House File 844 - Reprinted HOUSE FILE 844 BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS (SUCCESSOR TO HF 681) (SUCCESSOR TO HSB 39) (As Amended and Passed by the House April 13, 2021 ) A BILL FOR An Act providing for business entities, providing for certain 1 fees, and including effective date provisions. 2 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 3 HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md
H.F. 844 DIVISION I 1 FOR PROFIT CORPORATIONS 2 PART A 3 GENERAL PROVISIONS 4 Section 1. Section 490.101, Code 2021, is amended by 5 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 6 following: 7 490.101 Short title. 8 This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Iowa 9 Business Corporation Act” . 10 Sec. 2. Section 490.120, Code 2021, is amended by striking 11 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 12 490.120 Requirements for documents —— extrinsic facts. 13 1. A document must satisfy the requirements of this 14 section, and of any other section that adds to or varies these 15 requirements, to be entitled to filing by the secretary of 16 state. 17 2. This chapter must require or permit filing the document 18 in the office of the secretary of state. 19 3. The document must contain the information required by 20 this chapter and may contain other information. 21 4. The document must be typewritten or printed or, if 22 electronically transmitted, it must be in a format that can be 23 retrieved or reproduced in typewritten or printed form. 24 5. The document must be in the English language. A 25 corporate name need not be in English if written in English 26 letters or Arabic or Roman numerals, and the certificate of 27 existence required of foreign corporations need not be in 28 English if accompanied by a reasonably authenticated English 29 translation. 30 6. Except as provided in section 490.1622, subsection 3, the 31 document must be signed by any of the following: 32 a. The chair of the board of directors of a domestic or 33 foreign corporation, its president, or another of its officers. 34 b. If directors have not been selected or the corporation 35 -1- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 1/ 269
H.F. 844 has not been formed, by an incorporator. 1 c. If the corporation is in the hands of a receiver, 2 trustee, or other court-appointed fiduciary, by that fiduciary. 3 7. a. The person executing the document shall sign it 4 and state beneath or opposite the person’s signature the 5 person’s name and the capacity in which the document is signed. 6 The document may but need not contain a corporate seal, 7 attestation, acknowledgment, or verification. 8 b. The secretary of state may accept for filing a document 9 containing a copy of a signature, however made. 10 8. If the secretary of state has prescribed a mandatory 11 form for the document under section 490.121, subsection 1, the 12 document must be in or on the prescribed form. 13 9. The document must be delivered to the office of the 14 secretary of state for filing. Delivery may be made by 15 electronic transmission if and to the extent permitted by the 16 secretary of state. If it is filed in typewritten or printed 17 form and not transmitted electronically, the secretary of state 18 may require one exact or conformed copy to be delivered with 19 the document. 20 10. When the document is delivered to the office of the 21 secretary of state for filing, the correct filing fee, and any 22 franchise tax, license fee, or penalty required by this chapter 23 or other law to be paid at the time of delivery for filing must 24 be paid or provision for payment made in a manner permitted by 25 the secretary of state. 26 11. Whenever a provision of this chapter permits any of the 27 terms of a plan or a filed document to be dependent on facts 28 objectively ascertainable outside the plan or filed document, 29 all of the following provisions apply: 30 a. The manner in which the facts will operate upon the terms 31 of the plan or filed document must be set forth in the plan or 32 filed document. 33 b. The facts may include any of the following: 34 (1) Any of the following that is available in a nationally 35 -2- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 2/ 269
H.F. 844 recognized news or information medium either in print or 1 electronically: statistical or market indices, market prices 2 of any security or group of securities, interest rates, 3 currency exchange rates, or similar economic or financial data. 4 (2) A determination or action by any person or body, 5 including the corporation or any other party to a plan or filed 6 document. 7 (3) The terms of, or actions taken under, an agreement to 8 which the corporation is a party, or any other agreement or 9 document. 10 c. As used in this subsection: 11 (1) “Filed document” means a document filed by the secretary 12 of state under any provision of this chapter except subchapter 13 XV or section 490.1622. 14 (2) “Plan” means a plan of domestication, conversion, 15 merger, or share exchange. 16 d. The following provisions of a plan or filed document 17 shall not be made dependent on facts outside the plan or filed 18 document: 19 (1) The name and address of any person required in a filed 20 document. 21 (2) The registered office of any entity required in a filed 22 document. 23 (3) The registered agent of any entity required in a filed 24 document. 25 (4) The number of authorized shares and designation of each 26 class or series of shares. 27 (5) The effective date of a filed document. 28 (6) Any required statement in a filed document of the date 29 on which the underlying transaction was approved or the manner 30 in which that approval was given. 31 e. If a provision of a filed document is made dependent on a 32 fact ascertainable outside of the filed document, and that fact 33 is neither ascertainable by reference to a source described 34 in paragraph “b” , subparagraph (1), nor a document that is a 35 -3- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 3/ 269
H.F. 844 matter of public record, and the affected shareholders have 1 not received notice of the fact from the corporation, then the 2 corporation shall file with the secretary of state articles of 3 amendment to the filed document setting forth the fact promptly 4 after the time when the fact referred to is first ascertainable 5 or thereafter changes. Articles of amendment under this 6 paragraph “e” are deemed to be authorized by the authorization 7 of the original filed document to which they relate and may be 8 filed by the corporation without further action by the board of 9 directors or the shareholders. 10 Sec. 3. Section 490.121, Code 2021, is amended by striking 11 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 12 490.121 Forms. 13 1. a. The secretary of state may prescribe and furnish on 14 request any of the following forms: 15 (1) An application for a certificate of existence or 16 certificate of registration. 17 (2) A foreign corporation’s registration statement. 18 (3) A foreign corporation’s statement of withdrawal. 19 (4) A foreign corporation’s transfer of registration 20 statement. 21 (5) The biennial report required by section 490.1622. 22 b. If the secretary of state so requires, use of the forms 23 provided in paragraph “a” is mandatory. 24 2. The secretary of state may prescribe and furnish on 25 request forms for other documents required or permitted to be 26 filed pursuant to this chapter but their use is not mandatory. 27 Sec. 4. Section 490.122, Code 2021, is amended by striking 28 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 29 490.122 Filing, service, and copying fees. 30 1. The secretary of state shall collect the following fees 31 when the documents described in this subsection are delivered 32 to the secretary of state for filing: 33 DOCUMENT FEE 34 a. Articles of incorporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50 35 -4- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 4/ 269
H.F. 844 b. Application for use of indistinguishable 1 name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10 2 c. Application for reserved name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10 3 d. Notice of transfer of reserved name . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10 4 e. Application for registered name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 20 5 f. Application for renewal of registered 6 name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 20 7 g. Corporation’s statement of change of 8 registered agent or registered office or both . . . . . . . . No fee 9 h. Agent’s statement of change of registered office 10 for each affected corporation not to exceed 11 a total of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No fee 12 i. Agent’s statement of resignation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No fee 13 j. Articles of domestication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50 14 k. Articles of conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50 15 l. Amendment of articles of incorporation . . . . . . . . . $ 50 16 m. Restatement of articles of incorporation 17 with amendment of articles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50 18 n. Restatement of articles of incorporation 19 without amendment of articles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50 20 o. Articles of merger or share exchange . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50 21 p. Articles of dissolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5 22 q. Articles of revocation of dissolution . . . . . . . . . . $ 5 23 r. Certificate of administrative dissolution . . . . . . No fee 24 s. Application for reinstatement following 25 administrative dissolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5 26 t. Certificate of reinstatement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No fee 27 u. Certificate of judicial dissolution . . . . . . . . . . . . No fee 28 v. Foreign registration statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 100 29 w. Amendment of foreign registration 30 statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 100 31 x. Statement of withdrawal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10 32 y. Transfer of foreign registration statement . . . . . $ 100 33 z. Notice of termination of registration . . . . . . . . . . No fee 34 aa. Articles of correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5 35 -5- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 5/ 269
H.F. 844 ab. Articles of validation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5 1 ac. Application for certificate of existence or 2 registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5 3 ad. Biennial report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 60 4 ae. Any other document required or permitted to 5 be filed by this chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5 6 2. The secretary of state shall collect a fee of five 7 dollars each time process is served on the secretary of state 8 under this chapter. The party to a proceeding causing service 9 of process is entitled to recover this fee as costs if such 10 party prevails in the proceeding. 11 3. The secretary of state shall collect the following fees 12 for copying and certifying the copy of any filed document 13 relating to a domestic or foreign corporation: 14 a. One dollar a page for copying. 15 b. Five dollars for the certificate. 16 Sec. 5. Section 490.123, Code 2021, is amended by striking 17 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 18 490.123 Effective date of filed document. 19 1. Except to the extent otherwise provided in section 20 490.124, subsection 3, and part E, a document accepted for 21 filing is effective as follows: 22 a. On the date and at the time of filing, as provided in 23 section 490.125, subsection 2. 24 b. On the date of filing and at the time specified in the 25 document as its effective time, if later than the time under 26 paragraph “a” . 27 c. At a specified delayed effective date and time which 28 shall not be more than ninety days after filing. 29 d. If a delayed effective date is specified, but no time is 30 specified, at 12:01 a.m. on the date specified, which shall not 31 be more than ninety days after the date of filing. 32 2. If a filed document does not specify the time zone or 33 place at which a date or time or both is to be determined, the 34 date or time or both at which it becomes effective shall be 35 -6- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 6/ 269
H.F. 844 those prevailing at the place of filing in this state. 1 Sec. 6. Section 490.124, Code 2021, is amended by striking 2 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 3 490.124 Correcting filed document. 4 1. A document filed by the secretary of state pursuant to 5 this chapter may be corrected if any of the following applies: 6 a. The document contains an inaccuracy. 7 b. The document was defectively signed, attested, sealed, 8 verified, or acknowledged. 9 c. The electronic transmission was defective. 10 2. A document is corrected by complying with all of the 11 following: 12 a. By preparing articles of correction that do all of the 13 following: 14 (1) Describe the document, including its filing date, or a 15 copy of the document is attached to the articles of correction. 16 (2) Specify the inaccuracy or defect to be corrected. 17 (3) Correct the inaccuracy or defect. 18 b. By delivering the articles of correction to the secretary 19 of state for filing. 20 3. Articles of correction are effective on the effective 21 date of the document they correct except as to persons relying 22 on the uncorrected document and adversely affected by the 23 correction. As to those persons, articles of correction are 24 effective when filed. 25 Sec. 7. Section 490.125, Code 2021, is amended by striking 26 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 27 490.125 Filing duty of secretary of state. 28 1. If a document delivered to the office of the secretary of 29 state for filing satisfies the requirements of section 490.120, 30 the secretary of state shall file it. 31 2. The secretary of state files a document by recording 32 it as filed on the date and time of receipt. After filing 33 a document, except the biennial report required by section 34 490.1622, and except as provided in section 490.503, the 35 -7- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 7/ 269
H.F. 844 secretary of state shall return to the person who delivered 1 the document for filing a copy of the document with an 2 acknowledgment of the date and time of filing. 3 3. If the secretary of state refuses to file a document, 4 it shall be returned to the person who delivered the document 5 for filing within five days after the document was delivered, 6 together with a brief, written explanation of the reason for 7 the refusal. 8 4. The secretary of state’s duty to file documents under 9 this section is ministerial. The secretary of state’s filing 10 or refusing to file a document does not create a presumption 11 of any of the following: 12 a. The document does or does not conform to the requirements 13 of this chapter. 14 b. The information contained in the document is correct or 15 incorrect. 16 Sec. 8. Section 490.126, Code 2021, is amended by striking 17 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 18 490.126 Appeal from secretary of state’s refusal to file 19 document. 20 1. If the secretary of state refuses to file a document 21 delivered for filing, the person that delivered the document 22 for filing may petition the district court of the county where 23 the corporation’s principal office or, if none in this state, 24 its registered office, is located to compel its filing. The 25 document and the explanation of the secretary of state’s 26 refusal to file must be attached to the petition. The court 27 may decide the matter in a summary proceeding. 28 2. The court may order the secretary of state to file the 29 document or take other action the court considers appropriate. 30 3. The court’s final decision may be appealed as in other 31 civil proceedings. 32 Sec. 9. Section 490.127, Code 2021, is amended by striking 33 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 34 490.127 Evidentiary effect of certified copy of filed 35 -8- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 8/ 269
H.F. 844 document. 1 A certificate from the secretary of state delivered with 2 a copy of a document filed by the secretary of state is 3 conclusive evidence that the original document is on file with 4 the secretary of state. 5 Sec. 10. Section 490.128, Code 2021, is amended by striking 6 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 7 490.128 Certificate of existence or registration. 8 1. Any person may apply to the secretary of state to furnish 9 a certificate of existence for a domestic corporation or a 10 certificate of registration for a foreign corporation. 11 2. A certificate of existence must set forth all of the 12 following: 13 a. The domestic corporation’s corporate name. 14 b. That the domestic corporation is duly incorporated under 15 the law of this state, the date of its incorporation, and the 16 period of its duration if less than perpetual. 17 c. That all fees, taxes, and penalties owed to this state 18 have been paid, subject to all of the following: 19 (1) Payment is reflected in the records of the secretary of 20 state. 21 (2) Nonpayment affects the existence of the domestic 22 corporation. 23 d. That its most recent biennial report required by section 24 490.1622 has been filed by the secretary of state. 25 e. That articles of dissolution have not been filed. 26 f. That the corporation is not administratively dissolved 27 and a proceeding is not pending under section 490.1421. 28 g. Other facts of record in the office of the secretary of 29 state that may be requested by the applicant. 30 3. A certificate of registration must set forth all of the 31 following: 32 a. The foreign corporation’s name used in this state. 33 b. That the foreign corporation is registered to do business 34 in this state. 35 -9- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 9/ 269
H.F. 844 c. That all fees, taxes, and penalties owed to this state 1 have been paid, subject to all of the following: 2 (1) Payment is reflected in the records of the secretary of 3 state. 4 (2) Nonpayment affects the registration of the foreign 5 corporation. 6 d. That its most recent biennial report required by section 7 490.1622 has been filed by the secretary of state. 8 e. Other facts of record in the office of the secretary of 9 state that may be requested by the applicant. 10 4. Subject to any qualification stated in the certificate, 11 a certificate of existence or registration issued by the 12 secretary of state may be relied upon as conclusive evidence of 13 the facts stated in the certificate. 14 Sec. 11. Section 490.129, Code 2021, is amended by striking 15 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 16 490.129 Penalty for signing false document. 17 1. A person commits an offense by signing a document that 18 the person knows is false in any material respect with intent 19 that the document be delivered to the secretary of state for 20 filing. 21 2. An offense under this section is a serious misdemeanor 22 punishable by a fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars. 23 Sec. 12. Section 490.135, Code 2021, is amended by striking 24 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 25 490.135 Powers. 26 The secretary of state has the power reasonably necessary to 27 perform the duties required of the secretary of state by this 28 chapter. 29 Sec. 13. Section 490.140, Code 2021, is amended by striking 30 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 31 490.140 Chapter definitions. 32 As used in this chapter, unless otherwise specified: 33 1. “Articles of incorporation” means the articles of 34 incorporation described in section 490.202, all amendments 35 -10- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 10/ 269
H.F. 844 to the articles of incorporation, and any other documents 1 permitted or required to be delivered for filing by a domestic 2 business corporation with the secretary of state under any 3 provision of this chapter that modify, amend, supplement, 4 restate, or replace the articles of incorporation. After 5 an amendment of the articles of incorporation or any other 6 document filed under this chapter that restates the articles of 7 incorporation in their entirety, the articles of incorporation 8 shall not include any prior documents. When used with respect 9 to a foreign corporation or a domestic or foreign nonprofit 10 corporation, the “articles of incorporation” of such an entity 11 means the document of such entity that is equivalent to the 12 articles of incorporation of a domestic business corporation. 13 2. “Authorized shares” means the shares of all classes a 14 domestic or foreign corporation is authorized to issue. 15 3. “Beneficial shareholder” means a person who owns 16 the beneficial interest in shares, which may be a record 17 shareholder or a person on whose behalf shares are registered 18 in the name of an intermediary or nominee. 19 4. “Conspicuous” means so written, displayed, or presented 20 that a reasonable person against whom the writing is to operate 21 should have noticed it. 22 5. “Cooperative association” means an entity that is 23 structured and operated on a cooperative basis pursuant to 26 24 U.S.C. §1381(a) and that meets the definitional requirements of 25 an association as provided in 12 U.S.C. §1141j(a) or 7 U.S.C. 26 §291. 27 6. “Corporation” , “domestic corporation” , “business 28 corporation” , or “domestic business corporation” means a 29 corporation for profit, which is not a foreign corporation, 30 incorporated under this chapter. 31 7. “Deliver” or “delivery” means any method of delivery 32 used in conventional commercial practice, including delivery 33 by hand, mail, commercial delivery, and, if authorized in 34 accordance with section 490.141, by electronic transmission. 35 -11- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 11/ 269
