Since the spirit of volunteerism has long animated citizens of this state to give of their time and abilities to help others, the State of Arkansas would be wise to ensure that qualified volunteers shall not be civilly liable for personal injury or property damage resulting from any act or omission in carrying out their authority or responsibilities as volunteers. While there are no known recent instances in Arkansas where a volunteer has been subjected to personal liability for negligence in performing volunteer duties and there are no cases presently known to be pending, the recent publicity generated in relation to the perceived insurance crisis has heightened concern among many who would provide volunteer services, making it more difficult to provide certain important services, cultural and educational events, and other opportunities to the citizens of the State of Arkansas through voluntary services. This subchapter limits and defines the liability of volunteers in order to diminish their concern with regard to personal liability associated with volunteer work in order that the state might maximize this important human resource.