Text: HF02496 Text: HF02498 Text: HF02400 - HF02499 Text: HF Index Bills and Amendments: General Index Bill History: General Index
PAG LIN 1 1 Section 1. Section 501.101, subsection 1, Code 1997, is 1 2 amended to read as follows: 1 3 1. "Articles" means the cooperative's articles of 1 4incorporationassociation. 1 5 Sec. 2. Section 501.101, subsection 2, paragraph b, Code 1 6 1997, is amended to read as follows: 1 7 b.An individual or general partnership thatA person who 1 8 owns at least one hundred fifty acres of agricultural land and 1 9 receives as rent a share of the crops or the animals raised on 1 10 the land ifthose crops or animals are a significant component1 11of the cooperative's business operationsthat person is a 1 12 natural person or a general partnership as organized under 1 13 chapter 486 in which all partners are natural persons. 1 14 Sec. 3. Section 501.101, subsection 4, Code 1997, is 1 15 amended to read as follows: 1 16 4. "Cooperative" means a cooperativecorporation1 17 association organized under this chapter or converted to this 1 18 chapter pursuant to section 501.601. 1 19 Sec. 4. Section 501.101, subsection 6, Code 1997, is 1 20 amended by adding the following new paragraph: 1 21 NEW PARAGRAPH. c. A general partnership as organized 1 22 under chapter 486 in which all the partners are natural 1 23 persons actively engaged in farming as provided in section 1 24 9H.1. 1 25 Sec. 5. Section 501.101, subsections 7 through 9, Code 1 26 1997, are amended to read as follows: 1 27 7. "Member" means a person who owns a votingstock1 28 interest in a cooperative. 1 29 8."Shareholder""Interest holder" means a person who owns 1 30stockan interest in a cooperative, whether or not thatstock1 31 interest has voting rights. 1 32 9. "Votingstockinterest" meansstockan interest in a 1 33 cooperative that has voting rights. 1 34 Sec. 6. Section 501.101, Code 1997, is amended by adding 1 35 the following new subsections: 2 1 NEW SUBSECTION. 6A. "Interest" means a voting interest or 2 2 other interest in a cooperative as described in the 2 3 cooperative's articles of association. 2 4 NEW SUBSECTION. 7A. "Membership" means the interest 2 5 established by a member owning a voting interest. 2 6 Sec. 7. Section 501.102, subsection 2, Code 1997, is 2 7 amended to read as follows: 2 8 2. Unless its articles provide otherwise, a cooperative 2 9 has perpetual duration and succession in itscorporate2 10 cooperative name and has the same powers as an individual to 2 11 do all things necessary or convenient to carry out its 2 12 business and affairs, including,without limitation, all of2 13the powers enumerated in sections 490.302 and 490.303but not 2 14 limited to, all of the following: 2 15 a. Sue and be sued, complain, and defend in its name. 2 16 b. Have a seal, which may be altered at will, and use it, 2 17 or a facsimile of it, by impressing or affixing it or in any 2 18 other manner reproducing it. 2 19 c. Make and amend bylaws, not inconsistent with its 2 20 articles of association or with the laws of this state, for 2 21 managing the business and regulating the affairs of the 2 22 cooperative. 2 23 d. Purchase, receive, lease, or otherwise acquire, and 2 24 own, hold, improve, use, and otherwise deal with, real or 2 25 personal property, or any legal or equitable interest in 2 26 property, wherever located. 2 27 e. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, and 2 28 otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property. 2 29 f. Purchase, receive, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, 2 30 own, hold, vote, use, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge, or 2 31 otherwise dispose of, and deal in and with shares or other 2 32 interests in, or obligations of, any other entity. 2 33 g. Make contracts and guarantees, incur liabilities, 2 34 borrow money, issue its notes, bonds, and other obligations, 2 35 which may be convertible into or include the option to 3 1 purchase other interests of the cooperative, and secure any of 3 2 its obligations by mortgage or pledge of any of its property, 3 3 franchises, or income. 3 4 h. Lend money, invest and reinvest its funds, and receive 3 5 and hold real and personal property as security for repayment. 3 6 i. Be a promoter, partner, member, associate, or manager 3 7 of any partnership, joint venture, trust, or other entity. 3 8 j. Conduct its business, locate offices, and exercise the 3 9 powers granted by this chapter within or without this state. 3 10 k. Elect directors and appoint officers, employees, and 3 11 agents of the cooperative, define their duties, fix their 3 12 compensation, and lend them money and credit. 3 13 l. Pay pensions and establish pension plans, pension 3 14 trusts, profit-sharing plans, bonus plans, and benefit or 3 15 incentive plans for any or all of its current or former 3 16 directors, officers, employees, and agents. 3 17 m. Make donations for the public welfare or for 3 18 charitable, scientific, or educational purposes. 3 19 n. Transact any lawful business that will aid governmental 3 20 policy. 3 21 o. Make payments or donations, or do any other act, not 3 22 inconsistent with law, that furthers the business and affairs 3 23 of the cooperative. 3 24 Sec. 8. Section 501.103, subsections 1, 2, and 5, Code 3 25 Supplement 1997, are amended to read as follows: 3 26 1. Notwithstanding section 9H.4, any person or entity, 3 27 subject to the limitations set forth in section 501.305, and 3 28 subject to the cooperative's articles and bylaws, is permitted 3 29 to ownstockinterests, including votingstockinterests, in a 3 30 cooperative. 3 31 2. Notwithstanding section 9H.4, a cooperative may, 3 32 directly or indirectly, acquire or otherwise obtain or lease 3 33 agricultural land in this state, for as long as the 3 34 cooperative continues to meet the following requirements: 3 35 a. Farming entities own sixty percent of thestock4 1 interests and are eligible to cast sixty percent of the votes 4 2 at member meetings. 4 3 b. Authorized persons own at least seventy-five percent of 4 4 thestockinterests and are eligible to cast at least seventy- 4 5 five percent of the votes at member meetings. 4 6 c. The cooperative does not, either directly or 4 7 indirectly, acquire or otherwise obtain or lease agricultural 4 8 land, if the total agricultural land either directly or4 9indirectly owned or leased by the cooperative would then4 10exceed six hundred fortyin this state in excess of one 4 11 thousand five hundred acres. 4 12 5. In the event of a transfer ofstockan interest in a 4 13 cooperative by operation of law as a result of death, divorce, 4 14 bankruptcy, or pursuant to a security interest, the 4 15 cooperative may disregard the transfer for purposes of 4 16 determining compliance with subsection 2 for a period of two 4 17 years after the transfer. 4 18 Sec. 9. Section 501.105, subsection 2, Code 1997, is 4 19 amended to read as follows: 4 20 2. Articles must be signed by all of theincorporators4 21 organizers; and all other documents filed with the secretary 4 22 of state must be signed by one of the cooperative's officers. 4 23 The printed name and capacity of each signatory must appear in 4 24 proximity to the signatory's signature. The secretary of 4 25 state may accept a document containing a copy of the 4 26 signature. A document is not required to contain acorporate4 27 seal, an acknowledgment, or a verification. 4 28 Sec. 10. Section 501.106, subsection 2, unnumbered 4 29 paragraph 1, Code 1997, is amended to read as follows: 4 30 Acorporationcooperative may change its registered office 4 31 or registered agent by delivering to the secretary of state 4 32 for filing a statement of change that sets forth all of the 4 33 following: 4 34 Sec. 11. Section 501.106, Code 1997, is amended by adding 4 35 the following new subsections: 5 1 NEW SUBSECTION. 5. a. A registered agent may resign the 5 2 agent's agency appointment by signing and delivering to the 5 3 secretary of state for filing the signed original statement of 5 4 resignation. The statement may include a statement that the 5 5 registered office is also discontinued. The registered agent 5 6 shall send a copy of the statement of resignation by certified 5 7 mail to the cooperative at its principal office and to the 5 8 registered office, if not discontinued. The registered agent 5 9 shall certify to the secretary of state that the copies have 5 10 been sent to the cooperative, including the date the copies 5 11 were sent. 5 12 b. The agency appointment is terminated, and the 5 13 registered office discontinued if so provided, on the date on 5 14 which the statement was filed. 5 15 NEW SUBSECTION. 6. a. A cooperative's registered agent 5 16 is the cooperative's agent for service of process, notice, or 5 17 demand required or permitted by law to be served on the 5 18 cooperative. 5 19 b. If a cooperative has no registered agent, or the agent 5 20 cannot with reasonable diligence be served, the cooperative 5 21 may be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt 5 22 requested, addressed to the secretary of the cooperative at 5 23 its principal office. Service is perfected under this 5 24 paragraph at the earliest of any of the following: 5 25 (1) The date that the cooperative receives the mail. 5 26 (2) The date shown on the return receipt, if signed on 5 27 behalf of the cooperative. 5 28 (3) Five days after its deposit in the United States mail, 5 29 as evidenced by the postmark, if mailed postpaid and correctly 5 30 addressed. 5 31 c. A cooperative may be served pursuant to this section or 5 32 as provided in other provisions of this chapter, unless the 5 33 manner of service is otherwise specifically provided for by 5 34 statute. 5 35 Sec. 12. Section 501.202, subsection 1, paragraph a, Code 6 1 1997, is amended to read as follows: 6 2 a. The name, address, and occupation of eachincorporator6 3 organizer. 6 4 Sec. 13. Section 501.202, subsection 2, paragraph d, Code 6 5 1997, is amended to read as follows: 6 6 d. The classes ofstockinterests and the authorized 6 7 number ofsharesinterests of each class. 6 8 Sec. 14. Section 501.306, Code 1997, is amended to read as 6 9 follows: 6 10 501.306 NUMBER OF VOTES. 6 11 A person who is a memberor shareholdershall not own more 6 12 than one membershipor share of voting stock. The person 6 13 shall be entitled to cast not more than one vote regarding any 6 14 matter in which a vote is conducted, including any matter 6 15 subject to a vote during a cooperative meeting. 6 16 Sec. 15. Section 501.403, subsection 2, paragraph e, Code 6 17 1997, is amended to read as follows: 6 18 e. Action required or permitted by this chapter to be 6 19 taken at a board meeting may be taken without a meeting if the 6 20 action is taken by all members of the board. The action must 6 21 be evidenced by one or more written consents describing the 6 22 action taken, signed by each director, and included in the 6 23 minutes or filed with thecorporatecooperative's records 6 24 reflecting the action taken. Action taken under this section 6 25 is effective when the last director signs the consent, unless 6 26 the consent specifies a different effective date. A consent 6 27 signed under this section has the effect of a meeting vote and 6 28 may be described as such in any document. 