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Article: How the new law will affect associations.(Special Report: The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997)(Cover Story)
- Article from:
- Association Management
- Article date:
- August 1, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1997 American Society of Association Executives. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The new, federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 grants immunity from personal liability to those who volunteer for non-profit organizations. It is intended to encourage volunteerism and facilitate volunteer organization recruiting by reducing the legal liability, risks to individuals who choose to serve. The law preempts inconsistent state laws, standardizing protection that now varies greatly from state to state.
The new law results from many years of lobbying for nationwide volunteer protection by a broad coalition organized under ASAE's leadership (see "How Landmark Legislation Evolved"). Passage of the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 represents a major victory ...