72-9937. Disaster relief programs; participation authorized; policy, development and adoption; definitions. (a) Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law, the board of education of any school district, pursuant to a policy developed and adopted by it, may provide for participation of the school district in disaster relief programs by way of gift or donation thereto of personal property no longer needed by or useful to the school district. Personal property which may be given or donated to disaster relief programs includes, but is not limited to, furniture, furnishings, supplies, materials and equipment such as desks, chairs, tables, bookcases, file cabinets, specialized clothing, books, workbooks and other materials supplemental to textbooks, maps, charts, laboratory, shop and other instructional apparatus and equipment. The policy may specify: The items of property which are subject to gift or donation under authority of this section; the terms, conditions and procedures under which property may be given or donated to and obtained by disaster relief programs; a manner and method under which applications for the gift or donation of property may be made and received; and actions which may be taken for ascertaining the eligibility of disaster relief programs for gift or donation. The policy shall provide that any costs associated with handling, transportation, delivery or distribution of property given or donated to disaster relief programs under authority of this section shall not be covered by the school district.

(b) As used in this section:

(1) "Disaster" means the occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or manmade cause, including but not limited to fire, flood, earthquake, wind, storm, epidemics, air contamination, blight, drought, infestation, explosion, riot or hostile military or paramilitary action;

(2) "disaster relief" means the performance of functions or engagement in activities to minimize, repair, relieve or aid in recovery from injury and damage resulting from disasters;

(3) "disaster relief program" means a program established and operated for the purpose of disaster relief by any nonprofit and tax exempt entity having a demonstrable plan for handling, transportation, delivery and distribution of property to the areas and people affected by disaster; and

(4) "nonprofit and tax exempt entity" means and includes, but is not limited to, church or other religious societies, benevolent or charitable organizations and associations, social service agencies, civic or community organizations and associations, and corporations or other entities organized for the purpose of providing humanitarian services.

History: L. 1989, ch. 212, § 1; July 1.