6 29 Sec. 16. Section 501.403, subsection 3, Code 1997, is 6 30 amended to read as follows: 6 31 3. A director may waive any notice required by this 6 32 chapter, the articles, or the bylaws before or after the date 6 33 and time stated in the notice. The waiver must be in writing, 6 34 signed by the director entitled to the notice, and filed with 6 35 the minutes orcorporaterecords of the cooperative. A 7 1 director's attendance at or participation in a meeting waives 7 2 any required notice to that director of the meeting unless the 7 3 director at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon the 7 4 director's arrival objects to holding the meeting or 7 5 transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter 7 6 vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting. 7 7 Sec. 17. Section 501.404, subsection 1, paragraph b, Code 7 8 Supplement 1997, is amended to read as follows: 7 9 b. The material facts of the transaction and the 7 10 director's interest were disclosed or known to the 7 11shareholdersmembers entitled to vote and they authorized, 7 12 approved, or ratified the transaction. For purposes of this 7 13 paragraph, a conflict of interest transaction is authorized, 7 14 approved, or ratified if it receives a majority of the votes 7 15 entitled to be counted under this paragraph.SharesVoting 7 16 interests owned by or voted under the control of a director 7 17 who has a direct or indirect interest in the transaction, and 7 18sharesvoting interests owned by or voted under the control of 7 19 an entity described in subsection 2, paragraph "a", shall not 7 20 be counted in a vote of members to determine whether to 7 21 authorize, approve, or ratify a conflict of interest 7 22 transaction under this paragraph. The vote of thoseshares7 23 voting interests, however, is counted in determining whether 7 24 the transaction is approved under other sections of this 7 25 chapter. A majority of the votes, whether or not the 7 26shareholdersmembers are present, that are entitled to be 7 27 counted in a vote on the transaction under this paragraph 7 28 constitutes a quorum for the purpose of taking action under 7 29 this paragraph. 7 30 Sec. 18. Section 501.407, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 7 31 1997, is amended to read as follows: 7 32 The articles may contain a provision eliminating or 7 33 limiting the personal liability of a director, officer, or 7 34shareholderinterest holder of the cooperative for monetary 7 35 damages for breach of a fiduciary duty as a director, officer, 8 1 orshareholderinterest holder, provided that the provision 8 2 does not eliminate or limit liability for any of the 8 3 following: 8 4 Sec. 19. Section 501.407, subsections 1 and 3, Code 1997, 8 5 are amended to read as follows: 8 6 1. A breach of the duty of loyalty to the cooperative or 8 7 itsshareholdersinterest holders. 8 8 3. A transaction from which the director, officer, or 8 9shareholderinterest holder derives an improper personal 8 10 benefit. 8 11 PART B 8 12 INDEMNIFICATION 8 13 Sec. 20. NEW SECTION. 501.411 DEFINITIONS. 8 14 As used in this part, unless the context otherwise 8 15 requires: 8 16 1. "Cooperative" includes any domestic or foreign 8 17 predecessor entity of a cooperative in a merger or other 8 18 transaction in which the predecessor's existence ceased upon 8 19 consummation of the transaction. 8 20 2. "Director" means an individual who is or was a director 8 21 of a cooperative or an individual who, while a director of a 8 22 cooperative, is or was serving at the cooperative's request as 8 23 a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of 8 24 another foreign or domestic cooperative, corporation, 8 25 partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or 8 26 other enterprise. A director is considered to be serving an 8 27 employee benefit plan at the cooperative's request if the 8 28 director's duties to the cooperative also impose duties on, or 8 29 otherwise involve services by, that director to the plan or to 8 30 participants in or beneficiaries of the plan. "Director" 8 31 includes, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or 8 32 personal representative of a director. 8 33 3. "Expenses" include counsel fees. 8 34 4. "Liability" means the obligation to pay a judgment, 8 35 settlement, penalty, fine, including an excise tax assessed 9 1 with respect to an employee benefit plan, or reasonable 9 2 expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding. 9 3 5. "Official capacity" means: 9 4 a. When used with respect to a director, the office of 9 5 director in a cooperative. 9 6 b. When used with respect to an individual other than a 9 7 director, as contemplated in section 501.417, the office in a 9 8 cooperative held by the officer or the employment or agency 9 9 relationship undertaken by the employee or agent on behalf of 9 10 the cooperative. 9 11 "Official capacity" does not include service for any other 9 12 foreign or domestic cooperative or any corporation, 9 13 partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or 9 14 other enterprise. 9 15 6. "Party" includes an individual who was, is, or is 9 16 threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent in a 9 17 proceeding. 9 18 7. "Proceeding" means any threatened, pending, or 9 19 completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, 9 20 criminal, administrative, or investigative and whether formal 9 21 or informal. 9 22 Sec. 21. NEW SECTION. 501.412 AUTHORITY TO INDEMNIFY. 9 23 1. Except as provided in subsection 4, a cooperative may 9 24 indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because 9 25 the individual is or was a director against liability incurred 9 26 in the proceeding if all of the following apply: 9 27 a. The individual acted in good faith. 9 28 b. The individual reasonably believed either of the 9 29 following: 9 30 (1) In the case of conduct in the individual's official 9 31 capacity with the cooperative, that the individual's conduct 9 32 was in the cooperative's best interests. 9 33 (2) In all other cases, that the individual's conduct was 9 34 at least not opposed to the cooperative's best interests. 9 35 c. In the case of any criminal proceeding, the individual 10 1 had no reasonable cause to believe the individual's conduct 10 2 was unlawful. 10 3 2. A director's conduct with respect to an employee 10 4 benefit plan for a purpose the director reasonably believed to 10 5 be in the interests of the participants in and beneficiaries 10 6 of the plan is conduct that satisfies the requirement of 10 7 subsection 1, paragraph "b", subparagraph (2). 10 8 3. The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, 10 9 settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or 10 10 its equivalent is not, of itself, determinative that the 10 11 director did not meet the standard of conduct described in 10 12 this section. 10 13 4. A cooperative shall not indemnify a director under this 10 14 section in either of the following circumstances: 10 15 a. In connection with a proceeding by or in the right of 10 16 the cooperative in which the director was adjudged liable to 10 17 the cooperative. 10 18 b. In connection with any other proceeding charging 10 19 improper personal benefit to the director, whether or not 10 20 involving action in the director's official capacity, in which 10 21 the director was adjudged liable on the basis that personal 10 22 benefit was improperly received by the director. 10 23 5. Indemnification permitted under this section in 10 24 connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the 10 25 cooperative is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in 10 26 connection with the proceeding. 10 27 Sec. 22. NEW SECTION. 501.413 MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION. 10 28 Unless limited by its articles of association, a 10 29 cooperative shall indemnify a director who was wholly 10 30 successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any 10 31 proceeding to which the director was a party because the 10 32 director is or was a director of the cooperative against 10 33 reasonable expenses incurred by the director in connection 10 34 with the proceeding. 10 35 Sec. 23. NEW SECTION. 501.414 ADVANCE FOR EXPENSES. 11 1 1. A cooperative may pay for or reimburse the reasonable 11 2 expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding 11 3 in advance of final disposition of the proceeding if any of 11 4 the following apply: 11 5 a. The director furnishes the cooperative a written 11 6 affirmation of the director's good faith belief that the 11 7 director has met the standard of conduct described in section 11 8 501.412. 11 9 b. The director furnishes the cooperative a written 11 10 undertaking, executed personally or on the director's behalf, 11 11 to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined that the 11 12 director did not meet the standard of conduct described in 11 13 section 501.412. 11 14 c. A determination is made pursuant to section 501.416 11 15 that the facts then known to those making the determination 11 16 would not preclude indemnification under this part. 11 17 2. The undertaking required by subsection 1, paragraph 11 18 "b", must be an unlimited general obligation of the director 11 19 but need not be secured and may be accepted without reference 11 20 to financial ability to make repayment. 11 21 3. Determinations and authorizations of payments under 11 22 this section shall be made in the manner specified in section 11 23 501.416. 11 24 Sec. 24. NEW SECTION. 501.415 COURT-ORDERED 11 25 INDEMNIFICATION. 11 26 Unless a cooperative's articles of association provide 11 27 otherwise, a director of the cooperative who is a party to a 11 28 proceeding may apply for indemnification to the court 11 29 conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent 11 30 jurisdiction. On receipt of an application, the court after 11 31 giving any notice the court considers necessary may order 11 32 indemnification if it determines either of the following: 11 33 1. The director is entitled to mandatory indemnification 11 34 under section 501.413, in which case the court shall also 11 35 order the cooperative to pay the director's reasonable 12 1 expenses incurred to obtain court-ordered indemnification. 12 2 2. The director is fairly and reasonably entitled to 12 3 indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, 12 4 whether or not the director met the standard of conduct set 12 5 forth in section 501.412 or was adjudged liable as described 12 6 in section 501.412, subsection 4, but if the director was 12 7 adjudged so liable the director's indemnification is limited 12 8 to reasonable expenses incurred. 12 9 Sec. 25. NEW SECTION. 501.416 DETERMINATION AND 12 10 AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION. 12 11 1. A cooperative shall not indemnify a director under 12 12 section 501.412 unless authorized in the specific case after a 12 13 determination has been made that indemnification of the 12 14 director is permissible in the circumstances because the 12 15 director has met the standard of conduct set forth in section 12 16 501.412. 