Powers of political parties; liability of political parties and of officers, employees and members of political parties

(1) A minor political party or a major political party shall have all the powers granted to a nonprofit corporation under ORS 65.077. (2) A major or minor political party shall be treated for purposes of contractual, tort or other liability as a nonprofit corporation. (3) Officers and employees of a major or minor political party, including officers and employees of local subdivisions of the parties, shall be treated as officers and employees of nonprofit corporations for liability for all matters relating to the political party. (4) Any member of a governing body of a major or minor political party, including local subdivisions of the parties, shall be treated as directors of nonprofit corporations for liability for all matters relating to the political party. If the bylaws of a party designate a central committee, such as a state, county or congressional district central committee, as the governing body of the party, then the members of the central committee shall be directors of the party for purposes of this section. (5) Notwithstanding ORS 65.157, creditors of a major or minor political party may not proceed against members of the political parties for liabilities members owe to the parties arising from their party membership. (6) This section does not affect the liability of political committee directors, treasurers and candidates as provided in ORS chapter 260.