed an employee of the Commonwealth for the purposes of automobile liability and general liability.(ii) For the purposes of the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L. 736, No. 338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act, a volunteer under this section shall be deemed an employee of the Commonwealth.(3) A volunteer under this section may not be assigned to a position covered by a labor agreement filed with or authorized by the department.1984, July 2, P.L. 561, No. 112, § 8.1, added 1997, June 25, P.L. 339, No. 38, § 2, imd. effective.