12 17 2. The determination shall be made by any of the 12 18 following: 12 19 a. By the board of directors by majority vote of a quorum 12 20 consisting of directors not at the time parties to the 12 21 proceeding. 12 22 b. If a quorum cannot be obtained under paragraph "a", by 12 23 majority vote of a committee duly designated by the board of 12 24 directors, in which designation directors who are parties may 12 25 participate, consisting solely of two or more directors not at 12 26 the time parties to the proceeding. 12 27 c. By special legal counsel. 12 28 (1) The special legal counsel shall be selected by the 12 29 board of directors or its committee in the manner prescribed 12 30 in paragraph "a" or "b". 12 31 (2) If a quorum of the board of directors cannot be 12 32 obtained under paragraph "a" and a committee cannot be 12 33 designated under paragraph "b", the special legal counsel 12 34 shall be selected by majority vote of the full board of 12 35 directors, in which selection directors who are parties may 13 1 participate. 13 2 d. By the members, but voting interests owned by or voted 13 3 under the control of directors who are at the time parties to 13 4 the proceeding shall not be voted on the determination. 13 5 3. Authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to 13 6 reasonableness of expenses shall be made in the same manner as 13 7 the determination that indemnification is permissible, except 13 8 that if the determination is made by special legal counsel, 13 9 authorization of indemnification and evaluation as to 13 10 reasonableness of expenses shall be made by those entitled 13 11 under subsection 2, paragraph "c", to select counsel. 13 12 Sec. 26. NEW SECTION. 501.417 INDEMNIFICATION OF 13 13 OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS. 13 14 Unless a cooperative's articles of association provide 13 15 otherwise, all of the following apply: 13 16 1. An officer of the cooperative who is not a director is 13 17 entitled to mandatory indemnification under section 501.413, 13 18 and is entitled to apply for court-ordered indemnification 13 19 under section 501.415, in each case to the same extent as a 13 20 director. 13 21 2. The cooperative may indemnify and advance expenses 13 22 under this part to an officer, employee, or agent of the 13 23 cooperative who is not a director to the same extent as to a 13 24 director. 13 25 3. A cooperative may also indemnify and advance expenses 13 26 to an officer, employee, or agent who is not a director to the 13 27 extent consistent with law that may be provided by its 13 28 articles of association, bylaws, general or specific action of 13 29 its board of directors, or contract. 13 30 Sec. 27. NEW SECTION. 501.418 INSURANCE. 13 31 A cooperative may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf 13 32 of an individual who is or was a director, officer, employee, 13 33 or agent of the cooperative, or who, while a director, 13 34 officer, employee, or agent of the cooperative, is or was 13 35 serving at the request of the cooperative as a director, 14 1 officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another 14 2 foreign or domestic cooperative, corporation, partnership, 14 3 joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other 14 4 enterprise, against liability asserted against or incurred by 14 5 that individual in that capacity or arising from the 14 6 individual's status as a director, officer, employee, or 14 7 agent, whether or not the cooperative would have power to 14 8 indemnify that individual against the same liability under 14 9 section 501.412 or 501.413. 14 10 Sec. 28. NEW SECTION. 501.419 APPLICATION OF THIS PART. 14 11 Except as limited in section 501.412, subsection 4, 14 12 paragraph "a", and subsection 5 with respect to proceedings by 14 13 or in the right of the cooperative, the indemnification and 14 14 advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, 14 15 sections 501.411 through 501.418 are not exclusive of any 14 16 other rights to which persons seeking indemnification or 14 17 advancement of expenses are entitled under a provision in the 14 18 articles of association or bylaws, agreements, vote of the 14 19 members or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to 14 20 action in a person's official capacity and as to action in 14 21 another capacity while holding the office. However, such 14 22 provisions, agreements, votes, or other actions shall not 14 23 provide indemnification for a breach of a director's duty of 14 24 loyalty to the cooperative or its interest holders, for acts 14 25 or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional 14 26 misconduct or knowing violation of the law, or for a 14 27 transaction from which the person seeking indemnification 14 28 derives an improper personal benefit. 14 29 Sec. 29. Section 501.501, Code Supplement 1997, is amended 14 30 to read as follows: 14 31 501.501 ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER OFSTOCKINTERESTS. 14 32 1. A cooperative may issue the number ofsharesinterests 14 33 of each class authorized by its articles. A cooperative may 14 34 issue fractionalsharesinterests.StockInterests may be 14 35 represented by certificates or by entry on the cooperative's 15 1stockinterest record books. 15 2 2. A member shall not sell or otherwise transfer voting 15 3stockinterests to any person. A member may be restricted or 15 4 limited from selling or otherwise transferring any other class 15 5 ofstockinterests of the cooperative as provided by the 15 6 cooperative's articles ofincorporationassociation or bylaws 15 7 or an agreement executed between the cooperative and the 15 8 member. 15 9 3. A cooperative may acquire its ownstockinterests, and 15 10sharesinterests so acquired constitute authorized but 15 11 unissuedsharesinterests. 15 12 Sec. 30. Section 501.502, subsection 2, paragraph a, Code 15 13 Supplement 1997, is amended to read as follows: 15 14 a. The member has attempted to transferstockany interest 15 15 to a person who is not a member and has not been approved for 15 16 membership. 15 17 Sec. 31. Section 501.502, subsection 4, Code Supplement 15 18 1997, is amended to read as follows: 15 19 4. The cooperative shall redeem, without interest, the 15 20 votingstockinterest of a terminated member within one year 15 21 after the termination of the membership for the fair market 15 22 value of thestockinterest. If the amount originally paid by 15 23 the member for the votingstockinterest was less than ten 15 24 percent of the total amount the member paid for all classes of 15 25stockinterests, the cooperative may redeem the votingstock15 26 interest for its issue price if the cooperative's articles of 15 27incorporationassociation grant the cooperative this 15 28 authority. 15 29 Sec. 32. Section 501.502, subsection 5, unnumbered 15 30 paragraph 1, Code Supplement 1997, is amended to read as 15 31 follows: 15 32 The cooperative shall redeem, without interest, all of the 15 33 terminated member's allocated patronage refunds and preferred 15 34stockinterests originally issued as allocated patronage 15 35 refunds for the issue price as follows: 16 1 Sec. 33. Section 501.503, subsections 1 and 4, Code 1997, 16 2 are amended to read as follows: 16 3 1. If the articles authorize the payment ofdividends16 4 distributions on a class ofstockinterests, then the 16 5 directors may declaredividendsa distribution pursuant to the 16 6 articles.Dividends mayDistributions shall not exceed eight 16 7 percent of the value of thestockinterest in each fiscal 16 8 year. The members may control the amount that is allocated 16 9 under this subsection. 16 10 4. The cooperative shall have an unconditional binding 16 11 obligation to distribute to the members all remaining net 16 12 savings as determined under the United States Internal Revenue 16 13 Code. These net savings shall be allocated to each member in 16 14 proportion to the business the member did with the cooperative 16 15 during the preceding fiscal year. The net savings may be 16 16 separately calculated for two or more categories of business, 16 17 and allocated to the members on the basis of business done 16 18 within each of these categories. Net savings shall be 16 19 distributed in the form of cash orstockinterests, or a 16 20 combination of cash andstockinterests, as determined by the 16 21 board. 16 22 Sec. 34. Section 501.603, subsection 2, Code 1997, is 16 23 amended to read as follows: 16 24 2. A cooperative may sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise 16 25 dispose of all, or substantially all, of its property, with or 16 26 without the good will, on the terms and conditions and for the 16 27 consideration determined by the board, which consideration may 16 28 include thepreferred stockinterests of another cooperative, 16 29 if the board recommends the proposed transaction to the 16 30 members, and the members approve it by the vote of two-thirds 16 31 of the votes cast on a ballot in which a majority of all votes 16 32 are cast. The board may condition its submission of the 16 33 proposed transaction on any basis. 16 34 PART B 16 35 MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION BETWEEN COOPERATIVES 17 1 ORGANIZED UNDER THIS CHAPTER 17 2 Sec. 35. NEW SECTION. 501.611 DEFINITIONS. 17 3 When used in this part, unless the context otherwise 17 4 requires: 17 5 1. "Consolidation" means the uniting of two or more 17 6 cooperatives organized under this chapter into one cooperative 17 7 organized under this chapter, in such manner that a new 17 8 cooperative is formed, and the new cooperative absorbs the 17 9 others, which cease to exist as separate entities. 17 10 2. "Dissenting member" means a voting member who votes in 17 11 opposition to the plan of merger or consolidation and who 17 12 makes a demand for payment of the fair value under section 17 13 501.615. 17 14 3. "Fair value" means the cash price that would be paid by 17 15 a willing buyer to a willing seller, neither being under any 17 16 compulsion to buy or sell. 17 17 4. "Issue price" means the amount paid for an interest in 17 18 the old cooperative or the amount stated in a notice of 17 19 allocation of patronage distributions. 17 20 5. "Merger" means the uniting of two or more cooperatives 17 21 organized under this chapter into one cooperative organized 17 22 under this chapter, in such manner that one of the merging 17 23 associations continues to exist and absorbs the others, which 17 24 cease to exist as entities. "Merger" does not include the 17 25 acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of the assets of one 17 26 cooperative by another, unless the acquisition only becomes 17 27 effective by the filing of articles of merger by the 17 28 cooperatives and the issuance of a certificate of merger 17 29 pursuant to sections 501.617 and 501.618. 17 30 6. "New cooperative" is the cooperative resulting from the 17 31 consolidation of two or more cooperatives organized under this 17 32 chapter. 17 33 7. "Old cooperative" means the cooperative in which the 17 34 member owns or owned a membership prior to merger or 17 35 consolidation. 