1. (a)

   1. (1) In addition to the other exceptions noted in this part, the value of volunteer services provided without compensation do not constitute an in-kind contribution.
   2. (2) Accordingly, an individual may volunteer any personal service provided he or she is not compensated for the service by any other individual or person.
   3. (3) This applies both to manual tasks (i.e., stuffing envelopes, answering telephones, etc.) and to specialized services (i.e., services provided by musicians, accountants, etc.).
   4. (4) Whether a contribution has occurred depends upon whether the work performed is considered volunteer services.

   5. (5)

      1. (A) Whether time is spent on a volunteer basis depends upon whether the services are rendered during time that is the individual's own time to spend as he or she sees fit.
      2. (B) If services are rendered after working hours, they will typically be viewed as exempted volunteer services.

2. (b)

   1. (1) In accordance with subsection (a) of this section, certain professional services, such as legal and accounting services, that typically have fees associated with them may be provided to a candidate on a volunteer basis, provided the need for the services arises from the campaign.
   2. (2) For example, accounting or bookkeeping services involved with handling the candidate's campaign financing may be provided to a candidate on a volunteer basis and will not count as an in-kind contribution even if no fees are charged.

3. (c)

   1. (1) An individual may use his or her home or the recreational room of his or her residential complex for a candidate and/or party-related activities, and such use will not be deemed a contribution.
   2. (2) Any nominal fee charged for the use of the room is not considered a contribution.

   3. (3)

      1. (A) An individual may buy food, beverage, and invitations used in connection with a candidate or party-related activity conducted in his or her home or the recreational room of his or her residential complex and such expenses will not be considered an in-kind contribution, provided the expenditures do not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) per candidate per election.
      2. (B) Any amounts over one thousand dollars ($1,000) would need to be duly reported as an in-kind contribution.
4. (d) An individual may volunteer and obtain the use of a church or community center room for a candidate or party-related activities without incurring an in-kind contribution, provided the room is used on a regular basis without charge by members of the community without regard to political affiliation and for noncommercial purposes.
5. (e) An individual may spend a reasonable amount for his or her normal living expenses incurred while engaging in volunteer activity.

Codification Notes: This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules contained the following footnotes: A footnote to 7 CAR § 3-107(b)(2) cited "35 Arkansas Ethics Commission Opinion No. 96-EC-005". A footnote to 7 CAR § 3-107(c)(3) following the phrase "and invitations" cited "36 This exemption does not cover the cost of mailing invitations, only the cost of printing invitations".