Maine § 158-A. - Immunity for charitable directors, officers and volunteers
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 158-A. — Immunity for charitable directors, officers and volunteers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 158-A.. Immunity for charitable directors, officers and volunteers
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Charitable organization" means any nonprofit organization organized or incorporated in this State or having a principal place of business in this State:
(2) That is:
(b) Organized under the provisions set forth in Title 13‑B, section 201, subsection 2, paragraph A;
(c) Organized under the provisions of Title 13‑B, section 201, subsection 3, paragraph D or E;
(d) Organized in Maine as a nonprofit corporation before January 1, 1978, for any of the purposes listed in Title 13‑B, section 201, subsection 1, paragraph A, and to which the Maine Nonprofit Corporation Act applies; or
(e) Organized as a rural electrification cooperative under the provisions of Title 35‑A, chapter 37.
This subparagraph applies to all subsequent amendments to the statutes covered by divisions (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e). [PL 2007, c. 366, §1 (AMD).]
B. "Director" means a person who serves without compensation, except that the person may be paid for expenses, on the board of trustees or board of directors of a charitable organization. [PL 1987, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]
C. "Officer" means a person who serves without compensation, except that the person may be paid for expenses, as an officer of a charitable organization. [PL 1987, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]
D. "Volunteer" means a person who provides services without compensation, except that the person may be paid for expenses, to a charitable organization. [PL 1987, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]
2. Immunity. A director, officer or volunteer is immune from civil liability for personal injury, death or property damage, including any monetary loss:
A. When the cause of action sounds in negligence and arises from an act or omission by the director, officer or volunteer which occurs within the course and scope of the activities of the charitable organization in which the director, officer or volunteer serves; or [PL 1987, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]
B. Arising from any act or omission, not personal to the director, officer or volunteer, which occurs within the course and scope of the activities of the charitable organization in which the director, officer or volunteer serves. [PL 1987, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]
3. Limited waiver of immunity while operating vehicles, vessels or aircraft. Notwithstanding any immunity granted in subsection 2, a director, officer or volunteer is considered to have waived immunity from liability when the cause of action arises out of the director's, officer's or volunteer's operation of a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft or other vehicle for which the operator or the owner of the vehicle, vessel or craft is required to possess an operator's license or maintain insurance. The amount of damages in an action authorized by this section may not exceed the combined limits of coverage of any applicable insurance policies other than umbrella insurance coverage and the courts shall abate a verdict in an action to the extent that it exceeds such limits. A provision in a policy of insurance that attempts to exclude coverage for claims that are authorized by this section is void as contrary to public policy.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 158-A.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 158-A. cover?
Section 158-A. ("Immunity for charitable directors, officers and volunteers") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 158-A.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 158-A." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 158-A. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.