18 1 8. "Surviving cooperative" is the cooperative resulting 18 2 from the merger of two or more cooperatives organized under 18 3 this chapter. 18 4 Sec. 36. NEW SECTION. 501.612 MERGER. 18 5 Any two or more cooperatives may merge into one cooperative 18 6 in the manner provided in this section. The board of 18 7 directors of each cooperative shall, by resolution adopted by 18 8 a majority vote of all members of each board, approve a plan 18 9 of merger which shall set forth all of the following: 18 10 1. The names of the cooperatives proposing to merge and 18 11 the name of the surviving cooperative. 18 12 2. The terms and conditions of the proposed merger. 18 13 3. A statement of any changes in the articles of 18 14 association of the surviving cooperative. 18 15 4. Other provisions deemed necessary or desirable. 18 16 Sec. 37. NEW SECTION. 501.613 CONSOLIDATION. 18 17 Any two or more cooperatives may be consolidated into a new 18 18 cooperative as provided in this section. The board of 18 19 directors of each cooperative shall, by resolution adopted by 18 20 a majority vote of all members of each board, approve a plan 18 21 of consolidation setting forth: 18 22 1. The names of the cooperatives proposing to consolidate 18 23 and the name of the new cooperative. 18 24 2. The terms and conditions of the proposed consolidation. 18 25 3. With respect to the new cooperative, all of the 18 26 statements required to be set forth in articles of association 18 27 for cooperatives. 18 28 4. Other provisions deemed necessary or desirable. 18 29 Sec. 38. NEW SECTION. 501.614 VOTE OF MEMBERS. 18 30 1. The board of directors of a cooperative, upon approving 18 31 a plan of merger or consolidation, shall, by motion or 18 32 resolution, direct that the plan be submitted to a vote at a 18 33 meeting of members, which may be either an annual or special 18 34 meeting. Written notice shall be given not less than twenty 18 35 days prior to the meeting, either personally or by mail, to 19 1 each voting member of record. The notice shall state the 19 2 time, place, and purpose of the meeting, and a summary of the 19 3 plan of merger or consolidation shall be included in or 19 4 enclosed with the notice. 19 5 2. At the meeting, a ballot of the members who are 19 6 entitled to vote in the affairs of the association shall be 19 7 taken on the proposed plan of merger or consolidation. The 19 8 plan of merger or consolidation shall be approved if two- 19 9 thirds of the members vote affirmatively on a ballot in which 19 10 a majority of all voting members participate. Voting may be 19 11 by mail ballot notwithstanding any contrary provision in the 19 12 articles of association or bylaws. 19 13 Sec. 39. NEW SECTION. 501.615 OBJECTION OF MEMBERS – 19 14 PURCHASE OF INTERESTS UPON DEMAND. 19 15 1. If a member of a cooperative which is a party to a 19 16 merger or consolidation files with the cooperative, prior to 19 17 or at the meeting of members at which the plan is submitted to 19 18 a vote, a written objection to the plan of merger or 19 19 consolidation, and votes in opposition to the plan, and the 19 20 member, within twenty days after the merger or consolidation 19 21 is approved by the other members, makes written demand on the 19 22 surviving or new cooperative for payment of the fair value of 19 23 that member's interest as of the day prior to the date on 19 24 which the vote was taken approving the merger or 19 25 consolidation, the surviving or new cooperative shall pay to 19 26 the member, upon surrender of that person's certificate of 19 27 membership or interests in the cooperative, the fair value of 19 28 that person's interest as provided in section 501.616. A 19 29 member who fails to make demand within the twenty-day period 19 30 is conclusively presumed to have consented to the merger or 19 31 consolidation and is bound by its terms. 19 32 2. In the event that a dissenting member does business 19 33 with the surviving or new cooperative before payment has been 19 34 made for that person's membership, the dissenting member is 19 35 deemed to have consented to the merger or consolidation and to 20 1 have waived all further rights as a dissenting member. 20 2 Sec. 40. NEW SECTION. 501.616 VALUE DETERMINED. 20 3 1. Within twenty days after the merger or consolidation is 20 4 effected, the surviving or new cooperative shall make a 20 5 written offer to each dissenting member to pay a specified sum 20 6 deemed by the surviving or new cooperative to be the fair 20 7 value of that dissenting member's interest in the old 20 8 cooperative. This offer shall be accompanied by a balance 20 9 sheet of the old cooperative as of the latest available date, 20 10 a profit and loss statement of the old cooperative for the 20 11 twelve-month period ending on the date of the balance sheet, 20 12 and a list of the dissenting member's interests in the old 20 13 cooperative. If the dissenting member does not agree that the 20 14 sum stated in the notice represents the fair value of the 20 15 member's interest, then the member may file a written 20 16 objection with the surviving or new cooperative within twenty 20 17 days after receiving the notice. A dissenting member who 20 18 fails to file the objection within the twenty-day period is 20 19 conclusively presumed to have consented to the fair value 20 20 stated in the notice. 20 21 2. If the surviving or new cooperative receives any 20 22 objections to fair values, then within ninety days after the 20 23 merger or consolidation is effected, the surviving or new 20 24 cooperative shall file a petition in district court asking for 20 25 a finding and determination of the fair value of each type of 20 26 equity. The action shall be tried as an equitable action. 20 27 3. The fair value of a dissenting member's interest in the 20 28 old cooperative shall be determined as of the day preceding 20 29 the merger or consolidation by taking the lesser of either the 20 30 issue price of the dissenting member's membership, deferred 20 31 patronage, and any other interests in the cooperative, or the 20 32 amount determined by subtracting the old cooperative's debts 20 33 from the fair market value of the old cooperative's assets, 20 34 dividing the remainder by the total issue price of all 20 35 memberships, deferred patronage and all other interests, and 21 1 then multiplying the quotient from this division by the total 21 2 issue price of a dissenting member's membership, deferred 21 3 patronage, and other interests. 21 4 4. The surviving or new cooperative shall pay to each 21 5 dissenting member in cash within sixty days after the merger 21 6 or consolidation the amount paid in cash by the dissenting 21 7 member for that member's interest in the old cooperative. The 21 8 surviving or new cooperative shall pay the remainder of each 21 9 dissenting member's fair value in ten annual equal payments. 21 10 The final payment must be made not later than fifteen years 21 11 after the merger or consolidation. The value of the deferred 21 12 patronage or interests issued to evidence deferred patronage 21 13 shall be considered a liability of the surviving or new 21 14 cooperative as reflected in the accounts of the surviving or 21 15 new cooperative until the value of the deferred patronage or 21 16 interests issued to evidence deferred patronage is paid in 21 17 full to the dissenting member. A dissenting member who is a 21 18 natural person who dies before receiving the fair value shall 21 19 have all of the person's fair value paid with the same 21 20 priority as if the person was a member at the time of death. 21 21 Sec. 41. NEW SECTION. 501.617 ARTICLES OF MERGER OR 21 22 CONSOLIDATION. 21 23 Upon approval, articles of merger or articles of 21 24 consolidation shall be executed by each cooperative as 21 25 provided in section 501.105. The articles must include the 21 26 following: 21 27 1. The plan of merger or the plan of consolidation. 21 28 2. As to each cooperative, the number of members. 21 29 3. As to each cooperative, the number of members who voted 21 30 for and against the plan at the meeting called for that 21 31 purpose. 21 32 The articles of merger or articles of consolidation shall 21 33 be delivered to the secretary of state for filing. 21 34 The secretary of state, upon the filing of articles of 21 35 merger or articles of consolidation, shall issue a certificate 22 1 of merger or a certificate of consolidation and send the 22 2 certificate to the surviving or new cooperative, or to its 22 3 representative. 22 4 Sec. 42. NEW SECTION. 501.618 WHEN EFFECTIVE – EFFECT. 22 5 A merger or consolidation shall become effective upon the 22 6 date that the certificate of merger or the certificate of 22 7 consolidation is issued by the secretary of state, or the 22 8 effective date specified in the articles of merger or articles 22 9 of consolidation, whichever is later. 22 10 When a merger or consolidation has become effective: 22 11 1. The several cooperatives which are parties to the plan 22 12 of merger or consolidation shall be a single cooperative, 22 13 which, in the case of a merger, shall be that cooperative 22 14 designated in the plan of merger as the surviving cooperative, 22 15 and, in the case of consolidation, shall be that cooperative 22 16 designated in the plan of consolidation as the new 22 17 cooperative. 22 18 2. The separate existence of all cooperatives which are 22 19 parties to the plan of merger or consolidation, except the 22 20 surviving or new cooperative, shall cease. 22 21 3. The surviving or new cooperative shall have all the 22 22 rights, privileges, immunities, and powers and shall be 22 23 subject to all the duties and liabilities of a cooperative 22 24 organized under this chapter. 22 25 4. The surviving or new cooperative shall possess all the 22 26 rights, privileges, immunities, and franchises, public as well 22 27 as private, of each of the merging or consolidating 22 28 cooperatives. 22 29 5. All property, real, personal, and mixed, and all debts 22 30 due on whatever account, including all choses in action, and 22 31 all and every other interest, of or belonging to or due to 22 32 each of the cooperatives merged or consolidated, shall be 22 33 transferred to and vested in the surviving or new cooperative 22 34 without further act or deed. The title to any real estate, or 22 35 any interest in real estate vested in any of the cooperatives 23 1 merged or consolidated, shall not revert or be in any way 23 2 impaired by reason of the merger or consolidation. 23 3 6. A surviving or new cooperative shall be responsible and 23 4 liable for all obligations and liabilities of each of the 23 5 cooperatives merged or consolidated. 23 6 7. Any claim existing or action or proceeding pending by 23 7 or against any of the cooperatives merged or consolidated may 23 8 be prosecuted as if the merger or consolidation had not taken 23 9 place, or the surviving or new cooperative may be substituted 23 10 for the merged or consolidated cooperative. Neither the 23 11 rights of creditors nor any liens upon the property of any 23 12 cooperative shall be impaired by a merger or consolidation. 