Sec. 1. 14 MRSA §158-A, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 646, §2, is amended to read:

2. Immunity. A director, officer or volunteer is immune from civil liability for personal injury, death or property damage, including to tangible or intangible property, including civil or legal rights and any monetary loss related to the injury, death or damages:

A. When the cause of action sounds in negligence and arises from an act or omission by the director, officer or volunteer which that occurs within the course and scope of the activities of the charitable organization in which the director, officer or volunteer serves including the provision of services or advice as part of any court- approved or court-affiliated legal services or assistance program; or

B. Arising from any act or omission, not personal to the director, officer or volunteer, which that occurs within the course and scope of the activities of the charitable organization in which the director, officer or volunteer serves.

SUMMARY

This bill makes clear that an unpaid volunteer who assists in the provision of legal services to indigent persons is not liable for inadvertent or negligent actions in providing legal services or advice. This immunity is consistent with the immunity provided to volunteers in other charitable services.