1. (1) The department may designate as a program assistant, an individual that:

   1. (a)

      1. (i) is an employee of the commission or a state or local government entity; or
      2. (ii) is a volunteer for an organization that provides counseling, assistance, or support services at no charge to victims; and

   2. (b)

      1. (i) provides counseling, referrals, or other services to victims; and
      2. (ii) completes any training or registration process required by the department.

2. (2) A program assistant shall:

   1. (a) assist an applicant in preparing an application for the program; and
   2. (b) sign, date, and verify an application for the program.
3. (3) A signature of a program assistant is a recommendation by the program assistant that the applicant is eligible to participate in the program under Section 75E-11-302.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 291, 2026 General Session