H.F. 844 8. “Distribution” means a direct or indirect transfer of 1 cash or other property, except a corporation’s own shares, 2 or incurrence of indebtedness by a corporation to or for the 3 benefit of its shareholders in respect of any of its shares. 4 A distribution may be in the form of a payment of a dividend; 5 a purchase, redemption, or other acquisition of shares; a 6 distribution of indebtedness; a distribution in liquidation; 7 or otherwise. 8 9. “Document” means any of the following: 9 a. A tangible medium on which information is inscribed, and 10 includes handwritten, typed, printed or similar instruments, 11 and copies of such instruments. 12 b. An electronic record. 13 10. “Domestic” , with respect to an entity, means an entity 14 governed as to its internal affairs by the law of this state. 15 11. “Effective date” , when referring to a document accepted 16 for filing by the secretary of state, means the time and date 17 determined in accordance with section 490.123. 18 12. “Electronic” means relating to technology having 19 electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, 20 electromagnetic, or similar capabilities. 21 13. “Electronic record” means information that is stored in 22 an electronic or other nontangible medium and is retrievable in 23 paper form through an automated process used in conventional 24 commercial practice, unless otherwise authorized in accordance 25 with section 490.141, subsection 10. 26 14. “Electronic transmission” or “electronically transmitted” 27 means any form or process of communication not directly 28 involving the physical transfer of paper or another tangible 29 medium, which is all of the following: 30 a. Suitable for the retention, retrieval, and reproduction 31 of information by the recipient. 32 b. Retrievable in paper form by the recipient through an 33 automated process used in conventional commercial practice, 34 unless otherwise authorized in accordance with section 490.141, 35 -12- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 12/ 269
H.F. 844 subsection 10. 1 15. “Eligible entity” means a domestic or foreign 2 unincorporated entity or a domestic or foreign nonprofit 3 corporation. 4 16. “Eligible interests” means interests or memberships. 5 17. “Employee” includes an officer but not a director. 6 A director may accept duties that make the director also an 7 employee. 8 18. “Entity” includes a domestic and foreign business 9 corporation; domestic and foreign nonprofit corporation; 10 estate; trust; domestic and foreign unincorporated entity; and 11 a state, the United States, and a foreign government. 12 19. “Expenses” means reasonable expenses of any kind, 13 including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel and experts, 14 that are incurred in connection with a matter. 15 20. “Filing entity” means an unincorporated entity, other 16 than a limited liability partnership, that is of a type that 17 is created by filing a public organic record or is required to 18 file a public organic record that evidences its creation. 19 21. “Foreign” , with respect to an entity, means an entity 20 governed as to its internal affairs by the organic law of a 21 jurisdiction other than this state. 22 22. “Foreign corporation” or “foreign business corporation” 23 means a corporation incorporated under a law other than the 24 law of this state which would be a business corporation if 25 incorporated under the law of this state. 26 23. “Foreign nonprofit corporation” means a corporation 27 incorporated under a law other than the law of this state which 28 would be a nonprofit corporation if incorporated under the law 29 of this state. 30 24. “Foreign registration statement” means the foreign 31 registration statement described in section 490.1503. 32 25. “Governmental subdivision” includes an authority, city, 33 county, district, and municipality. 34 26. “Governor” means any person under whose authority the 35 -13- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 13/ 269
H.F. 844 powers of an entity are exercised and under whose direction the 1 activities and affairs of the entity are managed pursuant to 2 the organic law governing the entity and its organic rules. 3 27. “Includes” and “including” denote a partial definition 4 or a nonexclusive list. 5 28. “Individual” means a natural person. 6 29. “Interest” means either or both of the following rights 7 under the organic law governing an unincorporated entity: 8 a. The right to receive distributions from the entity either 9 in the ordinary course or upon liquidation. 10 b. The right to receive notice or vote on issues involving 11 its internal affairs, other than as an agent, assignee, proxy, 12 or person responsible for managing its business and affairs. 13 30. “Interest holder” means a person who holds of record an 14 interest. 15 31. a. “Interest holder liability” means any of the 16 following: 17 (1) Personal liability for a debt, obligation, or other 18 liability of a domestic or foreign corporation or eligible 19 entity that is imposed on a person by any of the following: 20 (a) Solely by reason of the person’s status as a 21 shareholder, member, or interest holder. 22 (b) By the articles of incorporation of the domestic 23 corporation or the organic rules of the eligible entity 24 or foreign corporation that make one or more specified 25 shareholders, members, or interest holders, or categories of 26 shareholders, members, or interest holders, liable in their 27 capacity as shareholders, members, or interest holders for all 28 or specified liabilities of the corporation or eligible entity. 29 (2) An obligation of a shareholder, member, or interest 30 holder under the articles of incorporation of a domestic 31 corporation or the organic rules of an eligible entity or 32 foreign corporation to contribute to the entity. 33 b. For purposes of paragraph “a” , except as otherwise 34 provided in the articles of incorporation of a domestic 35 -14- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 14/ 269
H.F. 844 corporation or the organic law or organic rules of an eligible 1 entity or a foreign corporation, interest holder liability 2 arises under paragraph “a” , subparagraph (1), when the 3 corporation or eligible entity incurs the liability. 4 32. “Jurisdiction of formation” means the state or country 5 the law of which includes the organic law governing a domestic 6 or foreign corporation or eligible entity. 7 33. “Means” denotes an exhaustive definition. 8 34. “Membership” means the rights of a member in a domestic 9 or foreign nonprofit corporation. 10 35. “Merger” means a transaction pursuant to section 11 490.1102. 12 36. “Nonfiling entity” means an unincorporated entity that 13 is of a type that is not created by filing a public organic 14 record. 15 37. “Nonprofit corporation” or “domestic nonprofit 16 corporation” means a corporation incorporated under the laws of 17 this state and subject to the provisions of chapter 504. 18 38. “Organic law” means the statute governing the internal 19 affairs of a domestic or foreign business or nonprofit 20 corporation or unincorporated entity. 21 39. “Organic rules” means the public organic record and 22 private organic rules of a domestic or foreign corporation or 23 eligible entity. 24 40. “Person” means a person as defined in section 4.1. 25 41. “Principal office” means the office, in or out of this 26 state, so designated in the biennial report required by section 27 490.1622 or foreign registration statement where the principal 28 executive offices of a domestic or foreign corporation are 29 located. 30 42. a. “Private organic rules” means any of the following: 31 (1) The bylaws of a domestic or foreign business or 32 nonprofit corporation. 33 (2) The rules, regardless of whether in writing, that govern 34 the internal affairs of an unincorporated entity, are binding 35 -15- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 15/ 269
H.F. 844 on all of its interest holders, and are not part of its public 1 organic record, if any. 2 b. Where private organic rules have been amended or 3 restated, the term means the private organic rules as last 4 amended or restated. 5 43. “Proceeding” includes a civil suit and criminal, 6 administrative, and investigatory action. 7 44. a. “Public organic record” means any of the following: 8 (1) The articles of incorporation of a domestic or foreign 9 business or nonprofit corporation. 10 (2) The document, if any, the filing of which is required 11 to create an unincorporated entity, or which creates the 12 unincorporated entity and is required to be filed. 13 b. Where a public organic record has been amended or 14 restated, the term means the public organic record as last 15 amended or restated. 16 45. “Record date” means the date fixed for determining 17 the identity of the corporation’s shareholders and their 18 shareholdings for purposes of this chapter. Unless another 19 time is specified when the record date is fixed, the 20 determination shall be made as of the close of business at the 21 principal office of the corporation on the date so fixed. 22 46. “Record shareholder” means any of the following: 23 a. The person in whose name shares are registered in the 24 records of the corporation. 25 b. The person identified as the beneficial owner of shares 26 in a beneficial ownership certificate pursuant to section 27 490.723 on file with the corporation to the extent of the 28 rights granted by such certificate. 29 47. “Registered foreign corporation” means a foreign 30 corporation registered to do business in the state pursuant to 31 subchapter XV. 32 48. “Secretary” means the corporate officer to whom the 33 board of directors has delegated responsibility under section 34 490.840, subsection 3, to maintain the minutes of the meetings 35 -16- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 16/ 269
H.F. 844 of the board of directors and of the shareholders and for 1 authenticating records of the corporation. 2 49. “Share exchange” means a transaction pursuant to section 3 490.1103. 4 50. “Shareholder” means a record shareholder. 5 51. “Shares” means the units into which the proprietary 6 interests in a domestic or foreign corporation are divided. 7 52. “Sign” or “signature” means, with present intent to 8 authenticate or adopt a document, doing any of the following: 9 a. Executing or adopting a tangible symbol to a document, 10 including any manual, facsimile, or conformed signature. 11 b. Attaching to or logically associating with an electronic 12 transmission an electronic sound, symbol, or process, 13 and including an electronic signature in an electronic 14 transmission. 15 53. “State” , when referring to a part of the United 16 States, includes a state and commonwealth, and their agencies 17 and governmental subdivisions, and a territory and insular 18 possession, and their agencies and governmental subdivisions, 19 of the United States. 20 54. “Subscriber” means a person who subscribes for shares in 21 a corporation, whether before or after incorporation. 22 55. “Type of entity” means a generic form of entity that is 23 any of the following: 24 a. Recognized at common law. 25 b. Formed under an organic law, regardless of whether 26 some entities formed under that law are subject to provisions 27 of that law that create different categories of the form of 28 entity. 29 56. a. “Unincorporated entity” means an organization 30 or artificial legal person that either has a separate legal 31 existence or has the power to acquire an estate in real 32 property in its own name and that is not any of the following: 33 (1) A domestic or foreign business or nonprofit 34 corporation. 35 -17- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 17/ 269
H.F. 844 (2) A series of a limited liability company or of another 1 type of entity. 2 (3) An estate. 3 (4) A trust. 4 (5) A state, the United States, or foreign government. 5 b. “Unincorporated entity” includes a general partnership, 6 limited liability company, limited partnership, business 7 trust, joint stock association, and unincorporated nonprofit 8 association. 9 57. “United States” includes district, authority, bureau, 10 commission, department, and any other agency of the United 11 States. 12 58. “Unrestricted voting trust beneficial owner” means, with 13 respect to any shareholder rights, a voting trust beneficial 14 owner whose entitlement to exercise the shareholder right in 15 question is not inconsistent with the voting trust agreement. 16 59. “Voting group” means all shares of one or more 17 classes or series that under the articles of incorporation 18 or this chapter are entitled to vote and be counted together 19 collectively on a matter at a meeting of shareholders. All 20 shares entitled by the articles of incorporation or this 21 chapter to vote generally on the matter are for that purpose 22 a single voting group. 23 60. “Voting power” means the current power to vote in the 24 election of directors. 25 61. “Voting trust beneficial owner” means an owner of 26 a beneficial interest in shares of the corporation held 27 in a voting trust established pursuant to section 490.730, 28 subsection 1. 29 62. “Writing” or “written” means any information in the form 30 of a document. 31 Sec. 14. Section 490.141, Code 2021, is amended by striking 32 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 33 490.141 Notices and other communications. 34 1. A notice under this chapter must be in writing unless 35 -18- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 18/ 269
H.F. 844 oral notice is reasonable in the circumstances. Unless 1 otherwise agreed between the sender and the recipient, words 2 in a notice or other communication under this chapter must be 3 in English. 4 2. A notice or other communication may be given by any 5 method of delivery, except that electronic transmissions must 6 be in accordance with this section. If the methods of delivery 7 are impracticable, a notice or other communication may be 8 given by means of a broad nonexclusionary distribution to the 9 public, which may include a newspaper of general circulation 10 in the area where published; radio, television, or other 11 form of public broadcast communication; or other methods of 12 distribution that the corporation has previously identified to 13 its shareholders. 14 3. A notice or other communication to a domestic corporation 15 or to a foreign corporation registered to do business in this 16 state may be delivered to the corporation’s registered agent at 17 its registered office or to the secretary at the corporation’s 18 principal office shown in its most recent biennial report 19 required by section 490.1622 or, in the case of a foreign 20 corporation that has not yet delivered a biennial report, in 21 its foreign registration statement. 22 4. A notice or other communication may be delivered by 23 electronic transmission if consented to by the recipient or if 24 authorized by subsection 10. 25 5. Any consent under subsection 4 may be revoked by the 26 person who consented by written or electronic notice to the 27 person to whom the consent was delivered. Any such consent is 28 deemed revoked if all of the following apply: 29 a. The corporation is unable to deliver two consecutive 30 electronic transmissions given by the corporation in accordance 31 with such consent. 32 b. Such inability becomes known to the secretary or an 33 assistant secretary or to the transfer agent, or other person 34 responsible for the giving of notice or other communications; 35 -19- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 19/ 269
H.F. 844 provided, however, the inadvertent failure to treat such 1 inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or 2 other action. 3 6. Unless otherwise agreed between the sender and the 4 recipient, an electronic transmission is received when all of 5 the following apply: 6 a. The electronic transmission enters an information 7 processing system that the recipient has designated or uses 8 for the purposes of receiving electronic transmissions or 9 information of the type sent, and from which the recipient is 10 able to retrieve the electronic transmission. 11 b. The electronic transmission is in a form capable of being 12 processed by that system. 13 7. Receipt of an electronic acknowledgment from an 14 information processing system described in subsection 6, 15 paragraph “a” , establishes that an electronic transmission was 16 received but, by itself, does not establish that the content 17 sent corresponds to the content received. 18 8. An electronic transmission is received under this 19 section even if no person is aware of its receipt. 20 9. A notice or other communication, if in a comprehensible 21 form or manner, is effective at the earliest of the following: 22 a. If in a physical form, the earliest of when it is 23 actually received, or when it is left at any of the following: 24 (1) A shareholder’s address shown on the corporation’s 25 record of shareholders maintained by the corporation under 26 section 490.1601, subsection 4. 27 (2) A director’s residence or usual place of business. 28 (3) The corporation’s principal office. 29 b. If mailed by postage prepaid and correctly addressed to a 30 shareholder, upon deposit in the United States mail. 31 c. If mailed by United States mail postage prepaid and 32 correctly addressed to a recipient other than a shareholder, 33 the earliest of when it is actually received, or as follows: 34 (1) If sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt 35 -20- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 20/ 269
H.F. 844 requested, the date shown on the return receipt signed by or on 1 behalf of the addressee. 2 (2) Five days after it is deposited in the United States 3 mail. 4 d. If an electronic transmission, when it is received as 5 provided in subsection 6. 6 e. If oral, when communicated. 7 10. A notice or other communication may be in the form of 8 an electronic transmission that cannot be directly reproduced 9 in paper form by the recipient through an automated process 10 used in conventional commercial practice only if all of the 11 following apply: 12 a. The electronic transmission is otherwise retrievable in 13 perceivable form. 14 b. The sender and the recipient have consented in writing to 15 the use of such form of electronic transmission. 16 11. If this chapter prescribes requirements for notices 17 or other communications in particular circumstances, those 18 requirements govern. If articles of incorporation or bylaws 19 prescribe requirements for notices or other communications, 20 not inconsistent with this section or other provisions of 21 this chapter, those requirements govern. The articles of 22 incorporation or bylaws may authorize or require delivery of 23 notices of meetings of directors by electronic transmission. 24 12. In the event that any provisions of this chapter are 25 deemed to modify, limit, or supersede the federal Electronic 26 Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. 27 §§7001 et seq., the provisions of this chapter shall control 28 to the maximum extent permitted by section 102(a)(2) of that 29 federal Act. 30 13. a. Whenever notice would otherwise be required to be 31 given under any provision of this subchapter to a shareholder, 32 such notice need not be given if any of the following apply: 33 (1) Notices to the shareholders of two consecutive annual 34 meetings, and all notices of meetings during the period between 35 -21- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 21/ 269
H.F. 844 such two consecutive annual meetings, have been sent to such 1 shareholder at such shareholder’s address as shown on the 2 records of the corporation and have been returned undeliverable 3 or could not be delivered. 4 (2) All, but not less than two, payments of dividends on 5 securities during a twelve-month period, or two consecutive 6 payments of dividends on securities during a period of more 7 than twelve months, have been sent to such shareholder at 8 such shareholder’s address as shown on the records of the 9 corporation and have been returned undeliverable or could not 10 be delivered. 11 b. If any such shareholder shall deliver to the corporation 12 a written notice setting forth such shareholder’s then-current 13 address, the requirement that notice be given to such 14 shareholder shall be reinstated. 15 Sec. 15. Section 490.142, Code 2021, is amended by striking 16 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 17 490.142 Number of shareholders. 18 1. For purposes of this chapter, any of the following 19 identified as a shareholder in a corporation’s current record 20 of shareholders constitutes one shareholder: 21 a. Three or fewer co-owners. 22 b. A corporation, partnership, trust, estate, or other 23 entity. 24 c. The trustees, guardians, custodians, or other fiduciaries 25 of a single trust, estate, or account. 26 2. For purposes of this chapter, shareholdings registered 27 in substantially similar names constitute one shareholder if 28 it is reasonable to believe that the names represent the same 29 person. 30 Sec. 16. Section 490.143, Code 2021, is amended by striking 31 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 32 490.143 Qualified director. 33 1. As used in this chapter, a “qualified director” means a 34 director who takes action, if at the time action is to be taken 35 -22- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 22/ 269
