VT S0151

Defendants sued for actions arising from unpaid volunteer work for nonprofit organizations or governmental entities may file a special motion to strike within 60 days of the complaint being filed

Courts must grant the motion to strike unless the plaintiff demonstrates the volunteer was acting outside their responsibilities, or the harm resulted from recklessness, gross negligence, or intentional misconduct, and caused actual injury

Filing the special motion automatically stays all discovery proceedings until the court rules, with hearings required within 30 days of service

Successful defendants receive costs and reasonable attorney's fees; plaintiffs receive fees only if the motion was frivolous or intended to cause delay

"Uncompensated volunteer work" includes directors, officers, trustees, and direct service volunteers receiving no compensation beyond expense reimbursement or items valued under $500.00 per year