23 13 8. In the case of a merger, the articles of association of 23 14 the surviving cooperative shall be deemed to be amended to the 23 15 extent that changes in its articles of association are stated 23 16 in the plan of merger. In the case of a consolidation, the 23 17 statements set forth in the articles of consolidation which 23 18 are required or permitted to be set forth in the articles of 23 19 association of a cooperative shall be deemed to be the 23 20 original articles of association of the new cooperative. 23 21 9. The aggregate amount of the net assets of the merging 23 22 or consolidating cooperative which was available for the 23 23 payment of distributions immediately prior to the merger or 23 24 consolidation, to the extent that the amount is not 23 25 transferred to stated capital by the issuance of interests or 23 26 otherwise, shall continue to be available for the payment of 23 27 distributions by the surviving or new cooperative. 23 28 Sec. 43. NEW SECTION. 501.619 ABANDONMENT BEFORE FILING. 23 29 At any time prior to the filing of the articles of merger 23 30 or consolidation, the merger or consolidation may be abandoned 23 31 pursuant to provisions set forth in the plan of merger or 23 32 consolidation. 23 33 SUBCHAPTER VII 23 34 RECORDS AND REPORTS 23 35 PART A 24 1 RECORDS 24 2 Sec. 44. NEW SECTION. 501.701 RECORDS. 24 3 1. A cooperative shall keep as permanent records minutes 24 4 of all meetings of its members and board of directors, a 24 5 record of all actions taken by the members or board of 24 6 directors without a meeting, and a record of all actions taken 24 7 by a committee of the board of directors in place of the board 24 8 of directors on behalf of the cooperative. 24 9 2. A cooperative shall maintain appropriate accounting 24 10 records. 24 11 3. A cooperative or its agent shall maintain a record of 24 12 its interest holders in a form that permits preparation of a 24 13 list of the names and addresses of all interest holders in 24 14 alphabetical order by class of interests showing the number 24 15 and class of interests held by each. 24 16 4. A cooperative shall maintain its records in written 24 17 form or in another form capable of conversion into written 24 18 form within a reasonable time. 24 19 5. A cooperative shall keep a copy of the following 24 20 records: 24 21 a. Its articles or restated articles of association and 24 22 all amendments to them currently in effect. 24 23 b. Its bylaws or restated bylaws and all amendments to 24 24 them currently in effect. 24 25 c. Resolutions adopted by its board of directors creating 24 26 one or more classes or series of interests, and fixing their 24 27 relative rights, preferences, and limitations, if the 24 28 interests issued pursuant to those resolutions are 24 29 outstanding. 24 30 d. The minutes of all members' meetings, and records of 24 31 all action taken by members without a meeting, for the past 24 32 three years. 24 33 e. All written communications to interest holders 24 34 generally within the past three years, including the financial 24 35 statements furnished for the past three years under section 25 1 501.711. 25 2 f. A list of the names and business addresses of its 25 3 current directors and officers. 25 4 g. Its most recent biennial report delivered to the 25 5 secretary of state under section 501.713. 25 6 Sec. 45. NEW SECTION. 501.702 INSPECTION OF RECORDS BY 25 7 INTEREST HOLDERS. 25 8 1. An interest holder of a cooperative is entitled to 25 9 inspect and copy, during regular business hours at the 25 10 cooperative's principal office, any of the records of the 25 11 cooperative described in section 501.701, subsection 5, if the 25 12 interest holder gives the cooperative written notice of the 25 13 interest holder's demand at least five business days before 25 14 the date on which the interest holder wishes to inspect and 25 15 copy. 25 16 2. An interest holder of a cooperative is entitled to 25 17 inspect and copy, during regular business hours at a 25 18 reasonable location specified by the cooperative, any of the 25 19 following records of the cooperative if the interest holder 25 20 meets the requirements of subsection 3 and gives the 25 21 cooperative written notice of the interest holder's demand at 25 22 least five business days before the date on which the interest 25 23 holder wishes to inspect and copy any of the following: 25 24 a. Excerpts from minutes of any meeting of the board of 25 25 directors, records of any action of a committee of the board 25 26 of directors while acting in place of the board of directors 25 27 on behalf of the cooperative, minutes of any meeting of the 25 28 members, and records of action taken by the members or board 25 29 of directors without a meeting, to the extent not subject to 25 30 inspection under subsection 1 of this section. 25 31 b. Accounting records of the cooperative. 25 32 c. The record of interest holders. 25 33 3. An interest holder may inspect and copy the records 25 34 described in subsection 2 only if: 25 35 a. The interest holder's demand is made in good faith and 26 1 for a proper purpose. 26 2 b. The interest holder describes with reasonable 26 3 particularity the interest holder's purpose and the records 26 4 the interest holder desires to inspect. 26 5 c. The records are directly connected with the interest 26 6 holder's purpose. 26 7 4. The right of inspection granted by this section shall 26 8 not be abolished or limited by a cooperative's articles of 26 9 association or bylaws. 26 10 5. This section does not affect either of the following: 26 11 a. The right of a member to obtain information under 26 12 section 501.702 or the right of an interest holder to obtain 26 13 information, if the interest holder is in litigation with the 26 14 cooperative, to the same extent as any other litigant. 26 15 b. The power of a court, independently of this chapter, to 26 16 compel the production of cooperative records for examination. 26 17 Sec. 46. NEW SECTION. 501.703 SCOPE OF INSPECTION RIGHT. 26 18 1. An interest holder's agent or attorney has the same 26 19 inspection and copying rights as the interest holder the agent 26 20 or attorney represents. 26 21 2. The right to copy records under section 501.702 26 22 includes, if reasonable, the right to receive copies made by 26 23 photographic, xerographic, or other technological means. 26 24 3. The cooperative may impose a reasonable charge, 26 25 covering the costs of labor and material, for copies of any 26 26 documents provided to the interest holder. The charge shall 26 27 not exceed the estimated cost of production or reproduction of 26 28 the records. 26 29 4. The cooperative may comply with an interest holder's 26 30 demand to inspect the record of interest holders under section 26 31 501.702, subsection 2, paragraph "c", by providing the 26 32 interest holder with a list of its interest holders that was 26 33 compiled no earlier than the date of the interest holder's 26 34 demand. 26 35 Sec. 47. NEW SECTION. 501.704 COURT-ORDERED INSPECTION. 27 1 1. If a cooperative does not allow an interest holder who 27 2 complies with section 501.702, subsection 1, to inspect and 27 3 copy any records required by that subsection to be available 27 4 for inspection, the district court of the county where the 27 5 cooperative's principal office or, if none in this state, its 27 6 registered office is located may summarily order inspection 27 7 and copying of the records demanded at the cooperative's 27 8 expense upon application of the interest holder. 27 9 2. If a cooperative does not within a reasonable time 27 10 allow an interest holder to inspect and copy any other 27 11 records, the interest holder who complies with section 27 12 501.702, subsections 2 and 3, may apply to the district court 27 13 in the county where the cooperative's principal office or, if 27 14 not in this state, its registered office is located for an 27 15 order to permit inspection and copying of the records 27 16 demanded. The court shall dispose of an application under 27 17 this subsection on an expedited basis. 27 18 3. If the court orders inspection and copying of the 27 19 records demanded, it shall also order the cooperative to pay 27 20 the interest holder's costs, including reasonable counsel 27 21 fees, incurred to obtain the order unless the cooperative 27 22 proves that it refused inspection in good faith because it had 27 23 a reasonable basis for doubt about the right of the interest 27 24 holder to inspect the records demanded. 27 25 4. If the court orders inspection and copying of the 27 26 records demanded, it may impose reasonable restrictions on the 27 27 use or distribution of the records by the demanding interest 27 28 holder. 27 29 PART B 27 30 REPORTS 27 31 Sec. 48. NEW SECTION. 501.711 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 27 32 INTEREST HOLDERS. 27 33 A cooperative shall prepare annual financial statements, 27 34 which may be consolidated or combined statements of the 27 35 cooperative and one or more of its subsidiaries, as 28 1 appropriate, that include a balance sheet as of the end of the 28 2 fiscal year and an income statement for that year. Upon 28 3 written request from an interest holder, a cooperative, at its 28 4 expense, shall furnish to that interest holder the financial 28 5 statements requested. If the annual financial statements are 28 6 reported upon by a public accountant, the report must 28 7 accompany the financial statements. 28 8 Sec. 49. NEW SECTION. 501.712 OTHER REPORTS TO INTEREST 28 9 HOLDERS. 28 10 1. If a cooperative indemnifies or advances expenses to a 28 11 director under sections 501.412 through 501.415 in connection 28 12 with a proceeding by or in the right of the cooperative, the 28 13 cooperative shall report the indemnification or advance in 28 14 writing to the members with or before the notice of the next 28 15 members' meeting. 28 16 2. If a cooperative issues or authorizes the issuance of 28 17 interests for promissory notes or for promises to render 28 18 services in the future, the cooperative shall report in 28 19 writing to the members the number of interests authorized or 28 20 issued, and the consideration received by the cooperative, 28 21 with or before the notice of the next members' meeting. 28 22 Sec. 50. NEW SECTION. 501.713 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 28 23 SECRETARY OF STATE. 28 24 1. Each cooperative authorized to transact business in 28 25 this state shall deliver to the secretary of state for filing 28 26 an annual report that sets forth all of the following: 28 27 a. The name of the cooperative. 28 28 b. The address of its registered office and the name of 28 29 its registered agent at that office in this state, together 28 30 with the consent of any new registered agent. 28 31 c. The address of its principal office. 28 32 d. The names and addresses of the president, secretary, 28 33 treasurer, and one member of the board of directors. 28 34 2. Information in the annual report must be current as of 28 35 the first day of January of the year in which the report is 29 1 due. The report shall be executed on behalf of the 29 2 cooperative and signed as provided in section 501.105 or by 29 3 any other person authorized by the board of directors of the 29 4 cooperative. 