H.F. 844 any of the following applies: 1 a. Under section 490.202, subsection 2, paragraph “f” , is 2 not a director under any of the following circumstances: 3 (1) To whom the limitation or elimination of the duty of 4 an officer to offer potential business opportunities to the 5 corporation would apply. 6 (2) Has a material relationship with any other person to 7 whom the limitation or elimination described in subparagraph 8 (1) would apply. 9 b. Under section 490.744, does not have any of the 10 following: 11 (1) A material interest in the outcome of the proceeding. 12 (2) A material relationship with a person who has such an 13 interest. 14 c. Under section 490.853 or 490.855, all of the following 15 apply: 16 (1) The director is not a party to the proceeding. 17 (2) The director is not a director as to whom a transaction 18 is a director’s conflicting interest transaction or who sought 19 a disclaimer of the corporation’s interest in a business 20 opportunity under section 490.870, which transaction or 21 disclaimer is challenged in the proceeding. 22 (3) The director does not have a material relationship with 23 a director described in either subparagraph (1) or (2). 24 d. Under section 490.862, the director is not any of the 25 following: 26 (1) A director as to whom the transaction is a director’s 27 conflicting interest transaction. 28 (2) A director who has a material relationship with another 29 director as to whom the transaction is a director’s conflicting 30 interest transaction. 31 e. Under section 490.870, is not a director who does any of 32 the following: 33 (1) Pursues or takes advantage of the business opportunity, 34 directly or indirectly through or on behalf of another person. 35 -23- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 23/ 269
H.F. 844 (2) Has a material relationship with a director or officer 1 who pursues or takes advantage of the business opportunity, 2 directly, or indirectly through or on behalf of another person. 3 2. As used in this section, all of the following apply: 4 a. “Material interest” means an actual or potential 5 benefit or detriment, other than one which would devolve on 6 the corporation or the shareholders generally, that would 7 reasonably be expected to impair the objectivity of the 8 director’s judgment when participating in the action to be 9 taken. 10 b. “Material relationship” means a familial, financial, 11 professional, employment, or other relationship that would 12 reasonably be expected to impair the objectivity of the 13 director’s judgment when participating in the action to be 14 taken. 15 3. The presence of one or more of the following 16 circumstances shall not automatically prevent a director from 17 being a qualified director: 18 a. Nomination or election of the director to the current 19 board by any director who is not a qualified director with 20 respect to the matter, or by any person that has a material 21 relationship with that director, acting alone or participating 22 with others. 23 b. Service as a director of another corporation of which a 24 director who is not a qualified director with respect to the 25 matter, or any individual who has a material relationship with 26 that director, is or was also a director. 27 c. With respect to action to be taken under section 490.744, 28 status as a named defendant, as a director against whom action 29 is demanded, or as a director who approved the conduct being 30 challenged. 31 Sec. 17. Section 490.144, Code 2021, is amended by striking 32 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 33 490.144 Householding. 34 1. A corporation has delivered written notice or any 35 -24- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 24/ 269
H.F. 844 other report or statement under this chapter, the articles of 1 incorporation, or the bylaws to all shareholders who share a 2 common address if all of the following apply: 3 a. The corporation delivers one copy of the notice, report, 4 or statement to the common address. 5 b. The corporation addresses the notice, report, or 6 statement to those shareholders either as a group or to each 7 of those shareholders individually or to the shareholders in a 8 form to which each of those shareholders has consented. 9 c. Each of those shareholders consents to delivery of 10 a single copy of such notice, report, or statement to the 11 shareholders’ common address. 12 2. Any such consent described in subsection 1, paragraph 13 “b” or “c” , shall be revocable by any of such shareholders who 14 deliver written notice of revocation to the corporation. If 15 such written notice of revocation is delivered, the corporation 16 shall begin providing individual notices, reports, or other 17 statements to the revoking shareholder no later than thirty 18 days after delivery of the written notice of revocation. 19 3. Any shareholder who fails to object by written notice 20 to the corporation, within sixty days of written notice by 21 the corporation of its intention to deliver single copies of 22 notices, reports, or statements to shareholders who share a 23 common address as permitted by subsection 1, shall be deemed 24 to have consented to receiving such single copy at the common 25 address; provided that the notice of intention explains that 26 consent may be revoked and the method for revoking. 27 Sec. 18. NEW SECTION . 490.145 Part definitions. 28 As used in this part: 29 1. “Corporate action” means any action taken by or on 30 behalf of the corporation, including any action taken by the 31 incorporator, the board of directors, a committee of the board 32 of directors, an officer or agent of the corporation, or the 33 shareholders. 34 2. “Date of the defective corporate action” means the date 35 -25- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 25/ 269
H.F. 844 or, if the defective corporate action occurred or may have 1 occurred on more than one date, the range of dates, or the 2 approximate date or range of dates, if the exact date or range 3 of dates is unknown or not readily ascertainable, the defective 4 corporate action was purported to have been taken. 5 3. “Defective corporate action” means all of the following: 6 a. Any corporate action purportedly taken that is, and at 7 the time such corporate action was purportedly taken would 8 have been, within the power of the corporation, but is void or 9 voidable due to a failure of authorization. 10 b. An overissue. 11 4. “Failure of authorization” means the failure to 12 authorize, approve, or otherwise effect a corporate action in 13 compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the articles of 14 incorporation or bylaws, a corporate resolution, or any plan 15 or agreement to which the corporation is a party, if and to the 16 extent such failure would render such corporate action void or 17 voidable. 18 5. “Overissue” means the purported issuance of any of the 19 following: 20 a. Shares of a class or series in excess of the number of 21 shares of a class or series the corporation has the power to 22 issue under section 490.601 at the time of such issuance. 23 b. Shares of any class or series that is not then authorized 24 for issuance by the articles of incorporation. 25 6. “Putative shares” means the shares of any class or 26 series, including shares issued upon exercise of rights, 27 options, warrants or other securities convertible into 28 shares of the corporation, or interests with respect to such 29 shares, that were created or issued as a result of a defective 30 corporate action, and any of the following applies: 31 a. But for any failure of authorization would constitute 32 valid shares. 33 b. Cannot be determined by the board of directors to be 34 valid shares. 35 -26- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 26/ 269
H.F. 844 7. “Valid shares” means the shares of any class or series 1 that have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance 2 with this chapter, including as a result of ratification or 3 validation under this part. 4 8. a. “Validation effective time” with respect to any 5 defective corporate action ratified under this part means the 6 later of the following: 7 (1) The time at which the ratification of the defective 8 corporate action is approved by the shareholders, or if 9 approval of shareholders is not required, the time at which 10 the notice required by section 490.149 becomes effective in 11 accordance with section 490.141. 12 (2) The time at which any articles of validation filed in 13 accordance with section 490.151 become effective. 14 b. The validation effective time shall not be affected by 15 the filing or pendency of a judicial proceeding under section 16 490.152 or otherwise, unless otherwise ordered by the court. 17 Sec. 19. NEW SECTION . 490.146 Defective corporate actions. 18 1. A defective corporate action shall not be void or 19 voidable if ratified in accordance with section 490.147 or 20 validated in accordance with section 490.152. 21 2. Ratification under section 490.147 or validation under 22 section 490.152 shall not be deemed to be the exclusive means 23 of ratifying or validating any defective corporate action, and 24 the absence or failure of ratification in accordance with this 25 part shall not, of itself, affect the validity or effectiveness 26 of any corporate action properly ratified under common law or 27 otherwise, nor shall it create a presumption that any such 28 corporate action is or was a defective corporate action or void 29 or voidable. 30 3. In the case of an overissue, putative shares shall be 31 valid shares effective as of the date originally issued or 32 purportedly issued upon any of the following: 33 a. The effectiveness under this part and under subchapter X 34 of an amendment to the articles of incorporation authorizing, 35 -27- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 27/ 269
H.F. 844 designating, or creating such shares. 1 b. The effectiveness of any other corporate action under 2 this part ratifying the authorization, designation, or creation 3 of such shares. 4 Sec. 20. NEW SECTION . 490.147 Ratification of defective 5 corporate actions. 6 1. To ratify a defective corporate action under this 7 section, other than the ratification of an election of the 8 initial board of directors under subsection 2, the board of 9 directors shall take action ratifying the action in accordance 10 with section 490.148, stating all of the following: 11 a. The defective corporate action to be ratified and, if the 12 defective corporate action involved the issuance of putative 13 shares, the number and type of putative shares purportedly 14 issued. 15 b. The date of the defective corporate action. 16 c. The nature of the failure of authorization with respect 17 to the defective corporate action to be ratified. 18 d. That the board of directors approves the ratification of 19 the defective corporate action. 20 2. In the event that a defective corporate action to be 21 ratified relates to the election of the initial board of 22 directors of the corporation under section 490.205, subsection 23 1, paragraph “b” , a majority of the persons who, at the time of 24 the ratification, are exercising the powers of directors may 25 take an action stating all of the following: 26 a. The name of the person or persons who first took 27 action in the name of the corporation as the initial board of 28 directors of the corporation. 29 b. The earlier of the date on which such persons first 30 took such action or were purported to have been elected as the 31 initial board of directors. 32 c. That the ratification of the election of such person or 33 persons as the initial board of directors is approved. 34 3. If any provision of this chapter, the articles of 35 -28- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 28/ 269
H.F. 844 incorporation or bylaws, any corporate resolution, or any 1 plan or agreement to which the corporation is a party in 2 effect at the time action under subsection 1 is taken requires 3 shareholder approval or would have required shareholder 4 approval at the date of the occurrence of the defective 5 corporate action, the ratification of the defective corporate 6 action approved in the action taken by the directors under 7 subsection 1 shall be submitted to the shareholders for 8 approval in accordance with section 490.148. 9 4. Unless otherwise provided in the action taken by the 10 board of directors under subsection 1, after the action by the 11 board of directors has been taken and, if required, approved 12 by the shareholders, the board of directors may abandon the 13 ratification at any time before the validation effective time 14 without further action of the shareholders. 15 Sec. 21. NEW SECTION . 490.148 Action on ratification. 16 1. The quorum and voting requirements applicable to a 17 ratifying action by the board of directors under section 18 490.147, subsection 1, shall be the quorum and voting 19 requirements applicable to the corporate action proposed to be 20 ratified at the time such ratifying action is taken. 21 2. If the ratification of the defective corporate action 22 requires approval by the shareholders under section 490.147, 23 subsection 3, and if the approval is to be given at a meeting, 24 the corporation shall notify each holder of valid and putative 25 shares, regardless of whether entitled to vote, as of the 26 record date for notice of the meeting and as of the date of 27 the occurrence of defective corporate action, provided that 28 notice shall not be required to be given to holders of valid or 29 putative shares whose identities or addresses for notice cannot 30 be determined from the records of the corporation. The notice 31 must state that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the 32 meeting is to consider ratification of a defective corporate 33 action and must be accompanied by all of the following: 34 a. Either a copy of the action taken by the board of 35 -29- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 29/ 269
H.F. 844 directors in accordance with section 490.147, subsection 1, 1 or the information required by section 490.147, subsection 1, 2 paragraphs “a” through “d” . 3 b. A statement that any claim that the ratification of 4 such defective corporate action and any putative shares issued 5 as a result of such defective corporate action should not be 6 effective, or should be effective only on certain conditions, 7 shall be brought within one hundred twenty days from the 8 applicable validation effective time. 9 3. Except as provided in subsection 4, with respect to the 10 voting requirements to ratify the election of a director, the 11 quorum and voting requirements applicable to the approval by 12 the shareholders required by section 490.147, subsection 3, 13 shall be the quorum and voting requirements applicable to the 14 corporate action proposed to be ratified at the time of such 15 shareholder approval. 16 4. The approval by shareholders to ratify the election of a 17 director requires that the votes cast within the voting group 18 favoring such ratification exceed the votes cast opposing such 19 ratification of the election at a meeting at which a quorum is 20 present. 21 5. Putative shares on the record date for determining 22 the shareholders entitled to vote on any matter submitted to 23 shareholders under section 490.147, subsection 3, and without 24 giving effect to any ratification of putative shares that 25 becomes effective as a result of such vote, shall neither be 26 entitled to vote nor counted for quorum purposes in any vote to 27 approve the ratification of any defective corporate action. 28 6. If the approval under this section of putative shares 29 would result in an overissue, in addition to the approval 30 required by section 490.147, approval of an amendment to the 31 articles of incorporation under subchapter X to increase 32 the number of shares of an authorized class or series or to 33 authorize the creation of a class or series of shares so there 34 would be no overissue shall also be required. 35 -30- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 30/ 269
H.F. 844 Sec. 22. NEW SECTION . 490.149 Notice requirements. 1 1. Unless shareholder approval is required under section 2 490.147, subsection 3, prompt notice of an action taken under 3 section 490.147 shall be given to each holder of valid and 4 putative shares, regardless of whether entitled to vote, as of 5 all of the following: 6 a. The date of such action by the board of directors. 7 b. The date of the defective corporate action ratified, 8 provided that notice shall not be required to be given to 9 holders of valid and putative shares whose identities or 10 addresses for notice cannot be determined from the records of 11 the corporation. 12 2. The notice must contain all of the following: 13 a. Either a copy of the action taken by the board of 14 directors in accordance with section 490.147, subsection 1 or 15 2, or the information required by section 490.147, subsection 16 1, paragraphs “a” through “d” , or section 490.147, subsection 2, 17 paragraphs “a” through “c” , as applicable. 18 b. A statement that any claim that the ratification of 19 the defective corporate action and any putative shares issued 20 as a result of such defective corporate action should not be 21 effective, or should be effective only on certain conditions, 22 shall be brought within one hundred twenty days from the 23 applicable validation effective time. 24 3. No notice under this section is required with respect 25 to any action required to be submitted to shareholders for 26 approval under section 490.147, subsection 3, if notice is 27 given in accordance with section 490.148, subsection 2. 28 4. A notice required by this section may be given in any 29 manner permitted by section 490.141 and, for any corporation 30 subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of 31 the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934, may be given by 32 means of a filing or furnishing of such notice with the United 33 States securities and exchange commission. 34 Sec. 23. NEW SECTION . 490.150 Effect of ratification. 35 -31- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 31/ 269
H.F. 844 From and after the validation effective time, and without 1 regard to the one hundred twenty-day period during which 2 a claim may be brought under section 490.152, all of the 3 following shall apply: 4 1. Each defective corporate action ratified in accordance 5 with section 490.147 shall not be void or voidable as a result 6 of the failure of authorization identified in the action taken 7 under section 490.147, subsection 1 or 2, and shall be deemed 8 a valid corporate action effective as of the date of the 9 defective corporate action. 10 2. The issuance of each putative share or fraction of a 11 putative share purportedly issued pursuant to a defective 12 corporate action identified in the action taken under section 13 490.147 shall not be void or voidable, and each such putative 14 share or fraction of a putative share shall be deemed to be an 15 identical share or fraction of a valid share as of the time it 16 was purportedly issued. 17 3. Any corporate action taken subsequent to the defective 18 corporate action ratified in accordance with this part in 19 reliance on such defective corporate action having been 20 validly effected and any subsequent defective corporate action 21 resulting directly or indirectly from such original defective 22 corporate action shall be valid as of the time taken. 23 Sec. 24. NEW SECTION . 490.151 Filings. 24 1. If the defective corporate action ratified under this 25 part would have required under any other section of this 26 chapter a filing in accordance with this chapter, then, 27 regardless of whether a filing was previously made in respect 28 of such defective corporate action and in lieu of a filing 29 otherwise required by this chapter, the corporation shall file 30 articles of validation in accordance with this section, and 31 such articles of validation shall serve to amend or substitute 32 for any other filing with respect to such defective corporate 33 action required by this chapter. 34 2. The articles of validation must set forth all of the 35 -32- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 32/ 269
H.F. 844 following: 1 a. The defective corporate action that is the subject of the 2 articles of validation, including in the case of any defective 3 corporate action involving the issuance of putative shares, the 4 number and type of putative shares issued and the date or dates 5 upon which such putative shares were purported to have been 6 issued. 7 b. The date of the defective corporate action. 8 c. The nature of the failure of authorization in respect of 9 the defective corporate action. 10 d. A statement that the defective corporate action was 11 ratified in accordance with section 490.147, including 12 the date on which the board of directors ratified such 13 defective corporate action and the date, if any, on which 14 the shareholders approved the ratification of such defective 15 corporate action. 16 e. The information required by subsection 3. 17 3. The articles of validation must also contain the 18 following information: 19 a. If a filing was previously made in respect of the 20 defective corporate action and no changes to such filing are 21 required to give effect to the ratification of such defective 22 corporate action in accordance with section 490.147, the 23 articles of validation must set forth all of the following: 24 (1) The name, title, and filing date of the filing 25 previously made and any articles of correction to that filing. 26 (2) A statement that a copy of the filing previously made, 27 together with any articles of correction to that filing, is 28 attached as an exhibit to the articles of validation. 29 b. If a filing was previously made in respect of the 30 defective corporate action and such filing requires any change 31 to give effect to the ratification of such defective corporate 32 action in accordance with section 490.147, the articles of 33 validation must set forth all of the following: 34 (1) The name, title, and filing date of the filing 35 -33- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 33/ 269
