ASME has long held this position and is firmly on record as supporting volunteer protection legislation. Although volunteers are not often sued successfully, the publicity associated with such cases, and the resources required in cost and time to defend against such suits, have a strong chilling effect on potential volunteers. A 1985 Gallup survey estimated that America's 89 million volunteers provided more than 100 billion dollars worth of free services to our economy each year. Since that time, there has been relentless pressure to reduce government funded service at all levels. Only a significant increase in volunteer effort has any chance of taking up the slack.
State laws vary greatly in the scope and extent of protection for volunteers from civil liability.
Some states protect volunteers for sports teams, while others cover only directors and officers of nonprofit organizations. We believe the Congress should aid the development of more comprehensive protection for all volunteers and ASME is pleased to support House bills 911 and 1167. Thank you for your time.