29 5 3. The first annual report shall be delivered to the 29 6 secretary of state between January 1 and April 1 of the first 29 7 even-numbered year following the calendar year in which a 29 8 cooperative was organized. Subsequent annual reports must be 29 9 delivered to the secretary of state between January 1 and 29 10 April 1 of the following calendar years. A filing fee for the 29 11 annual report shall be determined by the secretary of state. 29 12 4. If an annual report does not contain the information 29 13 required by this section, the secretary of state shall 29 14 promptly notify the reporting cooperative in writing and 29 15 return the report to the cooperative for correction. 29 16 5. The secretary of state may provide for the change of 29 17 registered office or registered agent on the form prescribed 29 18 by the secretary of state for the annual report, provided that 29 19 the form contains the information required in section 501.106. 29 20 If the secretary of state determines that an annual report 29 21 does not contain the information required by this section but 29 22 otherwise meets the requirements of section 501.106 for the 29 23 purpose of changing the registered office or registered agent, 29 24 the secretary of state shall file the statement of change of 29 25 registered office or registered agent, effective as provided 29 26 in section 501.105, before returning the biennial report to 29 27 the cooperative as provided in this section. A statement of 29 28 change of registered office or agent pursuant to this 29 29 subsection shall be executed by a person authorized to execute 29 30 the annual report. 29 31 DIVISION VIII 29 32 DISSOLUTION 29 33 PART A 29 34 GENERAL 29 35 Sec. 51. NEW SECTION. 501.801 DISSOLUTION BY ORGANIZERS 30 1 OR INITIAL DIRECTORS. 30 2 A majority of the organizers or initial directors of a 30 3 cooperative that has not issued interests or has not commenced 30 4 business may dissolve the cooperative by delivering to the 30 5 secretary of state for filing articles of dissolution that set 30 6 forth all of the following: 30 7 1. The name of the cooperative. 30 8 2. The date of its organization. 30 9 3. Either of the following: 30 10 a. That none of the cooperative's interests have been 30 11 issued. 30 12 b. That the cooperative has not commenced business. 30 13 4. That no debt of the cooperative remains unpaid. 30 14 5. That the net assets of the cooperative remaining after 30 15 winding up have been distributed in accordance with this 30 16 chapter and the articles of association of the cooperative. 30 17 6. That a majority of the organizers or initial directors 30 18 authorized the dissolution. 30 19 Sec. 52. NEW SECTION. 501.802 DISSOLUTION BY BOARD OF 30 20 DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS. 30 21 1. A cooperative's board of directors may propose 30 22 dissolution for submission to the members. 30 23 2. For a proposal to dissolve to be adopted both of the 30 24 following must apply: 30 25 a. The board of directors must recommend dissolution to 30 26 the members unless the board of directors determines that 30 27 because of conflict of interest or other special circumstances 30 28 it should make no recommendation and communicates the basis 30 29 for its determination to the members. 30 30 b. The members entitled to vote must approve the proposal 30 31 to dissolve as provided in subsection 5. 30 32 3. The board of directors may condition its submission of 30 33 the proposal for dissolution on any basis. 30 34 4. The cooperative shall notify each member of a meeting 30 35 to consider dissolution in accordance with section 501.302. 31 1 The notice must also state that the purpose, or one of the 31 2 purposes, of the meeting is to consider dissolving the 31 3 cooperative. 31 4 5. Unless the articles of association or the board of 31 5 directors acting pursuant to subsection 3 require a greater 31 6 vote or a vote by voting groups, the proposal to dissolve must 31 7 be approved by a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast 31 8 on that proposal in order to be adopted. 31 9 Sec. 53. NEW SECTION. 501.803 ARTICLES OF DISSOLUTION. 31 10 1. At any time after dissolution is authorized, the 31 11 cooperative may dissolve by delivering to the secretary of 31 12 state for filing articles of dissolution setting forth all of 31 13 the following: 31 14 a. The name of the cooperative. 31 15 b. The date dissolution was authorized. 31 16 c. If dissolution was approved by the members, both of the 31 17 following: 31 18 (1) The number of votes entitled to be cast on the 31 19 proposal to dissolve. 31 20 (2) Either the total number of votes cast for and against 31 21 dissolution or the total number of undisputed votes cast for 31 22 dissolution and a statement that the number cast for 31 23 dissolution was sufficient for approval. 31 24 2. A cooperative is dissolved upon the effective date of 31 25 its articles of dissolution. 31 26 Sec. 54. NEW SECTION. 501.804 REVOCATION OF DISSOLUTION. 31 27 1. A cooperative may revoke its dissolution within one 31 28 hundred twenty days of the effective date of the dissolution. 31 29 2. Revocation of dissolution must be authorized in the 31 30 same manner as the dissolution was authorized unless that 31 31 authorization permitted revocation by action of the board of 31 32 directors alone, in which event the board of directors may 31 33 revoke the dissolution without member action. 31 34 3. After the revocation of dissolution is authorized, the 31 35 cooperative may revoke the dissolution by delivering to the 32 1 secretary of state for filing articles of revocation of 32 2 dissolution, together with a copy of its articles of 32 3 dissolution, that set forth all of the following: 32 4 a. The name of the cooperative. 32 5 b. The effective date of the dissolution that was revoked. 32 6 c. The date that the revocation of dissolution was 32 7 authorized. 32 8 d. If the cooperative's board of directors or organizers 32 9 revoked the dissolution, a statement to that effect. 32 10 e. If the cooperative's board of directors revoked a 32 11 dissolution authorized by the members, a statement that 32 12 revocation was permitted by action by the board of directors 32 13 alone pursuant to that authorization. 32 14 f. If member action was required to revoke the 32 15 dissolution, the information required by section 501.803, 32 16 subsection 1, paragraph "c". 32 17 4. Revocation of dissolution is effective upon the 32 18 effective date of the articles of revocation of dissolution. 32 19 5. When the revocation of dissolution is effective, it 32 20 relates back to and takes effect as of the effective date of 32 21 the dissolution as if the dissolution had never occurred. 32 22 Sec. 55. NEW SECTION. 501.805 EFFECT OF DISSOLUTION. 32 23 1. A dissolved cooperative continues its existence but 32 24 shall not carry on any business except that appropriate to 32 25 wind up and liquidate its business and affairs, including any 32 26 of the following: 32 27 a. Collecting its assets. 32 28 b. Disposing of its properties that will not be 32 29 distributed in kind in accordance with this chapter and the 32 30 cooperative's articles of association. 32 31 c. Discharging or making provision for discharging its 32 32 liabilities. 32 33 d. Distributing its remaining property in accordance with 32 34 this chapter and the cooperative's articles of association. 32 35 e. Doing every other act necessary to wind up and 33 1 liquidate its business and affairs. 33 2 2. Dissolution of a cooperative does not do any of the 33 3 following: 33 4 a. Transfer title to the cooperative's property. 33 5 b. Prevent transfer of its interests, although the 33 6 authorization to dissolve may provide for closing the 33 7 cooperative's interest transfer records. 33 8 c. Subject its directors or officers to standards of 33 9 conduct different from those prescribed in section 501.406. 33 10 d. Change quorum or voting requirements for its board of 33 11 directors or members; change provisions for selection, 33 12 resignation, or removal of its directors or officers or both; 33 13 or change provisions for amending its bylaws. 33 14 e. Prevent commencement of a proceeding by or against the 33 15 cooperative in its name. 33 16 f. Abate or suspend a proceeding pending by or against the 33 17 cooperative on the effective date of dissolution. 33 18 g. Terminate the authority of the registered agent of the 33 19 cooperative. 33 20 Sec. 56. NEW SECTION. 501.805A DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS. 33 21 Upon the cooperative's dissolution, the cooperative's 33 22 assets shall first be used to pay expenses necessary to carry 33 23 out the dissolution and liquidation of assets, then be used to 33 24 pay the cooperative's obligations other than the payment of 33 25 deferred patronage or interests issued as deferred patronage, 33 26 and the remainder shall be paid in the manner set forth in the 33 27 cooperative's articles of association. 33 28 Sec. 57. NEW SECTION. 501.806 KNOWN CLAIMS AGAINST 33 29 DISSOLVED COOPERATIVE. 33 30 1. A dissolved cooperative may dispose of the known claims 33 31 against it by following the procedure described in this 33 32 section. 33 33 2. The dissolved cooperative shall notify its known 33 34 claimants in writing of the dissolution at any time after the 33 35 effective date of the dissolution. The written notice must do 34 1 all of the following: 34 2 a. Describe information that must be included in a claim. 34 3 b. Provide a mailing address where a claim may be sent. 34 4 c. State the deadline, which shall not be fewer than one 34 5 hundred twenty days from the effective date of the written 34 6 notice, by which the dissolved cooperative must receive the 34 7 claim. 34 8 d. State that the claim will be barred if not received by 34 9 the deadline. 34 10 3. A claim against the dissolved cooperative is barred if 34 11 either of the following occur: 34 12 a. A claimant who was given written notice under 34 13 subsection 2 does not deliver the claim to the dissolved 34 14 cooperative by the deadline. 34 15 b. A claimant whose claim was rejected by the dissolved 34 16 cooperative does not commence a proceeding to enforce the 34 17 claim within ninety days from the effective date of the 34 18 rejection notice. 34 19 4. For purposes of this section, "claim" does not include 34 20 a contingent liability or a claim based on an event occurring 34 21 after the effective date of dissolution. 34 22 Sec. 58. NEW SECTION. 501.807 UNKNOWN CLAIMS AGAINST 34 23 DISSOLVED COOPERATIVE. 34 24 1. A dissolved cooperative may also publish notice of its 34 25 dissolution and request that persons with claims against the 34 26 cooperative present them in accordance with the notice. 34 27 2. The notice must meet all of the following requirements: 34 28 a. Be published one time in a newspaper of general 34 29 circulation in the county where the dissolved cooperative's 34 30 principal office or, if not in this state, its registered 34 31 office is or was last located. 