§ 9-1-31.1 - Members of public bodies – Exemption from liability. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 9-1-31.1

   § 9-1-31.1  Members of public bodies –Exemption from liability. – (a) Definitions. The following words and terms shall have the followingrespective meanings, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

   (1) "Public body" means any branch, department, division,agency, commission, committee, board, council, bureau, authority, or anysubdivision thereof of state government or any other public agency or publicbody corporate of the state of Rhode Island or any political subdivisionthereof.

   (2) "Qualified member" means an individual who serves withoutmonetary or other compensation as a member of a public body for the purpose ofsetting policy, controlling, or otherwise overseeing the activities orfunctional responsibilities of the public body. As used in this section,"compensation" does not include a per diem or per meeting allowance, healthinsurance benefits, or reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs and expensesincurred in the service.

   (b) Limitation of liability. Notwithstanding any otherlaw, a qualified member of a public body shall not be held civilly liable forany breach of his or her duties as such member, provided that nothing hereincontained shall eliminate or limit the liability of a qualified member:

   (1) For acts or omissions not in good faith or which involveintentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

   (2) For any transaction from which such member derived animproper personal benefit; or

   (3) For any malicious, willful or wanton act.