H.F. 844 previously made and any articles of correction to that filing. 1 (2) A statement that a filing containing all of the 2 information required to be included under the applicable 3 section or sections of this chapter to give effect to such 4 defective corporate action is attached as an exhibit to the 5 articles of validation. 6 (3) The date and time that such filing is deemed to have 7 become effective. 8 c. If a filing was not previously made in respect of the 9 defective corporate action and the defective corporate action 10 ratified under section 490.147 would have required a filing 11 under any other section of this chapter, the articles of 12 validation must set forth all of the following: 13 (1) A statement that a filing containing all of the 14 information required to be included under the applicable 15 section or sections of this chapter to give effect to such 16 defective corporate action is attached as an exhibit to the 17 articles of validation. 18 (2) The date and time that such filing is deemed to have 19 become effective. 20 Sec. 25. NEW SECTION . 490.152 Judicial proceedings 21 regarding validity of corporate actions. 22 1. Upon application by the corporation, any successor 23 entity to the corporation, a director of the corporation, any 24 shareholder, beneficial shareholder, or unrestricted voting 25 trust beneficial owner of the corporation, including any 26 such shareholder, beneficial shareholder, or unrestricted 27 voting trust beneficial owner as of the date of the defective 28 corporate action ratified under section 490.147, or any other 29 person claiming to be substantially and adversely affected by a 30 ratification under section 490.147, the district court of the 31 county where a corporation’s principal office or, if none in 32 this state, its registered office, is located may do all of the 33 following: 34 a. Determine the validity and effectiveness of any corporate 35 -34- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 34/ 269
H.F. 844 action or defective corporate action. 1 b. Determine the validity and effectiveness of any 2 ratification under section 490.147. 3 c. Determine the validity of any putative shares. 4 d. Modify or waive any of the procedures specified in 5 section 490.147 or 490.148 to ratify a defective corporate 6 action. 7 2. In connection with an action under this section, the 8 court may make such findings or orders, and take into account 9 any factors or considerations, regarding such matters as it 10 deems proper under the circumstances. 11 3. Service of process of the application under subsection 12 1 on the corporation may be made in any manner provided by 13 statute of this state or by rule of the applicable court for 14 service on the corporation, and no other party need be joined 15 in order for the court to adjudicate the matter. In an action 16 filed by the corporation, the court may require notice of the 17 action to be provided to other persons specified by the court 18 and permit such other persons to intervene in the action. 19 4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or 20 otherwise under applicable law, any action asserting that the 21 ratification of any defective corporate action and any putative 22 shares issued as a result of such defective corporate action 23 should not be effective, or should be effective only on certain 24 conditions, shall be brought within one hundred twenty days of 25 the validation effective time. 26 Sec. 26. Section 490.201, Code 2021, is amended by striking 27 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 28 490.201 Incorporators. 29 One or more persons may act as the incorporator or 30 incorporators of a corporation by delivering articles of 31 incorporation to the secretary of state for filing. 32 Sec. 27. Section 490.202, Code 2021, is amended by striking 33 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 34 490.202 Articles of incorporation. 35 -35- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 35/ 269
H.F. 844 1. The articles of incorporation must set forth all of the 1 following: 2 a. A corporate name for the corporation that satisfies the 3 requirements of section 490.401. 4 b. The number of shares the corporation is authorized to 5 issue. 6 c. The street and mailing addresses of the corporation’s 7 initial registered office and the name of its initial 8 registered agent at that office. 9 d. The name and address of each incorporator. 10 2. The articles of incorporation may set forth any of the 11 following: 12 a. The names and addresses of the individuals who are to 13 serve as the initial directors. 14 b. Provisions not inconsistent with law regarding any of the 15 following: 16 (1) The purpose or purposes for which the corporation is 17 organized. 18 (2) Managing the business and regulating the affairs of the 19 corporation. 20 (3) Defining, limiting, and regulating the powers of the 21 corporation, its board of directors, and shareholders. 22 (4) A par value for authorized shares or classes of shares. 23 (5) The imposition of interest holder liability on 24 shareholders. 25 c. Any provision that under this chapter is required or 26 permitted to be set forth in the bylaws. 27 d. A provision eliminating or limiting the liability 28 of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for 29 money damages for any action taken, or any failure to take 30 any action, as a director, except liability for any of the 31 following: 32 (1) The amount of a financial benefit received by a director 33 to which the director is not entitled. 34 (2) An intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or 35 -36- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 36/ 269
H.F. 844 the shareholders. 1 (3) A violation of section 490.833. 2 (4) An intentional violation of criminal law. 3 e. A provision permitting or making obligatory 4 indemnification of a director for liability, as defined in 5 section 490.850, to any person for any action taken, or any 6 failure to take any action, as a director, except liability for 7 any of the following: 8 (1) Receipt of a financial benefit to which the director is 9 not entitled. 10 (2) An intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or 11 its shareholders. 12 (3) A violation of section 490.833. 13 (4) An intentional violation of criminal law. 14 f. A provision limiting or eliminating any duty of a 15 director or any other person to offer the corporation the 16 right to have or participate in any, or one or more classes 17 or categories of, business opportunities, before the pursuit 18 or taking of the opportunity by the director or other person; 19 provided that any application of such a provision to an officer 20 or a related person of that officer is subject to all of the 21 following: 22 (1) It also requires approval of that application by the 23 board of directors, subsequent to the effective date of the 24 provision, by action of qualified directors taken in compliance 25 with the same procedures as are set forth in section 490.862. 26 (2) It may be limited by the authorizing action of the 27 board. 28 3. The articles of incorporation need not set forth any of 29 the corporate powers enumerated in this chapter. 30 4. Provisions of the articles of incorporation may be made 31 dependent upon facts objectively ascertainable outside the 32 articles of incorporation in accordance with section 490.120, 33 subsection 11. 34 5. As used in this section, “related person” has the meaning 35 -37- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 37/ 269
H.F. 844 specified in section 490.860. 1 Sec. 28. Section 490.203, Code 2021, is amended by striking 2 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 3 490.203 Incorporation. 4 1. Unless a delayed effective date is specified, the 5 corporate existence begins when the articles of incorporation 6 are filed. 7 2. The secretary of state’s filing of the articles of 8 incorporation is conclusive proof that the incorporators 9 satisfied all conditions precedent to incorporation except in a 10 proceeding by the state to cancel or revoke the incorporation 11 or involuntarily dissolve the corporation. 12 Sec. 29. Section 490.205, Code 2021, is amended by striking 13 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 14 490.205 Organization of corporation. 15 1. After incorporation, the following shall apply: 16 a. If initial directors are named in the articles 17 of incorporation, the initial directors shall hold an 18 organizational meeting, at the call of a majority of the 19 directors, to complete the organization of the corporation by 20 appointing officers, adopting bylaws, and carrying on any other 21 business brought before the meeting. 22 b. If initial directors are not named in the articles of 23 incorporation, the incorporator or incorporators shall hold 24 an organizational meeting at the call of a majority of the 25 incorporators to do any of the following: 26 (1) Elect initial directors and complete the organization 27 of the corporation. 28 (2) Elect a board of directors who shall complete the 29 organization of the corporation. 30 2. Action required or permitted by this chapter to be taken 31 by incorporators at an organizational meeting may be taken 32 without a meeting if the action taken is evidenced by one or 33 more written consents describing the action taken and signed by 34 each incorporator. 35 -38- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 38/ 269
H.F. 844 3. An organizational meeting may be held in or out of this 1 state. 2 Sec. 30. Section 490.206, Code 2021, is amended by striking 3 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 4 490.206 Bylaws. 5 1. The incorporators or board of directors of a corporation 6 shall adopt initial bylaws for the corporation. 7 2. The bylaws of a corporation may contain any provision 8 that is not inconsistent with law or the articles of 9 incorporation. 10 3. The bylaws may contain any of the following provisions: 11 a. A requirement that if the corporation solicits proxies 12 or consents with respect to an election of directors, the 13 corporation include in its proxy statement and any form 14 of its proxy or consent, to the extent and subject to such 15 procedures or conditions as are provided in the bylaws, one 16 or more individuals nominated by a shareholder in addition to 17 individuals nominated by the board of directors. 18 b. A requirement that the corporation reimburse the expenses 19 incurred by a shareholder in soliciting proxies or consents in 20 connection with an election of directors, to the extent and 21 subject to such procedures and conditions as are provided in 22 the bylaws, provided that no bylaw so adopted shall apply to 23 elections for which any record date precedes its adoption. 24 4. Notwithstanding section 490.1020, subsection 2, 25 paragraph “b” , the shareholders in amending, repealing, or 26 adopting a bylaw described in subsection 3 shall not limit the 27 authority of the board of directors to amend or repeal any 28 condition or procedure set forth in or to add any procedure 29 or condition to such a bylaw to provide for a reasonable, 30 practical, and orderly process. 31 Sec. 31. Section 490.207, Code 2021, is amended by striking 32 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 33 490.207 Emergency bylaws. 34 1. Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, 35 -39- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 39/ 269
H.F. 844 the board of directors may adopt bylaws to be effective only in 1 an emergency as defined in subsection 4. The emergency bylaws, 2 which are subject to amendment or repeal by the shareholders, 3 may make all provisions necessary for managing the corporation 4 during the emergency, including any of the following: 5 a. Procedures for calling a meeting of the board of 6 directors. 7 b. Quorum requirements for the meeting. 8 c. Designation of additional or substitute directors. 9 2. All provisions of the regular bylaws not inconsistent 10 with the emergency bylaws remain effective during the 11 emergency. The emergency bylaws are not effective after the 12 emergency ends. 13 3. Corporate action taken in good faith in accordance with 14 the emergency bylaws has all of the following effects: 15 a. The action binds the corporation. 16 b. The action shall not be used to impose liability on a 17 director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation. 18 4. An emergency exists for purposes of this section if a 19 quorum of the board of directors cannot readily be assembled 20 because of some catastrophic event. 21 Sec. 32. NEW SECTION . 490.208 Forum selection provisions. 22 1. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may require 23 that any or all internal corporate claims shall be brought 24 exclusively in any specified court or courts of this state 25 and, if so specified, in any additional courts in this state 26 or in any other jurisdictions with which the corporation has a 27 reasonable relationship. 28 2. A provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws 29 adopted under subsection 1 shall not have the effect of 30 conferring jurisdiction on any court or over any person or 31 claim, and shall not apply if none of the courts specified 32 by such provision has the requisite personal and subject 33 matter jurisdiction. If the court or courts of this state 34 specified in a provision adopted under subsection 1 do not 35 -40- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 40/ 269
H.F. 844 have the requisite personal and subject matter jurisdiction 1 and another court of this state does have such jurisdiction, 2 then the internal corporate claim may be brought in such other 3 court of this state, notwithstanding that such other court 4 of this state is not specified in such provision, and in any 5 other court specified in such provision that has the requisite 6 jurisdiction. 7 3. No provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws 8 may prohibit bringing an internal corporate claim in the 9 courts of this state or require such claims to be determined 10 by arbitration. 11 4. “Internal corporate claim” means, for the purposes of 12 this section, any of the following: 13 a. Any claim that is based upon a violation of a duty 14 under the laws of this state by a current or former director, 15 officer, or shareholder in such capacity. 16 b. Any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of 17 the corporation. 18 c. Any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any 19 provision of this chapter or the articles of incorporation or 20 bylaws. 21 d. Any action asserting a claim governed by the internal 22 affairs doctrine that is not included in paragraphs “a” through 23 “c” . 24 Sec. 33. NEW SECTION . 490.209 Foreign-trade zone 25 corporation. 26 A domestic corporation may be incorporated or organized 27 under the laws of this state, and a foreign corporation may be 28 registered or authorized to transact business in this state, 29 for the purpose of establishing, operating, and maintaining 30 a foreign-trade zone as defined in 19 U.S.C. §81(a). The 31 domestic or foreign corporation must maintain its principal 32 place of business in this state. The domestic or foreign 33 corporation described in this section has all powers necessary 34 or convenient for applying for a grant of authority to 35 -41- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 41/ 269
H.F. 844 establish, operate, and maintain a foreign-trade zone under 1 19 U.S.C. §81(a) et seq., and regulations promulgated under 2 that law, and for establishing, operating, and maintaining a 3 foreign-trade zone pursuant to that grant of authority. 4 Sec. 34. Section 490.302, Code 2021, is amended by striking 5 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 6 490.302 General powers. 7 Unless its articles of incorporation provide otherwise, 8 every corporation has perpetual duration and succession in its 9 corporate name and has the same powers as an individual to do 10 all things necessary or convenient to carry out its business 11 and affairs, including the power to do all of the following: 12 1. Sue and be sued, complain, and defend in its corporate 13 name. 14 2. Have a corporate seal, which may be altered at will, and 15 to use it, or a facsimile of it, by impressing or affixing it or 16 in any other manner reproducing it. 17 3. Make and amend bylaws, not inconsistent with its articles 18 of incorporation or with the laws of this state, for managing 19 the business and regulating the affairs of the corporation. 20 4. Purchase, receive, lease, or otherwise acquire, and own, 21 hold, improve, use, and otherwise deal with, real or personal 22 property, or any legal or equitable interest in property, 23 wherever located. 24 5. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, and 25 otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property. 26 6. Purchase, receive, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, 27 own, hold, vote, use, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge, or 28 otherwise dispose of, and deal in and with shares or other 29 interests in, or obligations of, any other entity. 30 7. Make contracts and guarantees, incur liabilities, 31 borrow money, issue its notes, bonds, and other securities 32 and obligations, which may be convertible into or include the 33 option to purchase other securities of the corporation, and 34 secure any of its obligations by mortgage or pledge of any of 35 -42- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 42/ 269
H.F. 844 its property, franchises, or income. 1 8. Lend money, invest and reinvest its funds, and receive 2 and hold real and personal property as security for repayment. 3 9. Be a promoter, partner, member, associate, or manager of 4 any partnership, joint venture, trust, or other entity. 5 10. Conduct its business, locate offices, and exercise the 6 powers granted by this chapter within or without this state. 7 11. Elect directors and appoint officers, employees, and 8 agents of the corporation, define their duties, fix their 9 compensation, and lend them money and credit. 10 12. Pay pensions and establish pension plans, pension 11 trusts, profit sharing plans, share bonus plans, share option 12 plans, and benefit or incentive plans for any or all of its 13 current or former directors, officers, employees, and agents. 14 13. Make donations for the public welfare or for charitable, 15 scientific, or educational purposes. 16 14. Transact any lawful business that will aid governmental 17 policy. 18 15. Make payments or donations, or do any other act, not 19 inconsistent with law, that furthers the business and affairs 20 of the corporation. 21 Sec. 35. Section 490.303, Code 2021, is amended by striking 22 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 23 490.303 Emergency powers. 24 1. In anticipation of or during an emergency as defined in 25 subsection 4, the board of directors of a corporation may do 26 all of the following: 27 a. Modify lines of succession to accommodate the incapacity 28 of any director, officer, employee, or agent. 29 b. Relocate the principal office, designate alternative 30 principal offices or regional offices, or authorize the 31 officers to do so. 32 2. During an emergency as defined in subsection 4, unless 33 emergency bylaws provide otherwise: 34 a. Notice of a meeting of the board of directors need be 35 -43- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 43/ 269
H.F. 844 given only to those directors whom it is practicable to reach 1 and may be given in any practicable manner. 2 b. One or more officers of the corporation present at a 3 meeting of the board of directors may be deemed to be directors 4 for the meeting, in order of rank and within the same rank in 5 order of seniority, as necessary to achieve a quorum. 6 3. Corporate action taken in good faith during an emergency 7 under this section to further the ordinary business affairs of 8 the corporation shall both: 9 a. Bind the corporation. 10 b. Not be used to impose liability on a corporate director, 11 officer, employee, or agent. 12 4. An emergency exists for purposes of this section if a 13 quorum of the board of directors cannot readily be assembled 14 because of some catastrophic event. 15 Sec. 36. Section 490.401, Code 2021, is amended by striking 16 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 17 490.401 Corporate name. 18 1. A corporate name is subject to all of the following: 19 a. It must contain the word “corporation”, “incorporated”, 20 “company”, or “limited”, or the abbreviation “corp.”, “inc.”, 21 “co.”, or “ltd.”, or words or abbreviations of like import in 22 another language. 23 b. It must not contain language stating or implying that 24 the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that 25 permitted by section 490.301 and its articles of incorporation. 26 2. Except as authorized by subsections 3 and 4, a corporate 27 name must be distinguishable upon the records of the secretary 28 of state from all of the following: 29 a. The corporate name of a corporation incorporated in 30 this state which is not administratively dissolved, or if such 31 corporation has been administratively dissolved, within five 32 years after the effective date of dissolution. 33 b. A corporate name reserved or registered under section 34 490.402 or 490.403 or any similar provision of the law of this 35 -44- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 44/ 269
