FOREWORD

   This study was prepared in response to House Resolution No. 60, H.D. 1 (1995). The Resolution directed the Legislative Reference Bureau to study the laws and policies in other jurisdictions that address the problem of liability exposure of volunteers, nonprofit organizations and government agencies and their employees that rely on the services of volunteers. In addition, the Resolution requests the Bureau to obtain data relating to: liability issues regarding volunteers, nonprofit organizations and government agencies and their employees that rely on the services of volunteers, including the number, nature, and basis of lawsuits involving volunteers; and liability insurance, including the reasons for the increase in liability insurance premiums where volunteers or nonprofits are involved.

   The Bureau wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to all who contributed to, and without whose cooperation, this study would not have been possible. In particular, the Bureau would like to thank the individuals responding to its surveys for their time in providing invaluable input.

Wendell K. Kimura
Acting Director

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LRB Studies