Maine Code § 14-173

Immunity for menstrual product donations
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1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms
have the following meanings.
A. "Apparently usable" means, with respect to a product, that the product meets all quality and
labeling standards imposed by federal, state and local laws and regulations even if the product may
not be readily marketable. [PL 2021, c. 178, §1 (NEW).]
B. "Menstrual product" means a sanitary napkin, tampon, liner, cup, underwear or any similar item
used by an individual with respect to menstruation. [PL 2021, c. 178, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 2021, c. 178, §1 (NEW).]
2. Immunity for donor. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a good faith donor of
menstrual products that are apparently usable at the time they are donated to a bona fide charitable or
nonprofit organization for free distribution is immune from civil or criminal liability arising from injury
or death due to the condition of the menstrual products, unless the injury or death is a direct result of
the gross negligence, recklessness or intentional misconduct of the donor.
[PL 2021, c. 178, §1 (NEW).]
3. Immunity of distributor. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a bona fide charitable
or nonprofit organization and any employee or volunteer of that organization who in good faith receive
and distribute menstrual products that are apparently usable at the time they are distributed are immune
from civil or criminal liability arising from an injury or death due to the condition of the menstrual
products, unless the injury or death is a direct result of the gross negligence, recklessness or intentional
misconduct of the organization, employee or volunteer.
[RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. A, §11 (COR).]

4. Application. This section applies to all good faith donations of menstrual products that are not
readily marketable due to appearance, grade, surplus or other conditions, but nothing in this section
restricts the authority of any appropriate agency to regulate or bar the use of those menstrual products
for use.
[PL 2021, c. 178, §1 (NEW).]
5. Immunity of facilities. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a hospital or
other health care facility licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services that, in good faith
and in accordance with guidelines established by the recipient organization, donates menstrual products
that are apparently usable at the time they are donated to a bona fide charitable or nonprofit organization
for free distribution is immune from civil or criminal liability arising from injury, illness or death due
to the condition of the menstrual products, unless the injury, illness or death is a direct result of
intentional misconduct of the donor. Nothing in this subsection prevents a licensed hospital or health
care facility from receiving the immunity provided in subsection 2 if the donor qualifies for immunity
under the terms of that subsection.
[PL 2021, c. 178, §1 (NEW).]
REVISOR'S NOTE: §173. Installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors by fire departments
(As enacted by PL 2021, c. 214, §1 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 14, SECTION 174)

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