H.F. 844 state. 1 c. The name of a foreign corporation registered to do 2 business in this state or an alternate name adopted by a 3 foreign corporation registered to do business in this state 4 because its corporate name is unavailable. 5 d. The corporate name of a nonprofit corporation 6 incorporated in this state which is not administratively 7 dissolved. 8 e. The name of a foreign nonprofit corporation registered 9 to do business in this state or an alternate name adopted by a 10 foreign nonprofit corporation registered to conduct activities 11 in this state because its real name is unavailable. 12 f. The name of a domestic filing entity which is not 13 administratively dissolved. 14 g. The name of a foreign unincorporated entity registered 15 to do business in this state or an alternate name adopted by 16 such an entity registered to conduct activities in this state 17 because its real name is unavailable. 18 h. A name reserved, registered, or protected as follows: 19 (1) For a limited liability partnership, section 486A.1001 20 or 486A.1002. 21 (2) For a limited partnership, section 488.108, 488.109, or 22 488.810. 23 (3) For a business corporation, this section, or section 24 490.402, 490.403, or 490.1422. 25 (4) For a limited liability company under chapter 489, 26 section 489.108, 489.109, or 489.706. 27 (5) For a nonprofit corporation, section 504.401, 504.402, 28 504.403, or 504.1423. 29 3. A corporation may apply to the secretary of state for 30 authorization to use a name that is not distinguishable upon 31 the secretary of state’s records from one or more of the names 32 described in subsection 2. The secretary of state shall 33 authorize use of the name applied for if any of the following 34 conditions apply: 35 -45- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 45/ 269
H.F. 844 a. The other corporation or unincorporated entity consents 1 to the use in writing and submits an undertaking in form 2 satisfactory to the secretary of state to change its name to a 3 name that is distinguishable upon the records of the secretary 4 of state from the name of the applying corporation. 5 b. The applicant delivers to the secretary of state a 6 certified copy of the final judgment of a court of competent 7 jurisdiction establishing the applicant’s right to use the name 8 applied for in this state. 9 4. A corporation may use the name, including the fictitious 10 name, of another domestic or foreign corporation that is used 11 in this state if the other corporation is incorporated or 12 authorized to transact business in this state and the proposed 13 user corporation submits documentation to the satisfaction 14 of the secretary of state establishing any of the following 15 conditions: 16 a. Has merged with the other corporation. 17 b. Has been formed by reorganization of the other 18 corporation. 19 c. Has acquired all or substantially all of the assets, 20 including the corporate name, of the other corporation. 21 5. This chapter does not control the use of fictitious 22 names; however, if a corporation or a foreign corporation 23 uses a fictitious name in this state, it shall deliver to the 24 secretary of state for filing a copy of the resolution of its 25 board of directors, certified by its secretary, adopting the 26 fictitious name. 27 Sec. 37. Section 490.402, Code 2021, is amended by striking 28 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 29 490.402 Reserved name. 30 1. A person may reserve the exclusive use of a corporate 31 name, including a fictitious or alternate name for a foreign 32 corporation whose corporate name is not available, by 33 delivering an application to the secretary of state for 34 filing. The application must set forth the name and address 35 -46- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 46/ 269
H.F. 844 of the applicant and the name proposed to be reserved. If the 1 secretary of state finds that the corporate name applied for is 2 available, the secretary of state shall reserve the name for 3 the applicant’s exclusive use for a nonrenewable one hundred 4 twenty-day period. 5 2. The owner of a reserved corporate name may transfer the 6 reservation to another person by delivering to the secretary of 7 state a signed notice of the transfer that states the name and 8 address of the transferee. 9 Sec. 38. Section 490.403, Code 2021, is amended by striking 10 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 11 490.403 Registered name. 12 1. A foreign corporation may register its corporate 13 name, or its corporate name with the addition of any word 14 or abbreviation listed in section 490.401, subsection 1, 15 paragraph “a” , if necessary for the corporate name to comply 16 with section 490.401, subsection 1, paragraph “a” , if the name 17 is distinguishable upon the records of the secretary of state 18 from the corporate names that are not available under section 19 490.401, subsection 2. 20 2. A foreign corporation registers its corporate name, or 21 its corporate name with any addition permitted by subsection 22 1, by delivering to the secretary of state for filing an 23 application that complies with all of the following: 24 a. Sets forth that name, the state or country and date of 25 its incorporation, and a brief description of the nature of the 26 business which is to be conducted in this state. 27 b. Is accompanied by a certificate of existence, or a 28 document of similar import, from the state or country of 29 incorporation. 30 3. The name is registered for the applicant’s exclusive 31 use upon the effective date of the application and for the 32 remainder of the calendar year, unless renewed. 33 4. A foreign corporation whose name registration is 34 effective may renew it for successive years by delivering 35 -47- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 47/ 269
H.F. 844 to the secretary of state for filing a renewal application, 1 which complies with the requirements of subsection 2, between 2 October 1 and December 31 of the preceding year. The renewal 3 application when filed renews the registration for the 4 following calendar year. 5 5. a. A foreign corporation whose name registration is 6 effective may thereafter do any of the following: 7 (1) Register to do business as a foreign corporation under 8 the registered name, if it complies with section 490.401, 9 subsection 1, paragraph “b” . 10 (2) Consent in writing to the use of that name by a domestic 11 corporation thereafter incorporated under this chapter or by 12 another foreign corporation. 13 b. The registration terminates when the domestic corporation 14 is incorporated or the foreign corporation registers to do 15 business under that name. 16 Sec. 39. Section 490.501, Code 2021, is amended by striking 17 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 18 490.501 Registered office and agent of domestic and 19 registered foreign corporations. 20 1. Each corporation shall continuously maintain in this 21 state all of the following: 22 a. A registered office that may be the same as any of its 23 places of business. 24 b. A registered agent, which may be any of the following: 25 (1) An individual who resides in this state and whose 26 business office is identical with the registered office. 27 (2) A domestic or foreign corporation or eligible entity 28 whose business office is identical with the registered office 29 and, in the case of a foreign corporation or foreign eligible 30 entity, is registered to do business in this state. 31 2. As used in this subchapter, “corporation” means both a 32 domestic corporation and a registered foreign corporation. 33 Sec. 40. Section 490.502, Code 2021, is amended by striking 34 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 35 -48- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 48/ 269
H.F. 844 490.502 Change of registered office or registered agent. 1 1. A corporation may change its registered office or 2 registered agent by delivering to the secretary of state 3 for filing a statement of change that sets forth all of the 4 following: 5 a. The name of the corporation. 6 b. The street and mailing addresses of its current 7 registered office. 8 c. If the current registered office is to be changed, the 9 street and mailing addresses of the new registered office. 10 d. The name of its current registered agent. 11 e. If the current registered agent is to be changed, the 12 name of the new registered agent and the new agent’s written 13 consent, either on the statement or attached to it, to the 14 appointment. 15 f. That after the change or changes are made, the street and 16 mailing addresses of its registered office and of the business 17 office of its registered agent will be identical. 18 2. If the street or mailing address of a registered agent’s 19 business office changes, the agent shall change the street or 20 mailing address of the registered office of any corporation for 21 which the agent is the registered agent by delivering a signed 22 written notice of the change to the corporation and delivering 23 to the secretary of state for filing a signed statement that 24 complies with the requirements of subsection 1 and states that 25 the corporation has been notified of the change. 26 3. If a registered agent changes the registered agent’s 27 business address to another place, the registered agent may 28 change the business address and the address of the registered 29 agent by filing a statement as required in subsection 2 for 30 each corporation, or a single statement for all corporations 31 named in the notice, except that it need be signed only by the 32 registered agent and need not be responsive to subsection 1, 33 paragraph “e” , and must recite that a copy of the statement has 34 been mailed to each corporation named in the notice. 35 -49- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 49/ 269
H.F. 844 4. A corporation may also change its registered office or 1 registered agent in its biennial report as provided in section 2 490.1622. 3 Sec. 41. Section 490.503, Code 2021, is amended by striking 4 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 5 490.503 Resignation of registered agent. 6 1. A registered agent may resign as agent for a corporation 7 by delivering to the secretary of state for filing a statement 8 of resignation signed by the agent which shall state all of the 9 following: 10 a. The name of the corporation. 11 b. The name of the agent. 12 c. The agent resigns from serving as registered agent for 13 the corporation. 14 d. The address of the corporation to which the agent will 15 deliver the notice required by subsection 3. 16 2. A statement of resignation takes effect on the earlier 17 of the following: 18 a. 12:01 a.m. on the thirty-first day after the day on which 19 it is filed by the secretary of state. 20 b. The designation of a new registered agent for the 21 corporation. 22 3. A registered agent promptly shall deliver to the 23 corporation notice of the date on which a statement of 24 resignation was delivered to the secretary of state for filing. 25 4. When a statement of resignation takes effect, the person 26 that resigned ceases to have responsibility under this chapter 27 for any matter thereafter tendered to it as agent for the 28 corporation. The resignation does not affect any contractual 29 rights the corporation has against the agent or that the agent 30 has against the corporation. 31 5. A registered agent may resign with respect to a 32 corporation regardless of whether the corporation is in good 33 standing. 34 Sec. 42. Section 490.504, Code 2021, is amended by striking 35 -50- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 50/ 269
H.F. 844 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 1 490.504 Service on corporation. 2 1. A corporation’s registered agent is the corporation’s 3 agent for service of process, notice, or demand required or 4 permitted by law to be served on the corporation. 5 2. If a corporation has no registered agent, or the agent 6 cannot with reasonable diligence be served, the corporation 7 may be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt 8 requested, addressed to the secretary at the corporation’s 9 principal office. Service is perfected under this subsection 10 at the earliest of the following: 11 a. The date the corporation receives the mail. 12 b. The date shown on the return receipt, if signed on behalf 13 of the corporation. 14 c. Five days after its deposit in the United States mail, 15 as evidenced by the postmark, if mailed postpaid and correctly 16 addressed. 17 3. a. The secretary of state shall be an agent of the 18 corporation upon whom process, notice, or demand may be served, 19 if any of the following applies: 20 (1) The process, notice, or demand cannot be served on a 21 corporation pursuant to subsection 1 or 2. 22 (2) The process, notice, or demand is to be served on 23 a registered foreign corporation that has withdrawn its 24 registration pursuant to section 490.1507 or 490.1509, or the 25 registration of which has been terminated pursuant to section 26 490.1511. 27 b. Service of any process, notice, or demand on the 28 secretary of state as agent for a corporation may be made by 29 delivering to the secretary of state duplicate copies of the 30 process, notice, or demand. If process, notice, or demand 31 is served on the secretary of state, the secretary of state 32 shall forward one of the copies by registered or certified 33 mail, return receipt requested, to the corporation at the 34 last address shown in the records of the secretary of state. 35 -51- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 51/ 269
H.F. 844 Service is effected under this subsection at the earliest of 1 the following: 2 (1) The date the corporation receives the process, notice, 3 or demand. 4 (2) The date shown on the return receipt, if signed on 5 behalf of the corporation. 6 (3) Five days after the process, notice, or demand is 7 deposited with the United States mail by the secretary of 8 state. 9 4. This section does not prescribe the only means, or 10 necessarily the required means, of serving a corporation. 11 Sec. 43. Section 490.601, Code 2021, is amended by striking 12 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 13 490.601 Authorized shares. 14 1. The articles of incorporation must set forth any classes 15 of shares and series of shares within a class, and the number 16 of shares of each class and series, that the corporation is 17 authorized to issue. If more than one class or series of 18 shares is authorized, the articles of incorporation must 19 prescribe a distinguishing designation for each class or series 20 and, before the issuance of shares of a class or series, 21 describe the terms, including the preferences, rights, and 22 limitations of that class or series. Except to the extent 23 varied as permitted by this section, all shares of a class or 24 series must have terms, including preferences, rights, and 25 limitations that are identical with those of other shares of 26 the same class or series. 27 2. The articles of incorporation must authorize all of the 28 following: 29 a. One or more classes or series of shares that together 30 have full voting rights. 31 b. One or more classes or series of shares, which may be 32 the same class, classes, or series as those with voting rights, 33 that together are entitled to receive the net assets of the 34 corporation upon dissolution. 35 -52- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 52/ 269
H.F. 844 3. The articles of incorporation may authorize one or more 1 classes or series of shares that have any of the following 2 characteristics: 3 a. Have special, conditional, or limited voting rights, or 4 no right to vote, except to the extent otherwise provided by 5 this chapter. 6 b. Are redeemable or convertible as specified in the 7 articles of incorporation in any of the following ways: 8 (1) At the option of the corporation, the shareholder, or 9 another person or upon the occurrence of a specified event. 10 (2) For cash, indebtedness, securities, or other property. 11 (3) At prices and in amounts specified or determined in 12 accordance with a formula. 13 c. Entitle the holders to distributions calculated in 14 any manner, including dividends that may be cumulative, 15 noncumulative, or partially cumulative. 16 d. Have preference over any other class or series of shares 17 with respect to distributions, including distributions upon the 18 dissolution of the corporation. 19 4. The terms of shares may be made dependent upon facts 20 objectively ascertainable outside the articles of incorporation 21 in accordance with section 490.120, subsection 11. 22 5. Any of the terms of shares may vary among holders of the 23 same class or series so long as such variations are expressly 24 set forth in the articles of incorporation. 25 6. The description of the preferences, rights, and 26 limitations of classes or series of shares in subsection 3 is 27 not exhaustive. 28 Sec. 44. Section 490.602, Code 2021, is amended by striking 29 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 30 490.602 Terms of class or series determined by board of 31 directors. 32 1. If the articles of incorporation so provide, the board 33 of directors is authorized, without shareholder approval, to 34 do any of the following: 35 -53- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 53/ 269
H.F. 844 a. Classify any unissued shares into one or more classes or 1 into one or more series within a class. 2 b. Reclassify any unissued shares of any class into one 3 or more classes or into one or more series within one or more 4 classes. 5 c. Reclassify any unissued shares of any series of any class 6 into one or more classes or into one or more series within a 7 class. 8 2. If the board of directors acts pursuant to subsection 9 1, it shall determine the terms, including the preferences, 10 rights, and limitations, to the same extent permitted under 11 section 490.601, of any of the following: 12 a. Any class of shares before the issuance of any shares of 13 that class. 14 b. Any series within a class before the issuance of any 15 shares of that series. 16 3. Before issuing any shares of a class or series created 17 under this section, the corporation shall deliver to the 18 secretary of state for filing articles of amendment setting 19 forth the terms determined under subsection 1. 20 Sec. 45. Section 490.603, Code 2021, is amended by striking 21 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 22 490.603 Issued and outstanding shares. 23 1. A corporation may issue the number of shares of each 24 class or series authorized by the articles of incorporation. 25 Shares that are issued are outstanding shares until they are 26 reacquired, redeemed, converted, or canceled. 27 2. The reacquisition, redemption, or conversion of 28 outstanding shares is subject to the limitations of subsection 29 3 and to section 490.640. 30 3. At all times that shares of the corporation are 31 outstanding, one or more shares that together have full voting 32 rights and one or more shares that together are entitled to 33 receive the net assets of the corporation upon dissolution must 34 be outstanding. 35 -54- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 54/ 269
H.F. 844 Sec. 46. Section 490.604, Code 2021, is amended by striking 1 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 2 490.604 Fractional shares. 3 1. A corporation may issue fractions of a share or in lieu 4 of doing so may do any of the following: 5 a. Pay in cash the value of fractions of a share. 6 b. Issue scrip in registered or bearer form entitling the 7 holder to receive a full share upon surrendering enough scrip 8 to equal a full share. 9 c. Arrange for disposition of fractional shares by the 10 holders of such shares. 11 2. Each certificate representing scrip must be 12 conspicuously labeled “scrip” and must contain the information 13 required by section 490.625, subsection 2. 14 3. The holder of a fractional share is entitled to exercise 15 the rights of a shareholder, including the rights to vote, 16 to receive dividends, and to receive distributions upon 17 dissolution. The holder of scrip is not entitled to any of 18 these rights unless the scrip provides for them. 19 4. The board of directors may authorize the issuance of 20 scrip subject to any condition, including any of the following: 21 a. That the scrip will become void if not exchanged for full 22 shares before a specified date. 23 b. That the shares for which the scrip is exchangeable may 24 be sold and the proceeds paid to the scripholders. 25 Sec. 47. Section 490.620, Code 2021, is amended by striking 26 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 27 490.620 Subscription for shares before incorporation. 28 1. A subscription for shares entered into before 29 incorporation is irrevocable for six months unless the 30 subscription agreement provides a longer or shorter period or 31 all the subscribers agree to revocation. 32 2. The board of directors may determine the payment terms 33 of subscriptions for shares that were entered into before 34 incorporation, unless the subscription agreement specifies 35 -55- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 55/ 269