34 32 b. Describe the information that must be included in a 34 33 claim and provide a mailing address where the claim may be 34 34 sent. 34 35 c. State that a claim against the cooperative will be 35 1 barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced 35 2 within five years after the publication of the notice. 35 3 3. If the dissolved cooperative publishes a newspaper 35 4 notice in accordance with subsection 2, the claim of each of 35 5 the following claimants is barred unless the claimant 35 6 commences a proceeding to enforce the claim against the 35 7 dissolved cooperative within five years after the publication 35 8 date of the newspaper notice: 35 9 a. A claimant who did not receive written notice under 35 10 section 501.806. 35 11 b. A claimant whose claim was timely sent to the dissolved 35 12 cooperative but not acted on. 35 13 c. A claimant whose claim is contingent or based on an 35 14 event occurring after the effective date of dissolution. 35 15 4. A claim may be enforced under this section in either of 35 16 the following ways: 35 17 a. Against the dissolved cooperative, to the extent of its 35 18 undistributed assets. 35 19 b. If the assets have been distributed in liquidation, 35 20 against an interest holder of the dissolved cooperative to the 35 21 extent of the interest holder's pro rata share of the claim or 35 22 the cooperative assets distributed to the interest holder in 35 23 liquidation, whichever is less, but an interest holder's total 35 24 liability for all claims under this section shall not exceed 35 25 the total amount of assets distributed to the interest holder 35 26 in liquidation. 35 27 PART B 35 28 ADMINISTRATIVE DISSOLUTION 35 29 Sec. 59. NEW SECTION. 501.811 GROUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE 35 30 DISSOLUTION. 35 31 The secretary of state may commence a proceeding under 35 32 section 501.812 to administratively dissolve a cooperative if 35 33 any of the following apply: 35 34 1. The cooperative has not delivered an annual report to 35 35 the secretary of state in a form that meets the requirements 36 1 of section 501.713, within sixty days after it is due, or has 36 2 not paid the filing fee as determined by the secretary of 36 3 state, within sixty days after it is due. 36 4 2. The cooperative is without a registered agent or 36 5 registered office in this state for sixty days or more. 36 6 3. The cooperative does not notify the secretary of state 36 7 within sixty days that its registered agent or registered 36 8 office has been changed, that its registered agent has 36 9 resigned, or that its registered office has been discontinued. 36 10 4. The cooperative's period of duration stated in its 36 11 articles of association expires. 36 12 Sec. 60. NEW SECTION. 501.812 PROCEDURE FOR AND EFFECT 36 13 OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISSOLUTION. 36 14 1. If the secretary of state determines that one or more 36 15 grounds exist under section 501.811 for dissolving a 36 16 cooperative, the secretary of state shall serve the 36 17 cooperative with written notice of the secretary of state's 36 18 determination under section 501.106. 36 19 2. If the cooperative does not correct each ground for 36 20 dissolution or demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of 36 21 the secretary of state that each ground determined by the 36 22 secretary of state does not exist within sixty days after 36 23 service of the notice is perfected under section 501.106, the 36 24 secretary of state shall administratively dissolve the 36 25 cooperative by signing a certificate of dissolution that 36 26 recites the ground or grounds for dissolution and its 36 27 effective date. The secretary of state shall file the 36 28 original of the certificate and serve a copy on the 36 29 cooperative under section 501.106. 36 30 3. A cooperative administratively dissolved continues its 36 31 existence but shall not carry on any business except that 36 32 necessary to wind up and liquidate its business and affairs 36 33 under section 501.805 and notify claimants under sections 36 34 501.806 and 501.807. 36 35 4. The administrative dissolution of a cooperative does 37 1 not terminate the authority of its registered agent. 37 2 5. The secretary of state's administrative dissolution of 37 3 a cooperative pursuant to this section appoints the secretary 37 4 of state the cooperative's agent for service of process in any 37 5 proceeding based on a cause of action which arose during the 37 6 time the cooperative was authorized to transact business in 37 7 this state. Service of process on the secretary of state 37 8 under this subsection is service on the cooperative. Upon 37 9 receipt of process, the secretary of state shall serve a copy 37 10 of the process on the cooperative as provided in section 37 11 501.106. This subsection does not preclude service on the 37 12 cooperative's registered agent, if any. 37 13 Sec. 61. NEW SECTION. 501.813 REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING 37 14 ADMINISTRATIVE DISSOLUTION. 37 15 1. A cooperative administratively dissolved under section 37 16 501.812 may apply to the secretary of state for reinstatement 37 17 within two years after the effective date of dissolution. The 37 18 application must meet all of the following requirements: 37 19 a. Recite the name of the cooperative at its date of 37 20 dissolution and the effective date of its administrative 37 21 dissolution. 37 22 b. State that the ground or grounds for dissolution have 37 23 been eliminated. 37 24 c. State a name that satisfies the requirements of section 37 25 501.104. 37 26 d. State the federal tax identification number of the 37 27 cooperative. 37 28 2. a. The secretary of state shall refer the federal tax 37 29 identification number contained in the application for 37 30 reinstatement to the department of revenue and finance. The 37 31 department of revenue and finance shall report to the 37 32 secretary of state the tax status of the cooperative. If the 37 33 department reports to the secretary of state that a filing 37 34 delinquency or liability exists against the cooperative, the 37 35 secretary of state shall not cancel the certificate of 38 1 dissolution until the filing delinquency or liability is 38 2 satisfied. 38 3 b. If the secretary of state determines that the 38 4 application contains the information required by subsection 1, 38 5 and that a delinquency or liability reported pursuant to 38 6 paragraph "a" has been satisfied, and that the information is 38 7 correct, the secretary of state shall cancel the certificate 38 8 of dissolution and prepare a certificate of reinstatement that 38 9 recites the secretary of state's determination and the 38 10 effective date of reinstatement, file the original of the 38 11 certificate, and serve a copy on the cooperative under section 38 12 501.106. If the name of the cooperative as provided in 38 13 subsection 1, paragraph "c", is different than the name in 38 14 subsection 1, paragraph "a", the certificate of reinstatement 38 15 shall constitute an amendment to the articles of association 38 16 insofar as it pertains to the name. 38 17 3. When the reinstatement is effective, it relates back to 38 18 and takes effect as of the effective date of the 38 19 administrative dissolution as if the administrative 38 20 dissolution had never occurred. 38 21 Sec. 62. NEW SECTION. 501.814 APPEAL FROM DENIAL OF 38 22 REINSTATEMENT. 38 23 1. If the secretary of state denies a cooperative's 38 24 application for reinstatement following administrative 38 25 dissolution, the secretary of state shall serve the 38 26 cooperative under section 501.106 with a written notice that 38 27 explains the reason or reasons for denial. 38 28 2. The cooperative may appeal the denial of reinstatement 38 29 to the district court within thirty days after service of the 38 30 notice of denial is perfected. The cooperative appeals by 38 31 petitioning the court to set aside the dissolution and 38 32 attaching to the petition copies of the secretary of state's 38 33 certificate of dissolution, the cooperative's application for 38 34 reinstatement, and the secretary of state's notice of denial. 38 35 3. The court may summarily order the secretary of state to 39 1 reinstate the dissolved cooperative or may take other action 39 2 the court considers appropriate. 39 3 4. The court's final decision may be appealed as in other 39 4 civil proceedings. 39 5 PART C 39 6 JUDICIAL DISSOLUTION 39 7 Sec. 63. NEW SECTION. 501.821 GROUNDS FOR JUDICIAL 39 8 DISSOLUTION. 39 9 The district court may dissolve a cooperative in any of the 39 10 following ways: 39 11 1. A proceeding by the attorney general, if it is 39 12 established that either of the following apply: 39 13 a. The cooperative obtained its articles of association 39 14 through fraud. 39 15 b. The cooperative has continued to exceed or abuse the 39 16 authority conferred upon it by law. 39 17 2. A proceeding by a member if it is established that any 39 18 of the following conditions exist: 39 19 a. The directors are deadlocked in the management of the 39 20 cooperative's affairs, the members are unable to break the 39 21 deadlock, and either irreparable injury to the cooperative is 39 22 threatened or being suffered, or the business and affairs of 39 23 the cooperative can no longer be conducted to the advantage of 39 24 the interest holders generally, because of the deadlock. 39 25 b. The directors or those in control of the cooperative 39 26 have acted, are acting, or will act in a manner that is 39 27 illegal, oppressive, or fraudulent. 39 28 c. The members are deadlocked in voting power and have 39 29 failed, for a period that includes at least two consecutive 39 30 annual meeting dates, to elect successors to directors whose 39 31 terms have expired. 39 32 d. The cooperative's assets are being misapplied or 39 33 wasted. 39 34 3. A proceeding by a creditor if it is established that 39 35 either of the following apply: 40 1 a. The creditor's claim has been reduced to judgment, the 40 2 execution on the judgment returned unsatisfied, and the 40 3 cooperative is insolvent. 40 4 b. The cooperative has admitted in writing that the 40 5 creditor's claim is due and owing and the cooperative is 40 6 insolvent. 40 7 4. A proceeding by the cooperative to have its voluntary 40 8 dissolution continued under court supervision. 40 9 Sec. 64. NEW SECTION. 501.822 PROCEDURE FOR JUDICIAL 40 10 DISSOLUTION. 40 11 1. Venue for a proceeding by the attorney general to 40 12 dissolve a cooperative lies in Polk county district court. 40 13 Venue for a proceeding brought by any other party named in 40 14 section 501.821 lies in the county where a cooperative's 40 15 principal office or, if not in this state, its registered 40 16 office is or was last located. 40 17 2. It is not necessary to make interest holders parties to 40 18 a proceeding to dissolve a cooperative unless relief is sought 40 19 against them individually. 40 20 3. A court in a proceeding brought to dissolve a 40 21 cooperative may issue injunctions, appoint a receiver or 40 22 custodian pendente lite with all powers and duties the court 40 23 directs, take other action required to preserve the 40 24 cooperative's assets wherever located, and carry on the 40 25 business of the cooperative until a full hearing can be held. 40 26 Sec. 65. NEW SECTION. 