APHIS Seeks to Continue Volunteer Program Paperwork: What You Need to Know

You might care about this because the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, wants to keep collecting important information for its volunteer programs. This notice from the Federal Register explains that APHIS needs to extend its approval for certain forms. These forms help the agency manage people who want to volunteer with them. They include agreements for volunteers and records of the time volunteers spend working. The goal is to make sure APHIS follows rules set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of Personnel Management regarding volunteer service. APHIS uses these forms to figure out if someone can volunteer and to keep track of their hours. The agency collects personal details, citizenship status, and student status if it applies. They are asking for public comments on this process. This means you have a chance to share your thoughts on how this information is collected. The agency states it is making changes to reduce the number of people who respond and the time it takes for them to do so. This is part of a regular process for government agencies to review and get approval for their paperwork. The deadline for comments is September 28, 2026. This document is interesting because it shows how government agencies handle volunteer programs. It highlights the structured process required even for something like volunteering. APHIS needs to ensure that all volunteers meet specific criteria and that their service is properly documented. This helps maintain fairness and accountability. The request to extend the information collection means APHIS sees value in continuing its volunteer efforts. It also demonstrates how agencies must regularly review and update their administrative tasks, like collecting paperwork, to stay current with federal laws. The fact that APHIS is also trying to reduce the burden on volunteers and school officials by making changes to the forms is a positive step. This shows an effort to improve efficiency while still meeting legal requirements for volunteer management. People who might find this document interesting include individuals considering volunteering for APHIS or other federal agencies. School officials who work with students participating in volunteer programs would also want to know about these requirements. Anyone involved in human resources or administrative work within government departments could learn from APHIS's approach. Legal professionals specializing in administrative law or government regulations might also be interested in how agencies comply with rules like the Paperwork Reduction Act. Lastly, members of the public who want to understand how government agencies operate and manage their programs will find this information relevant. If you have an interest in how federal agencies manage their staff, including volunteers, this document provides a clear example of the processes involved.