H.F. 844 them. A call for payment by the board of directors must be 1 uniform so far as practicable as to all shares of the same 2 class or series, unless the subscription agreement specifies 3 otherwise. 4 3. Shares issued pursuant to subscriptions entered into 5 before incorporation are fully paid and nonassessable when 6 the corporation receives the consideration specified in the 7 subscription agreement. 8 4. If a subscriber defaults in payment of cash or 9 property under a subscription agreement entered into before 10 incorporation, the corporation may collect the amount owed 11 as any other debt. Alternatively, unless the subscription 12 agreement provides otherwise, the corporation may rescind the 13 agreement and may sell the shares if the debt remains unpaid 14 for more than twenty days after the corporation delivers a 15 written demand for payment to the subscriber. 16 5. A subscription agreement entered into after 17 incorporation is a contract between the subscriber and the 18 corporation subject to section 490.621. 19 Sec. 48. Section 490.621, Code 2021, is amended by striking 20 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 21 490.621 Issuance of shares. 22 1. The powers granted in this section to the board of 23 directors may be reserved to the shareholders by the articles 24 of incorporation. 25 2. The board of directors may authorize shares to be issued 26 for consideration consisting of any tangible or intangible 27 property or benefit to the corporation, including cash, 28 promissory notes, services performed, contracts for services to 29 be performed, or other securities of the corporation. 30 3. Before the corporation issues shares, the board of 31 directors shall determine that the consideration received or 32 to be received for shares to be issued is adequate. That 33 determination by the board of directors is conclusive insofar 34 as the adequacy of consideration for the issuance of shares 35 -56- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 56/ 269
H.F. 844 relates to whether the shares are validly issued, fully paid, 1 and nonassessable. 2 4. When the corporation receives the consideration for 3 which the board of directors authorized the issuance of shares, 4 the shares issued therefor are fully paid and nonassessable. 5 5. The corporation may place in escrow shares issued for 6 a contract for future services or benefits or a promissory 7 note, or make other arrangements to restrict the transfer of 8 the shares, and may credit distributions in respect of the 9 shares against their purchase price, until the services are 10 performed, the benefits are received, or the note is paid. If 11 the services are not performed, the benefits are not received, 12 or the note is not paid, the shares escrowed or restricted and 13 the distributions credited may be canceled in whole or part. 14 6. a. An issuance of shares or other securities convertible 15 into or rights exercisable for shares in a transaction or 16 a series of integrated transactions requires approval of 17 the shareholders, at a meeting at which a quorum consisting 18 of a majority, or such greater number as the articles of 19 incorporation may prescribe, of the votes entitled to be cast 20 on the matter exists, if all of the following conditions are 21 satisfied: 22 (1) The shares, other securities, or rights are to be issued 23 for consideration other than cash or cash equivalents. 24 (2) The voting power of shares that are issued and issuable 25 as a result of the transaction or series of integrated 26 transactions will comprise more than twenty percent of the 27 voting power of the shares of the corporation that were 28 outstanding immediately before the transaction. 29 b. For purposes of this subsection, the following shall 30 apply: 31 (1) For purposes of determining the voting power of shares 32 issued and issuable as a result of a transaction or series of 33 integrated transactions, the voting power of shares or other 34 securities convertible into or rights exercisable for shares 35 -57- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 57/ 269
H.F. 844 shall be the greater of the following: 1 (a) The voting power of the shares to be issued. 2 (b) The voting power of the shares that would be outstanding 3 after giving effect to the conversion of convertible shares and 4 other securities and the exercise of rights to be issued. 5 (2) A series of transactions is integrated only if 6 consummation of one transaction is made contingent on 7 consummation of one or more of the other transactions. 8 Sec. 49. Section 490.622, Code 2021, is amended by striking 9 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 10 490.622 Liability of shareholders. 11 1. A purchaser from a corporation of the corporation’s own 12 shares is not liable to the corporation or its creditors with 13 respect to the shares except to pay the consideration for which 14 the shares were authorized to be issued or specified in the 15 subscription agreement. 16 2. A shareholder of a corporation is not personally liable 17 for any liabilities of the corporation, including liabilities 18 arising from acts of the corporation, subject to the following 19 exceptions: 20 a. To the extent provided in a provision of the articles 21 of incorporation permitted by section 490.202, subsection 2, 22 paragraph “b” , subparagraph (5). 23 b. A shareholder may become personally liable by reason of 24 the shareholder’s own acts or conduct. 25 Sec. 50. Section 490.623, Code 2021, is amended by striking 26 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 27 490.623 Share dividends. 28 1. Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, 29 shares may be issued pro rata and without consideration to the 30 corporation’s shareholders or to the shareholders of one or 31 more classes or series of shares. An issuance of shares under 32 this subsection is a share dividend. 33 2. Shares of one class or series shall not be issued as a 34 share dividend in respect of shares of another class or series 35 -58- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 58/ 269
H.F. 844 unless one or more of the following conditions are met: 1 a. The articles of incorporation so authorize. 2 b. A majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the class 3 or series to be issued approve the issue. 4 c. There are no outstanding shares of the class or series 5 to be issued. 6 3. The board of directors may fix the record date for 7 determining shareholders entitled to a share dividend, which 8 date shall not be retroactive. If the board of directors does 9 not fix the record date for determining shareholders entitled 10 to a share dividend, the record date is the date the board of 11 directors authorizes the share dividend. 12 Sec. 51. Section 490.624, Code 2021, is amended by striking 13 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 14 490.624 Share rights, options, warrants, and awards. 15 1. A corporation may issue rights, options, or warrants for 16 the purchase of shares or other securities of the corporation. 17 The board of directors shall determine the terms and conditions 18 upon which the rights, options, or warrants are issued and the 19 terms, including the consideration for which the shares or 20 other securities are to be issued. The authorization by the 21 board of directors for the corporation to issue such rights, 22 options, or warrants constitutes authorization of the issuance 23 of the shares or other securities for which the rights, 24 options, or warrants are exercisable. 25 2. The terms and conditions of such rights, options, or 26 warrants may include restrictions or conditions that do any of 27 the following: 28 a. Preclude or limit the exercise, transfer, or receipt 29 of such rights, options, or warrants by any person or 30 persons owning or offering to acquire a specified number or 31 percentage of the outstanding shares or other securities of the 32 corporation or by any transferee or transferees of any such 33 person or persons. 34 b. Invalidate or void such rights, options, or warrants 35 -59- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 59/ 269
H.F. 844 held by any such person or persons or any such transferee or 1 transferees. 2 3. The board of directors may authorize one or more officers 3 to do any of the following: 4 a. Designate the recipients of rights, options, warrants, 5 or other equity compensation awards that involve the issuance 6 of shares. 7 b. Determine, within an amount and subject to any other 8 limitations established by the board of directors and, if 9 applicable, the shareholders, the number of such rights, 10 options, warrants, or other equity compensation awards and 11 the terms of such rights, options, warrants, or awards to be 12 received by the recipients, provided that an officer shall 13 not use such authority to designate the officer or any other 14 persons as the board of directors may specify as a recipient of 15 such rights, options, warrants, or other equity compensation 16 awards. 17 Sec. 52. Section 490.625, Code 2021, is amended by striking 18 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 19 490.625 Form and content of certificates. 20 1. Shares may, but need not, be represented by certificates. 21 Unless this chapter or another statute expressly provides 22 otherwise, the rights and obligations of shareholders are 23 identical regardless of whether their shares are represented by 24 certificates. 25 2. At a minimum, each share certificate must state on its 26 face all of the following: 27 a. The name of the corporation and that it is organized 28 under the law of this state. 29 b. The name of the person to whom issued. 30 c. The number and class of shares and the designation of the 31 series, if any, the certificate represents. 32 3. a. If the corporation is authorized to issue different 33 classes of shares or series of shares within a class, the 34 front or back of each certificate must summarize all of the 35 -60- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 60/ 269
H.F. 844 following: 1 (1) The preferences, rights, and limitations applicable to 2 each class and series. 3 (2) Any variations in preferences, rights, and limitations 4 among the holders of the same class or series. 5 (3) The authority of the board of directors to determine the 6 terms of future classes or series. 7 b. Alternatively, each certificate may state conspicuously 8 on its front or back that the corporation will furnish the 9 shareholder this information on request in writing and without 10 charge. 11 4. Each share certificate must be signed by two officers 12 designated in the bylaws. 13 5. If the person who signed a share certificate no longer 14 holds office when the certificate is issued, the certificate 15 is nevertheless valid. 16 Sec. 53. Section 490.626, Code 2021, is amended by striking 17 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 18 490.626 Shares without certificates. 19 1. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide 20 otherwise, the board of directors of a corporation may 21 authorize the issuance of some or all of the shares of any 22 or all of its classes or series without certificates. The 23 authorization does not affect shares already represented by 24 certificates until they are surrendered to the corporation. 25 2. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer 26 of shares without certificates, the corporation shall deliver 27 to the shareholder a written statement of the information 28 required on certificates by section 490.625, subsections 2 and 29 3, and, if applicable, section 490.627. 30 Sec. 54. Section 490.627, Code 2021, is amended by striking 31 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 32 490.627 Restriction on transfer of shares. 33 1. The articles of incorporation, the bylaws, an agreement 34 among shareholders, or an agreement between shareholders 35 -61- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 61/ 269
H.F. 844 and the corporation may impose restrictions on the transfer 1 or registration of transfer of shares of the corporation. 2 A restriction does not affect shares issued before the 3 restriction was adopted unless the holders of the shares are 4 parties to the restriction agreement or voted in favor of the 5 restriction. 6 2. A restriction on the transfer or registration of transfer 7 of shares is valid and enforceable against the holder or a 8 transferee of the holder if the restriction is authorized 9 by this section and its existence is noted conspicuously 10 on the front or back of the certificate or is contained 11 in the information statement required by section 490.626, 12 subsection 2. Unless so noted, or contained, a restriction 13 is not enforceable against a person without knowledge of the 14 restriction. 15 3. A restriction on the transfer or registration of transfer 16 of shares is authorized for any of the following purposes: 17 a. To maintain the corporation’s status when it is dependent 18 on the number or identity of its shareholders. 19 b. To preserve exemptions under federal or state securities 20 law. 21 c. For any other reasonable purpose. 22 4. A restriction on the transfer or registration of transfer 23 of shares may do any of the following: 24 a. Obligate the shareholder first to offer the corporation 25 or other persons, separately, consecutively, or simultaneously, 26 an opportunity to acquire the restricted shares. 27 b. Obligate the corporation or other persons, separately, 28 consecutively, or simultaneously, to acquire the restricted 29 shares. 30 c. Require the corporation, the holders of any class or 31 series of its shares, or other persons to approve the transfer 32 of the restricted shares, if the requirement is not manifestly 33 unreasonable. 34 d. Prohibit the transfer of the restricted shares to 35 -62- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 62/ 269
H.F. 844 designated persons or classes of persons, if the prohibition 1 is not manifestly unreasonable. 2 5. As used in this section, “shares” includes a security 3 convertible into or carrying a right to subscribe for or 4 acquire shares. 5 Sec. 55. Section 490.630, Code 2021, is amended by striking 6 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 7 490.630 Shareholders’ preemptive rights. 8 1. The shareholders of a corporation do not have a 9 preemptive right to acquire the corporation’s unissued shares 10 except to the extent the articles of incorporation so provide. 11 2. A statement included in the articles of incorporation 12 that “the corporation elects to have preemptive rights”, or 13 words of similar effect, means that the following principles 14 apply except to the extent the articles of incorporation 15 expressly provide otherwise: 16 a. The shareholders of the corporation have a preemptive 17 right, granted on uniform terms and conditions prescribed 18 by the board of directors to provide a fair and reasonable 19 opportunity to exercise the right, to acquire proportional 20 amounts of the corporation’s unissued shares upon the decision 21 of the board of directors to issue them. 22 b. A preemptive right may be waived by a shareholder. A 23 waiver evidenced by a writing is irrevocable even though it is 24 not supported by consideration. 25 c. There is no preemptive right with respect to any of the 26 following: 27 (1) Shares issued as compensation to directors, officers, 28 employees, or agents of the corporation, its subsidiaries, or 29 its affiliates. 30 (2) Shares issued to satisfy conversion or option rights 31 created to provide compensation to directors, officers, 32 employees, or agents of the corporation, its subsidiaries, or 33 its affiliates. 34 (3) Shares authorized in the articles of incorporation 35 -63- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 63/ 269
H.F. 844 that are issued within six months from the effective date of 1 incorporation. 2 (4) Shares sold otherwise than for cash. 3 d. Holders of shares of any class or series without voting 4 power but with preferential rights to distributions have no 5 preemptive rights with respect to shares of any class or 6 series. 7 e. Holders of shares of any class or series with voting 8 power but without preferential rights to distributions have no 9 preemptive rights with respect to shares of any class or series 10 with preferential rights to distributions unless the shares 11 with preferential rights are convertible into or carry a right 12 to subscribe for or acquire the shares without preferential 13 rights. 14 f. Shares subject to preemptive rights that are not acquired 15 by shareholders may be issued to any person for a period of one 16 year after being offered to shareholders at a consideration 17 set by the board of directors that is not lower than the 18 consideration set for the exercise of preemptive rights. An 19 offer at a lower consideration or after the expiration of one 20 year is subject to the shareholders’ preemptive rights. 21 3. As used in this section, “shares” includes a security 22 convertible into or carrying a right to subscribe for or 23 acquire shares. 24 Sec. 56. Section 490.640, Code 2021, is amended by striking 25 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 26 490.640 Distribution to shareholders. 27 1. A board of directors may authorize and the corporation 28 may make distributions to its shareholders subject to 29 restriction by the articles of incorporation and the limitation 30 in subsection 3. 31 2. The board of directors may fix the record date for 32 determining shareholders entitled to a distribution, which 33 date shall not be retroactive. If the board of directors does 34 not fix a record date for determining shareholders entitled 35 -64- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 64/ 269
H.F. 844 to a distribution, other than one involving a purchase, 1 redemption, or other acquisition of the corporation’s shares, 2 the record date is the date the board of directors authorizes 3 the distribution. 4 3. A distribution shall not be made if, after giving it 5 effect, any of the following would result: 6 a. The corporation would not be able to pay its debts as 7 they become due in the usual course of business. 8 b. The corporation’s total assets would be less than 9 the sum of its total liabilities plus, unless the articles 10 of incorporation permit otherwise, the amount that would be 11 needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time 12 of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon 13 dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights are 14 superior to those receiving the distribution. 15 4. The board of directors may base a determination 16 that a distribution is not prohibited under subsection 3 17 either on financial statements prepared on the basis of 18 accounting practices and principles that are reasonable in the 19 circumstances or on a fair valuation or other method that is 20 reasonable in the circumstances. 21 5. Except as provided in subsection 7, the effect of a 22 distribution under subsection 3 is measured as follows: 23 a. In the case of distribution by purchase, redemption, 24 or other acquisition of the corporation’s shares, as of the 25 earlier of the following: 26 (1) The date cash or other property is transferred or debt 27 to a shareholder is incurred by the corporation. 28 (2) The date the shareholder ceases to be a shareholder with 29 respect to the acquired shares. 30 b. In the case of any other distribution of indebtedness, as 31 of the date the indebtedness is distributed. 32 c. In all other cases, as of the following: 33 (1) The date the distribution is authorized if the payment 34 occurs within one hundred twenty days after the date of 35 -65- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 65/ 269
H.F. 844 authorization. 1 (2) The date the payment is made if it occurs more than one 2 hundred twenty days after the date of authorization. 3 6. A corporation’s indebtedness to a shareholder incurred 4 by reason of a distribution made in accordance with this 5 section is at parity with the corporation’s indebtedness to its 6 general, unsecured creditors except to the extent subordinated 7 by agreement. 8 7. Indebtedness of a corporation, including indebtedness 9 issued as a distribution, is not considered a liability for 10 purposes of determinations under subsection 3 if its terms 11 provide that payment of principal and interest are made 12 only if and to the extent that payment of a distribution to 13 shareholders could then be made under this section. If such 14 indebtedness is issued as a distribution, each payment of 15 principal or interest is treated as a distribution, the effect 16 of which is measured on the date the payment is actually made. 17 8. This section shall not apply to distributions in 18 liquidation under subchapter XIV. 19 Sec. 57. Section 490.701, Code 2021, is amended by striking 20 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 21 490.701 Annual meeting. 22 1. Unless directors are elected by written consent in 23 lieu of an annual meeting as permitted by section 490.704, a 24 corporation shall hold a meeting of shareholders annually, at a 25 time stated in or fixed in accordance with the bylaws, at which 26 directors shall be elected. 27 2. Unless the board of directors determines to hold the 28 meeting solely by means of remote communication in accordance 29 with section 490.709, subsection 3, annual meetings may be held 30 as follows: 31 a. In or out of this state at the place stated in or fixed 32 in accordance with the bylaws. 33 b. If no place is stated in or fixed in accordance with the 34 bylaws, at the corporation’s principal office. 35 -66- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 66/ 269