501.823 RECEIVERSHIP OR 40 27 CUSTODIANSHIP. 40 28 1. A court in a judicial proceeding brought to dissolve a 40 29 cooperative may appoint one or more receivers to wind up and 40 30 liquidate, or one or more custodians to manage, the business 40 31 and affairs of the cooperative. The court shall hold a 40 32 hearing, after notifying all parties to the proceeding and any 40 33 interested persons designated by the court, before appointing 40 34 a receiver or custodian. The court appointing a receiver or 40 35 custodian has exclusive jurisdiction over the cooperative and 41 1 all its property wherever located. 41 2 2. The court may appoint an individual or a domestic or 41 3 foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this 41 4 state as a receiver or custodian. The court may require the 41 5 receiver or custodian to post bond, with or without sureties, 41 6 in an amount the court directs. 41 7 3. The court shall describe the powers and duties of the 41 8 receiver or custodian in its appointing order, which may be 41 9 amended from time to time. 41 10 a. Among other powers, the receiver may do any of the 41 11 following: 41 12 (1) Dispose of all or any part of the assets of the 41 13 cooperative wherever located, at a public or private sale, if 41 14 authorized by the court. 41 15 (2) Sue and defend in the receiver's own name as receiver 41 16 of the cooperative in all courts of this state. 41 17 b. The custodian may exercise all of the powers of the 41 18 cooperative, through or in place of its board of directors or 41 19 officers, to the extent necessary to manage the affairs of the 41 20 cooperative in the best interests of its interest holders and 41 21 creditors. 41 22 4. The court during a receivership may redesignate the 41 23 receiver a custodian, and during a custodianship may 41 24 redesignate the custodian a receiver, if doing so is in the 41 25 best interests of the cooperative, its interest holders, and 41 26 creditors. 41 27 5. The court from time to time during the receivership or 41 28 custodianship may order compensation paid and expense 41 29 disbursements or reimbursements made to the receiver or 41 30 custodian and the receiver's or custodian's counsel from the 41 31 assets of the cooperative or proceeds from the sale of the 41 32 assets. 41 33 Sec. 66. NEW SECTION. 501.824 DECREE OF DISSOLUTION. 41 34 1. If after a hearing the court determines that one or 41 35 more grounds for judicial dissolution described in section 42 1 501.821 exist, it may enter a decree dissolving the 42 2 cooperative and specifying the effective date of the 42 3 dissolution, and the clerk of the district court shall deliver 42 4 a certified copy of the decree to the secretary of state, who 42 5 shall file it. 42 6 2. After entering the decree of dissolution, the court 42 7 shall direct the winding up and liquidation of the 42 8 cooperative's business and affairs in accordance with section 42 9 501.805 and the notification of claimants in accordance with 42 10 sections 501.806 and 501.807. 42 11 PART D 42 12 STATE TREASURER 42 13 Sec. 67. NEW SECTION. 501.831 DEPOSIT WITH STATE 42 14 TREASURER. 42 15 Assets of a dissolved cooperative that should be 42 16 transferred to a creditor, claimant, or interest holder of the 42 17 cooperative who cannot be found or who is not competent to 42 18 receive them shall be reduced to cash and deposited with the 42 19 treasurer of state or other appropriate state official for 42 20 safekeeping. When the creditor, claimant, or interest holder 42 21 furnishes satisfactory proof of entitlement to the amount 42 22 deposited, the treasurer of state or other appropriate state 42 23 official shall pay the creditor, claimant, or interest holder 42 24 or that person's representative the amount. 42 25 Sec. 68. Sections 501.107 and 501.602, Code 1997, are 42 26 repealed. Sections 501.408 and 501.604, Code Supplement 1997, 42 27 are repealed. 42 28 EXPLANATION 42 29 This bill amends Code chapter 501 which provides for 42 30 cooperative corporations which may hold agricultural land in 42 31 this state. This type of entity is a hybrid between a 42 32 cooperative association organized under Code chapter 499 and a 42 33 corporation organized under Code chapter 490. The bill amends 42 34 a number of provisions. 42 35 First, the bill changes a number of terms used in the 43 1 chapter. The bill changes "cooperative corporations" to 43 2 "cooperatives". It changes a number of other terms to more 43 3 closely resemble terms describing the business activities of 43 4 cooperative associations rather than corporations. For 43 5 example, a cooperative must be organized as an association 43 6 rather than a corporation. The bill changes "articles of 43 7 incorporation" to "articles of association". The bill changes 43 8 "shareholders" to "interest holders" or "members" in the 43 9 cooperatives. It changes "voting stock" to "voting interest". 43 10 An "interest holder" is defined to mean a person who holds a 43 11 voting or nonvoting interest in a cooperative. A "member" is 43 12 a person who holds a voting interest in the cooperative. 43 13 References to "dividends" are changed to "distributions". 43 14 Second, the bill provides that a general partner that is 43 15 authorized to hold an interest in a cooperative must include 43 16 all natural persons. 43 17 Third, the bill increases the number of acres of 43 18 agricultural land that a cooperative may hold from 640 to 43 19 1,500. 43 20 Fourth, the bill amends Code section 501.106 which provides 43 21 for maintaining a registered office or registered agent in 43 22 this state for purpose of service. The bill adds provisions 43 23 taken from Code sections 490.503 and 490.504 which provide 43 24 procedures for the resignation of a registered agent and 43 25 delivery of service when a registered agent is not available. 43 26 The bill changes the term "corporation" to "cooperative". 43 27 Fifth, the bill incorporates a number of provisions that 43 28 were included by reference in the chapter. These sections 43 29 refer to provisions in both Code chapter 490 governing 43 30 corporations and Code chapter 499 governing cooperative 43 31 associations. The bill redrafts these provisions expressly as 43 32 part of Code chapter 501 and changes references to 43 33 "corporation" or "association" to "cooperative" and corrects 43 34 internal references. 43 35 Code section 501.102 provides that a cooperative has the 44 1 same powers as a corporation as provided in Code sections 44 2 490.302 and 490.303. Those powers include the power to sue 44 3 and be sued, have a seal, make and amend bylaws, acquire 44 4 property, sell or dispose of property, enter into purchase 44 5 security arrangements, make contracts, incur liabilities, 44 6 issue notes and bonds, lend money, invest money, become an 44 7 investor in another enterprise, conduct business, elect 44 8 directors, appoint officers and hire employees, pay pensions, 44 9 and make donations. This bill repeals Code section 501.102 44 10 and provides those same powers expressly to cooperatives. 44 11 Code section 501.107 provides that Code sections 499.1601 44 12 through 499.1622 apply to cooperatives organized under Code 44 13 chapter 501. The sections provide for keeping corporate 44 14 records, the right of shareholders to inspect those records, 44 15 the authority of courts to order inspections, the preparation 44 16 of financial statements for shareholders, and the submission 44 17 of reports to the secretary of state. This bill repeals Code 44 18 section 501.107 and rewrites those provisions into new Code 44 19 sections in Code chapter 501. 44 20 Code section 501.408 provides that a cooperative may 44 21 indemnify an officer, employee, or agent who is a party to a 44 22 legal proceeding in the same way that a corporation may 44 23 indemnify a director in the same circumstances. The section 44 24 provides for definitions, grants authority to a corporation to 44 25 indemnify a director under circumstances, requires 44 26 indemnification in certain circumstances, allows for advancing 44 27 a director moneys for legal expenses, allows for 44 28 indemnification pursuant to court order, provides procedures 44 29 for indemnification, provides for indemnification of officers, 44 30 employees, and agents, and allows a corporation to purchase 44 31 insurance. The bill repeals Code section 501.408 and 44 32 expressly drafts those provisions into Code chapter 501. 44 33 Code section 501.602 provides for mergers and 44 34 consolidations among cooperatives organized under Code chapter 44 35 501. The section provides that Code sections 499.61 through 45 1 499.70 apply to the mergers or consolidations. Those sections 45 2 provide for definitions, allow for merger and consolidation, 45 3 require a vote of the membership, provide for objections by 45 4 members and the payment of fair market value to dissenters, 45 5 provide for articles of merger or consolidation and the 45 6 issuance of a certificate of merger or consolidation, and 45 7 authorize abandonment prior to filing the articles of merger 45 8 or consolidation. This bill repeals Code section 501.602 and, 45 9 with some exceptions, rewrites the same provisions in Code 45 10 chapter 501. Code section 499.66 provides that in the case of 45 11 a cooperative association, a dissenting member who is a 45 12 natural person and who dies before receiving the fair value 45 13 must be paid the fair value with the same priority as if the 45 14 person was a member at the time of death. The bill does not 45 15 include this provision. 45 16 Code section 501.604 provides for the dissolution of a 45 17 cooperative based on the same provisions which apply to 45 18 corporations under Code sections 490.1401 through 490.1440. 45 19 Those sections provide for dissolution by incorporators, 45 20 initial directors who have not issued stock, or a board of 45 21 directors operating a functioning corporation; the filing of 45 22 articles of dissolution, a revocation of a dissolution, and 45 23 the effect of the dissolution; procedures for disposing of 45 24 known and unknown claims against the corporation; grounds for 45 25 administrative dissolution, procedures for and the effect of 45 26 an administrative dissolution, and reinstatement, including 45 27 appeal from a denial of reinstatement; grounds for judicial 45 28 dissolution, procedures for judicial dissolution, and 45 29 procedures for appointing a receiver or custodian; entering a 45 30 decree of dissolution; and depositing creditor assets with the 45 31 treasurer of state. This bill repeals Code section 501.604 45 32 and rewrites those provisions expressly for cooperatives as 45 33 part of Code chapter 501 with limited exceptions. The bill 45 34 does not include a provision requiring information in the 45 35 articles to be separately provided for each voting group 46 1 entitled to vote separately on the plan to dissolve. 46 2 LSB 4211HV 77 46 3 da/cf/24
Text: HF02496 Text: HF02498 Text: HF02400 - HF02499 Text: HF Index Bills and Amendments: General Index Bill History: General Index
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