H.F. 844 3. The failure to hold an annual meeting at the time stated 1 in or fixed in accordance with a corporation’s bylaws does not 2 affect the validity of any corporate action. 3 Sec. 58. Section 490.702, subsections 1 through 4, Code 4 2021, are amended by striking the subsections and inserting in 5 lieu thereof the following: 6 1. Except as provided in subsection 5, a corporation shall 7 hold a special meeting of shareholders upon the occurrence of 8 any of the following: 9 a. On call of its board of directors or the person or 10 persons authorized to do so by the articles of incorporation 11 or bylaws. 12 b. If the shareholders holding at least ten percent of 13 all the votes entitled to be cast on an issue proposed to be 14 considered at the proposed special meeting sign, date, and 15 deliver to the corporation one or more written demands for the 16 meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is 17 to be held, provided that the articles of incorporation may 18 fix a lower percentage or a higher percentage not exceeding 19 twenty-five percent of all the votes entitled to be cast on any 20 issue proposed to be considered. Unless otherwise provided in 21 the articles of incorporation, a written demand for a special 22 meeting may be revoked by a writing to that effect received 23 by the corporation before the receipt by the corporation of 24 demands sufficient in number to require the holding of a 25 special meeting. 26 2. If not otherwise fixed under section 490.703 or 490.707, 27 the record date for determining shareholders entitled to 28 demand a special meeting shall be the first date on which a 29 signed shareholder demand is delivered to the corporation. No 30 written demand for a special meeting shall be effective unless, 31 within sixty days of the earliest date on which such a demand 32 delivered to the corporation as required by this section was 33 signed, written demands signed by shareholders holding at least 34 the percentage of votes specified in or fixed in accordance 35 -67- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 67/ 269
H.F. 844 with subsection 1, paragraph “b” , have been delivered to the 1 corporation. 2 3. Unless the board of directors determines to hold the 3 meeting solely by remote participation in accordance with 4 section 490.709, subsection 3, special meetings of shareholders 5 may be held as follows: 6 a. In or out of this state at the place stated in or fixed 7 in accordance with the bylaws. 8 b. If no place is so stated in or fixed in accordance with 9 the bylaws, at the corporation’s principal office. 10 4. Only business within the purpose or purposes described in 11 the meeting notice required by section 490.705, subsection 3, 12 may be conducted at a special meeting of shareholders. 13 Sec. 59. Section 490.702, subsection 5, Code 2021, is 14 amended to read as follows: 15 5. Notwithstanding subsections 1 through 4 , a public 16 corporation that has a class of equity securities registered 17 pursuant to section 12 of the federal Securities Exchange Act 18 of 1934 is required to hold a special meeting only upon the 19 occurrence of either any of the following: 20 a. On call of its board of directors or the person or 21 persons authorized to call a special meeting by the articles of 22 incorporation or bylaws. 23 b. If the holders of at least fifty percent of all the votes 24 entitled to be cast on any issue proposed to be considered at 25 the proposed special meeting sign, date, and deliver to the 26 corporation’s secretary one or more written demands for the 27 meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is to 28 be held. 29 Sec. 60. Section 490.703, Code 2021, is amended by striking 30 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 31 490.703 Court-ordered meeting. 32 1. The district court of the county where a corporation’s 33 principal office, or, if none in this state, its registered 34 office, is located may summarily order a meeting to be held 35 -68- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 68/ 269
H.F. 844 pursuant to any of the following: 1 a. On application of any shareholder of the corporation if 2 an annual meeting was not held or action by written consent in 3 lieu of an annual meeting did not become effective within the 4 earlier of six months after the end of the corporation’s fiscal 5 year or fifteen months after its last annual meeting. 6 b. On application of one or more shareholders who signed a 7 demand for a special meeting valid under section 490.702 if any 8 of the following applies: 9 (1) Notice of the special meeting was not given within 10 thirty days after the first day on which the requisite number 11 of such demands have been delivered to the corporation. 12 (2) The special meeting was not held in accordance with the 13 notice. 14 2. The court may fix the time and place of the meeting, 15 determine the shares entitled to participate in the meeting, 16 specify a record date or dates for determining shareholders 17 entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, prescribe the 18 form and content of the meeting notice, fix the quorum required 19 for specific matters to be considered at the meeting, or direct 20 that the shares represented at the meeting constitute a quorum 21 for action on those matters, and enter other orders necessary 22 to accomplish the purpose or purposes of the meeting. 23 3. For purposes of subsection 1, paragraph “a” , 24 shareholder” means a record shareholder, a beneficial 25 shareholder, and an unrestricted voting trust beneficial owner. 26 Sec. 61. Section 490.704, Code 2021, is amended by striking 27 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 28 490.704 Action without meeting. 29 1. Unless otherwise provided in the articles of 30 incorporation, any action required or permitted by this chapter 31 to be taken at a shareholders’ meeting may be taken without 32 a meeting or vote, and, except as provided in subsection 5, 33 without prior notice, if one or more written consents bearing 34 the date of signature and describing the action taken are 35 -69- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 69/ 269
H.F. 844 signed by the holders of outstanding shares having not less 1 than ninety percent of the votes entitled to be cast at a 2 meeting at which all shares entitled to vote on the action were 3 present and voted, and are delivered to the corporation for 4 inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records. 5 2. Except in the case of a corporation that has a class 6 of equity securities registered pursuant to section 12 of 7 the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the articles of 8 incorporation may provide that any action required or permitted 9 by this chapter to be taken at a shareholders’ meeting may be 10 taken without a meeting, and without prior notice, if consents 11 in writing setting forth the action so taken are signed by 12 the holders of outstanding shares having not less than the 13 minimum number of votes that would be required to authorize 14 or take the action at a meeting at which all shares entitled 15 to vote on the action were present and voted. However, if a 16 corporation’s articles of incorporation authorize shareholders 17 to cumulate their votes when electing directors pursuant to 18 section 490.728, directors shall not be elected by less than 19 unanimous written consent. A written consent must bear the 20 date of signature of the shareholder who signs the consent and 21 be delivered to the corporation for filing by the corporation 22 with the minutes or corporate records. 23 3. If not otherwise fixed under section 490.707 and if prior 24 action by the board of directors is not required respecting 25 the action to be taken without a meeting, the record date for 26 determining the shareholders entitled to take action without 27 a meeting shall be the first date on which a signed written 28 consent is delivered to the corporation. If not otherwise 29 fixed under section 490.707, and if prior action by the board 30 of directors is required respecting the action to be taken 31 without a meeting, the record date shall be the close of 32 business on the day the resolution of the board of directors 33 taking such prior action is adopted. No written consent 34 shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to 35 -70- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 70/ 269
H.F. 844 therein unless, within sixty days of the earliest date on 1 which a consent delivered to the corporation as required by 2 this section was signed, written consents signed by sufficient 3 shareholders to take the action have been delivered to the 4 corporation. A written consent may be revoked by a writing 5 to that effect delivered to the corporation before unrevoked 6 written consents sufficient in number to take the corporate 7 action have been delivered to the corporation. 8 4. A consent signed pursuant to the provisions of this 9 section has the effect of a vote taken at a meeting and may 10 be described as such in any document. Unless the articles 11 of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board of 12 directors provides for a reasonable delay to permit tabulation 13 of written consents, the action taken by written consent 14 shall be effective when written consents signed by sufficient 15 shareholders to take the action have been delivered to the 16 corporation. 17 5. a. If this chapter requires that notice of a proposed 18 action be given to nonvoting shareholders and the action is 19 to be taken by written consent of the voting shareholders, 20 the corporation shall give its nonvoting shareholders written 21 notice of the action not more than ten days after any of the 22 following: 23 (1) Written consents sufficient to take the action have been 24 delivered to the corporation. 25 (2) Such later date that tabulation of consents is completed 26 pursuant to an authorization under subsection 4. 27 b. The notice must reasonably describe the action taken and 28 contain or be accompanied by the same material that, under any 29 provision of this chapter, would have been required to be sent 30 to nonvoting shareholders in a notice of a meeting at which the 31 proposed action would have been submitted to the shareholders 32 for action. 33 6. a. If action is taken by less than unanimous written 34 consent of the voting shareholders, the corporation shall give 35 -71- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 71/ 269
H.F. 844 its nonconsenting voting shareholders written notice of the 1 action not more than ten days after any of the following: 2 (1) Written consents sufficient to take the action have been 3 delivered to the corporation. 4 (2) Such later date that tabulation of consents is completed 5 pursuant to an authorization under subsection 4. 6 b. The notice must reasonably describe the action taken 7 and contain or be accompanied by the same material that, under 8 any provision of this chapter, would have been required to be 9 sent to voting shareholders in a notice of a meeting at which 10 the action would have been submitted to the shareholders for 11 action. 12 7. The notice requirements in subsections 5 and 6 shall not 13 delay the effectiveness of actions taken by written consent, 14 and a failure to comply with such notice requirements shall 15 not invalidate actions taken by written consent, provided that 16 this subsection shall not be deemed to limit judicial power 17 to fashion any appropriate remedy in favor of a shareholder 18 adversely affected by a failure to give such notice within the 19 required time period. 20 Sec. 62. Section 490.705, Code 2021, is amended by striking 21 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 22 490.705 Notice of meeting. 23 1. A corporation shall notify shareholders of the date, 24 time, and place of each annual and special shareholders’ 25 meeting no fewer than ten nor more than sixty days before 26 the meeting date. If the board of directors has authorized 27 participation by means of remote communication pursuant to 28 section 490.709 for holders of any class or series of shares, 29 the notice to the holders of such class or series of shares 30 must describe the means of remote communication to be used. 31 The notice must include the record date for determining the 32 shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is 33 different from the record date for determining shareholders 34 entitled to notice of the meeting. Unless this chapter or the 35 -72- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 72/ 269
H.F. 844 articles of incorporation require otherwise, the corporation 1 is required to give notice only to shareholders entitled to 2 vote at the meeting as of the record date for determining the 3 shareholders entitled to notice of the meeting. 4 2. Unless this chapter or the articles of incorporation 5 require otherwise, the notice of an annual meeting of 6 shareholders need not include a description of the purpose or 7 purposes for which the meeting is called. 8 3. Notice of a special meeting of shareholders must include 9 a description of the purpose or purposes for which the meeting 10 is called. 11 4. If not otherwise fixed under section 490.703 or 490.707, 12 the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice 13 of and to vote at an annual or special shareholders’ meeting is 14 the day before the first notice is delivered to shareholders. 15 5. Unless the bylaws require otherwise, if an annual or 16 special shareholders’ meeting is adjourned to a different 17 date, time, or place, if any, notice need not be given of the 18 new date, time, or place, if any, if the new date, time, or 19 place, if any, is announced at the meeting before adjournment. 20 However, if a new record date for the adjourned meeting is or 21 must be fixed under section 490.707, notice of the adjourned 22 meeting shall be given under this section to shareholders 23 entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record 24 date fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting. 25 Sec. 63. Section 490.706, Code 2021, is amended by striking 26 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 27 490.706 Waiver of notice. 28 1. A shareholder may waive any notice required by this 29 chapter, or the articles of incorporation or bylaws, before or 30 after the date and time stated in the notice. The waiver must 31 be in writing, be signed by the shareholder entitled to the 32 notice, and be delivered to the corporation for filing by the 33 corporation with the minutes or corporate records. 34 2. A shareholder’s attendance at a meeting does all of the 35 -73- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 73/ 269
H.F. 844 following: 1 a. Waives objection to lack of notice or defective notice 2 of the meeting, unless the shareholder at the beginning of the 3 meeting objects to holding the meeting or transacting business 4 at the meeting. 5 b. Waives objection to consideration of a particular matter 6 at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes 7 described in the meeting notice, unless the shareholder objects 8 to considering the matter when it is presented. 9 Sec. 64. Section 490.707, Code 2021, is amended by striking 10 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 11 490.707 Record date for meeting. 12 1. The bylaws may fix or provide the manner of fixing the 13 record date or dates for one or more voting groups to determine 14 the shareholders entitled to notice of a shareholders’ meeting, 15 to demand a special meeting, to vote, or to take any other 16 action. If the bylaws do not fix or provide for fixing a record 17 date, the board of directors may fix the record date. 18 2. A record date fixed under this section shall not be more 19 than seventy days before the meeting or action requiring a 20 determination of shareholders and shall not be retroactive. 21 3. A determination of shareholders entitled to notice of 22 or to vote at a shareholders’ meeting is effective for any 23 adjournment of the meeting unless the board of directors fixes 24 a new record date or dates, which it shall do if the meeting is 25 adjourned to a date more than one hundred twenty days after the 26 date fixed for the original meeting. 27 4. If a court orders a meeting adjourned to a date more than 28 one hundred twenty days after the date fixed for the original 29 meeting, it may provide that the original record date or dates 30 continue in effect or it may fix a new record date or dates. 31 5. The record date or dates for a shareholders’ meeting 32 fixed by or in the manner provided in the bylaws or by the 33 board of directors shall be the record date for determining 34 shareholders entitled both to notice of and to vote at 35 -74- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 74/ 269
H.F. 844 the shareholders’ meeting unless, in the case of a record 1 date fixed by the board of directors and to the extent not 2 prohibited by the bylaws, the board, at the time it fixes the 3 record date for shareholders entitled to notice of the meeting, 4 fixes a later record date on or before the date of the meeting 5 to determine the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting. 6 Sec. 65. Section 490.708, Code 2021, is amended by striking 7 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 8 490.708 Conduct of meeting. 9 1. At each meeting of shareholders, a chair shall preside. 10 The chair shall be appointed as provided in the bylaws or, in 11 the absence of such provision, by the board of directors. 12 2. The chair, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws 13 provide otherwise, shall determine the order of business and 14 shall have the authority to establish rules for the conduct of 15 the meeting. 16 3. Any rules adopted for, and the conduct of, the meeting 17 shall be fair to shareholders. 18 4. The chair of the meeting shall announce at the meeting 19 when the polls close for each matter voted upon. If no 20 announcement is made, the polls shall be deemed to have closed 21 upon the final adjournment of the meeting. After the polls 22 close, no ballots, proxies, or votes nor any revocations or 23 changes to such ballots, proxies, or votes may be accepted. 24 Sec. 66. Section 490.709, Code 2021, is amended by striking 25 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 26 490.709 Remote participation in shareholders’ meetings. 27 1. Shareholders of any class or series of shares may 28 participate in any meeting of shareholders by means of remote 29 communication to the extent the board of directors authorizes 30 such participation for such class or series. Participation as 31 a shareholder by means of remote communication shall be subject 32 to such guidelines and procedures as the board of directors 33 adopts, and shall be in conformity with subsection 2. 34 2. Shareholders participating in a shareholders’ meeting 35 -75- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 75/ 269
H.F. 844 by means of remote communication shall be deemed present and 1 may vote at such a meeting if the corporation has implemented 2 reasonable measures to do all of the following: 3 a. Verify that each person participating remotely as a 4 shareholder is a shareholder. 5 b. Provide such shareholders a reasonable opportunity to 6 participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to 7 the shareholders, including an opportunity to communicate, and 8 to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially 9 concurrently with such proceedings. 10 3. Unless the bylaws require the meeting of shareholders to 11 be held at a place, the board of directors may determine that 12 any meeting of shareholders shall not be held at any place and 13 shall instead be held solely by means of remote communication, 14 but only if the corporation implements the measures specified 15 in subsection 2. 16 Sec. 67. Section 490.720, Code 2021, is amended by striking 17 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 18 490.720 Shareholders’ list for meeting. 19 1. After fixing a record date for a meeting, a corporation 20 shall prepare an alphabetical list of the names of all its 21 shareholders who are entitled to notice of a shareholders’ 22 meeting. If the board of directors fixes a different record 23 date under section 490.707, subsection 5, to determine the 24 shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, a corporation 25 also shall prepare an alphabetical list of the names of all 26 its shareholders who are entitled to vote at the meeting. A 27 list must be arranged by voting group and within each voting 28 group by class or series of shares, and show the address of and 29 number of shares held by each shareholder. Nothing contained 30 in this subsection shall require the corporation to include 31 on such list the electronic mail address or other electronic 32 contact information of a shareholder. 33 2. a. The shareholders’ list for notice shall be available 34 for inspection by any shareholder, beginning two business 35 -76- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 76/ 269
H.F. 844 days after notice of the meeting is given for which the 1 list was prepared and continuing through the meeting. The 2 shareholders’ list for notice shall be made available at any 3 of the following: 4 (1) The corporation’s principal office or at a place 5 identified in the meeting notice in the city where the meeting 6 will be held. 7 (2) A reasonably accessible electronic network, provided 8 that the information required to gain access to such list is 9 provided with the notice of the meeting. In the event that 10 the corporation determines to make the list available on 11 an electronic network, the corporation may take reasonable 12 steps to ensure that such information is available only to 13 shareholders of the corporation. 14 b. A shareholders’ list for voting shall be similarly 15 available for inspection promptly after the record date for 16 voting. A shareholder, or the shareholder’s agent or attorney, 17 is entitled on written demand to inspect and, subject to the 18 requirements of section 490.1602, subsection 3, to copy a list, 19 during regular business hours and at the shareholder’s expense, 20 during the period it is available for inspection. 21 3. If the meeting is to be held at a place, the corporation 22 shall make the list of shareholders entitled to vote available 23 at the meeting, and any shareholder, or the shareholder’s 24 agent or attorney, is entitled to inspect the list at any time 25 during the meeting or any adjournment. If the meeting is to be 26 held solely by means of remote communication, then such list 27 shall also be open to such inspection during the meeting on a 28 reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information 29 required to access such list shall be provided with the notice 30 of the meeting. 31 4. If the corporation refuses to allow a shareholder, or 32 the shareholder’s agent or attorney, to inspect a shareholders’ 33 list before or at the meeting, or copy a list as permitted 34 by subsection 2, the district court of the county where a 35 -77- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 77/ 269
H.F. 844 corporation’s principal office or, if none in this state, 1 its registered office, is located, on application of the 2 shareholder, may summarily order the inspection or copying at 3 the corporation’s expense and may postpone the meeting for 4 which the list was prepared until the inspection or copying is 5 complete. 6 5. Refusal or failure to prepare or make available the 7 shareholders’ list does not affect the validity of action taken 8 at the meeting. 9 Sec. 68. Section 490.721, Code 2021, is amended by striking 10 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 11 490.721 Voting entitlement of shares. 12 1. Except as provided in subsections 2 and 4 or unless the 13 articles of incorporation provide otherwise, each outstanding 14 share, regardless of class or series, is entitled to one vote 15 on each matter voted on at a shareholders’ meeting. Only 16 shares are entitled to vote. 17 2. Shares of a corporation are not entitled to vote if they 18 are owned by or otherwise belong to the corporation directly, 19 or indirectly through an entity of which a majority of the 20 voting power is held directly or indirectly by the corporation 21 or which is otherwise controlled by the corporation. 22 3. Shares held by the corporation in a fiduciary capacity 23 for the benefit of any person are entitled to vote unless 24 they are held for the benefit of, or otherwise belong to, the 25 corporation directly, or indirectly through an entity of which 26 a majority of the voting power is held directly or indirectly 27 by the corporation or which is otherwise controlled by the 28 corporation. 29 4. Redeemable shares are not entitled to vote after 30 delivery of written notice of redemption is effective and a 31 sum sufficient to redeem the shares has been deposited with a 32 bank, trust company, or other financial institution under an 33 irrevocable obligation to pay the holders the redemption price 34 on surrender of the shares. 35 -78- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 78/ 269
H.F. 844 5. As used in this section, “voting power” means the current 1 power to vote in the election of directors of a corporation or 2 to elect, select, or appoint governors of another entity. 3 Sec. 69. Section 490.722, Code 2021, is amended by striking 4 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 5 490.722 Proxies. 6 1. A shareholder may vote the shareholder’s shares in person 7 or by proxy. 8 2. A shareholder, or the shareholder’s agent or 9 attorney-in-fact, may appoint a proxy to vote or otherwise 10 act for the shareholder by signing an appointment form, or 11 by an electronic transmission. An electronic transmission 12 must contain or be accompanied by information from which the 13 recipient can determine the date of the transmission and that 14 the transmission was authorized by the sender or the sender’s 15 agent or attorney-in-fact. 16 3. An appointment of a proxy is effective when a signed 17 appointment form or an electronic transmission of the 18 appointment is received by the inspector of election or 19 the officer or agent of the corporation authorized to count 20 votes. An appointment is valid for the term provided in the 21 appointment form, and, if no term is provided, is valid for 22 eleven months unless the appointment is irrevocable under 23 subsection 4. 24 4. An appointment of a proxy is revocable unless the 25 appointment form or electronic transmission states that it is 26 irrevocable and the appointment is coupled with an interest. 27 Appointments coupled with an interest include, but are not 28 limited to, the appointment of any of the following: 29 a. A pledgee. 30 b. A person who purchased or agreed to purchase the shares. 31 c. A creditor of the corporation who extended the 32 corporation credit under terms requiring the appointment. 33 d. An employee of the corporation whose employment contract 34 requires the appointment. 35 -79- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 79/ 269
H.F. 844 e. A party to a voting agreement created under section 1 490.731. 2 5. The death or incapacity of the shareholder appointing 3 a proxy does not affect the right of the corporation to 4 accept the proxy’s authority unless notice of the death or 5 incapacity is received by the secretary or other officer or 6 agent authorized to tabulate votes before the proxy exercises 7 the proxy’s authority under the appointment. 8 6. An appointment made irrevocable under subsection 4 9 is revoked when the interest with which it is coupled is 10 extinguished. 11 7. Unless it otherwise provides, an appointment made 12 irrevocable under subsection 4 continues in effect after 13 a transfer of the shares and a transferee takes subject 14 to the appointment, except that a transferee for value of 15 shares subject to an irrevocable appointment may revoke the 16 appointment if the transferee did not know of its existence 17 when acquiring the shares and the existence of the irrevocable 18 appointment was not noted conspicuously on the certificate 19 representing the shares or on the information statement for 20 shares without certificates. 21 8. Subject to section 490.724 and to any express limitation 22 on the proxy’s authority stated in the appointment form or 23 electronic transmission, a corporation is entitled to accept 24 the proxy’s vote or other action as that of the shareholder 25 making the appointment. 26 Sec. 70. Section 490.723, Code 2021, is amended by striking 27 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 28 490.723 Shares held by intermediaries and nominees. 29 1. A corporation’s board of directors may establish a 30 procedure under which a person on whose behalf shares are 31 registered in the name of an intermediary or nominee may elect 32 to be treated by the corporation as the record shareholder by 33 filing with the corporation a beneficial ownership certificate. 34 The terms, conditions, and limitations of this treatment shall 35 -80- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 80/ 269
H.F. 844 be specified in the procedure. To the extent such person is 1 treated under such procedure as having rights or privileges 2 that the record shareholder otherwise would have, the record 3 shareholder shall not have those rights or privileges. 4 2. The procedure must specify all of the following: 5 a. The types of intermediaries or nominees to which it 6 applies. 7 b. The rights or privileges that the corporation recognizes 8 in a person with respect to whom a beneficial ownership 9 certificate is filed. 10 c. The manner in which the procedure is selected which must 11 include that the beneficial ownership certificate be signed or 12 assented to by or on behalf of the record shareholder and the 13 person on whose behalf the shares are held. 14 d. The information that must be provided when the procedure 15 is selected. 16 e. The period for which selection of the procedure is 17 effective. 18 f. Requirements for notice to the corporation with respect 19 to the arrangement. 20 g. The form and contents of the beneficial ownership 21 certificate. 22 3. The procedure may specify any other aspects of the rights 23 and duties created by the filing of a beneficial ownership 24 certificate. 25 Sec. 71. Section 490.724, Code 2021, is amended by striking 26 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 27 490.724 Acceptance of votes and other instruments. 28 1. If the name signed on a vote, ballot, consent, waiver, 29 shareholder demand, or proxy appointment corresponds to the 30 name of a shareholder, the corporation, if acting in good 31 faith, is entitled to accept the vote, ballot, consent, waiver, 32 shareholder demand, or proxy appointment and give it effect as 33 the act of the shareholder. 34 2. If the name signed on a vote, ballot, consent, waiver, 35 -81- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 81/ 269
H.F. 844 shareholder demand, or proxy appointment does not correspond to 1 the name of its shareholder, the corporation, if acting in good 2 faith, is nevertheless entitled to accept the vote, ballot, 3 consent, waiver, shareholder demand, or proxy appointment and 4 give it effect as the act of the shareholder if any of the 5 following applies: 6 a. The shareholder is an entity and the name signed purports 7 to be that of an officer or agent of the entity. 8 b. The name signed purports to be that of an administrator, 9 executor, guardian, or conservator representing the shareholder 10 and, if the corporation requests, evidence of fiduciary status 11 acceptable to the corporation has been presented with respect 12 to the vote, ballot, consent, waiver, shareholder demand, or 13 proxy appointment. 14 c. The name signed purports to be that of a receiver 15 or trustee in bankruptcy of the shareholder and, if the 16 corporation requests, evidence of this status acceptable 17 to the corporation has been presented with respect to the 18 vote, ballot, consent, waiver, shareholder demand, or proxy 19 appointment. 20 d. The name signed purports to be that of a pledgee, 21 beneficial owner, or attorney-in-fact of the shareholder 22 and, if the corporation requests, evidence acceptable to 23 the corporation of the signatory’s authority to sign for 24 the shareholder has been presented with respect to the 25 vote, ballot, consent, waiver, shareholder demand, or proxy 26 appointment. 27 e. Two or more persons are the shareholder as co-tenants or 28 fiduciaries and the name signed purports to be the name of at 29 least one of the co-owners and the person signing appears to be 30 acting on behalf of all the co-owners. 31 3. The corporation is entitled to reject a vote, ballot, 32 consent, waiver, shareholder demand, or proxy appointment if 33 the person authorized to accept or reject such instrument, 34 acting in good faith, has reasonable basis for doubt about 35 -82- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 82/ 269
H.F. 844 the validity of the signature on it or about the signatory’s 1 authority to sign for the shareholder. 2 4. Neither the corporation or any person authorized by it, 3 nor an inspector of election appointed under section 490.729, 4 that accepts or rejects a vote, ballot, consent, waiver, 5 shareholder demand, or proxy appointment in good faith and 6 in accordance with the standards of this section or section 7 490.722, subsection 2, is liable in damages to the shareholder 8 for the consequences of the acceptance or rejection. 9 5. Corporate action based on the acceptance or rejection 10 of a vote, ballot, consent, waiver, shareholder demand, or 11 proxy appointment under this section is valid unless a court of 12 competent jurisdiction determines otherwise. 13 6. If an inspector of election has been appointed under 14 section 490.729, the inspector of election also has the 15 authority to request information and make determinations 16 under subsections 1, 2, and 3. Any determination made by the 17 inspector of election under those subsections is controlling. 18 Sec. 72. Section 490.725, Code 2021, is amended by striking 19 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 20 490.725 Quorum and voting requirements for voting groups. 21 1. Shares entitled to vote as a separate voting group 22 may take action on a matter at a meeting only if a quorum of 23 those shares exists with respect to that matter. Unless the 24 articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, shares 25 representing a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on 26 the matter by the voting group constitutes a quorum of that 27 voting group for action on that matter. Whenever this chapter 28 requires a particular quorum for a specified action, the 29 articles of incorporation shall not provide for a lower quorum. 30 2. Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, 31 it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of 32 the meeting and for any adjournment of that meeting unless a 33 new record date is or must be fixed for that adjourned meeting. 34 3. If a quorum exists, action on a matter, other than the 35 -83- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 83/ 269
H.F. 844 election of directors, by a voting group is approved if the 1 votes cast within the voting group favoring the action exceed 2 the votes cast opposing the action, unless the articles of 3 incorporation require a greater number of affirmative votes. 4 4. An amendment of the articles of incorporation adding, 5 changing, or deleting a quorum or voting requirement for a 6 voting group greater than specified in subsection 1 or 3 is 7 governed by section 490.727. 8 5. The election of directors is governed by section 490.728. 9 6. Whenever a provision of this chapter provides for voting 10 of classes or series as separate voting groups, the rules 11 provided in section 490.1004, subsection 3, for amendments of 12 the articles of incorporation apply to that provision. 13 Sec. 73. Section 490.726, Code 2021, is amended by striking 14 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 15 490.726 Action by single or multiple voting groups. 16 1. If the articles of incorporation or this chapter provide 17 for voting by a single voting group on a matter, action on 18 that matter is taken when voted upon by that voting group as 19 provided in section 490.725. 20 2. If the articles of incorporation or this chapter provide 21 for voting by two or more voting groups on a matter, action 22 on that matter is taken only when voted upon by each of those 23 voting groups counted separately as provided in section 24 490.725. Action may be taken by different voting groups on a 25 matter at different times. 26 Sec. 74. Section 490.727, Code 2021, is amended by striking 27 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 28 490.727 Modifying quorum or voting requirements. 29 An amendment to the articles of incorporation or bylaws 30 that adds, changes, or deletes a quorum or voting requirement 31 shall meet the same quorum requirement and be adopted by the 32 same vote and voting groups required to take action under the 33 quorum and voting requirements then in effect or proposed to be 34 adopted, whichever is greater. 35 -84- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 84/ 269
H.F. 844 Sec. 75. Section 490.728, Code 2021, is amended by striking 1 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 2 490.728 Voting for directors —— cumulative voting. 3 1. Unless otherwise provided in the articles of 4 incorporation, directors are elected by a plurality of the 5 votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in the election at a 6 meeting at which a quorum is present. 7 2. Shareholders do not have a right to cumulate their votes 8 for directors unless the articles of incorporation so provide. 9 3. A statement included in the articles of incorporation 10 that “[all] [a designated voting group of] shareholders are 11 entitled to cumulate their votes for directors”, or words of 12 similar import, means that the shareholders designated are 13 entitled to multiply the number of votes they are entitled to 14 cast by the number of directors for whom they are entitled to 15 vote and cast the product for a single candidate or distribute 16 the product among two or more candidates. 17 4. Shares otherwise entitled to vote cumulatively shall not 18 be voted cumulatively at a particular meeting unless any of the 19 following applies: 20 a. The meeting notice or proxy statement accompanying 21 the notice states conspicuously that cumulative voting is 22 authorized. 23 b. A shareholder who has the right to cumulate the 24 shareholder’s votes gives notice to the corporation not less 25 than forty-eight hours before the time set for the meeting of 26 the shareholder’s intent to cumulate votes during the meeting, 27 and if one shareholder gives this notice all other shareholders 28 in the same voting group participating in the election are 29 entitled to cumulate their votes without giving further notice. 30 Sec. 76. Section 490.729, Code 2021, is amended by striking 31 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 32 490.729 Inspectors of election. 33 1. A corporation that has a class of equity securities 34 registered pursuant to section 12 of the federal Securities 35 -85- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 85/ 269
H.F. 844 Exchange Act of 1934 shall, and any other corporation 1 may, appoint one or more inspectors to act at a meeting of 2 shareholders in connection with determining voting results. 3 Each inspector shall verify in writing that the inspector 4 will faithfully execute the duties of inspector with strict 5 impartiality and according to the best of the inspector’s 6 ability. An inspector may be an officer or employee of the 7 corporation. The inspectors may appoint or retain other 8 persons to assist the inspectors in the performance of the 9 duties of inspector under subsection 2, and may rely on 10 information provided by such persons and other persons, 11 including those appointed to tabulate votes, unless the 12 inspectors believe reliance is unwarranted. 13 2. The inspectors shall do all of the following: 14 a. Ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting 15 power of each. 16 b. Determine the shares represented at a meeting. 17 c. Determine the validity of proxy appointments and ballots. 18 d. Count all votes. 19 e. Make a written report of the results. 20 3. In performing their duties, the inspectors may examine 21 any of the following: 22 a. The proxy appointment forms and any other information 23 provided in accordance with section 490.722, subsection 2. 24 b. Any envelope or related writing submitted with those 25 appointment forms. 26 c. Any ballots. 27 d. Any evidence or other information specified in section 28 490.724. 29 e. The relevant books and records of the corporation 30 relating to its shareholders and their entitlement to vote, 31 including any securities position list provided by a depository 32 clearing agency. 33 4. a. The inspectors also may consider other information 34 that they believe is relevant and reliable for the purpose 35 -86- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 86/ 269
H.F. 844 of performing any of the duties assigned to them pursuant to 1 subsection 2, including for all of the following purposes: 2 (1) Evaluating inconsistent, incomplete, or erroneous 3 information. 4 (2) Reconciling information submitted on behalf of banks, 5 brokers, their nominees, or similar persons that indicates 6 more votes being cast than a proxy authorized by the record 7 shareholder is entitled to cast. 8 b. If the inspectors consider other information allowed by 9 this subsection, they shall in their report under subsection 10 2 specify the information considered by them, including the 11 purpose or purposes for which the information was considered, 12 the person or persons from whom they obtained the information, 13 when the information was obtained, the means by which the 14 information was obtained, and the basis for the inspectors’ 15 belief that such information is relevant and reliable. 16 5. Determinations of law by the inspectors of election are 17 subject to de novo review by a court in a proceeding under 18 section 490.749 or other judicial proceeding. 19 Sec. 77. Section 490.730, Code 2021, is amended by striking 20 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 21 490.730 Voting trusts. 22 1. One or more shareholders may create a voting trust, 23 conferring on a trustee the right to vote or otherwise act for 24 them, by signing an agreement setting out the provisions of the 25 trust, which may include anything consistent with its purpose, 26 and transferring their shares to the trustee. When a voting 27 trust agreement is signed, the trustee shall prepare a list of 28 the names and addresses of all voting trust beneficial owners, 29 together with the number and class of shares each transferred 30 to the trust, and deliver copies of the list and agreement to 31 the corporation at its principal office. 32 2. A voting trust becomes effective on the date the first 33 shares subject to the trust are registered in the trustee’s 34 name. 35 -87- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 87/ 269
H.F. 844 3. Limits, if any, on the duration of a voting trust shall 1 be as set forth in the voting trust. A voting trust that became 2 effective between December 31, 1989, and June 30, 2014, both 3 dates inclusive, is governed by the provisions of this section 4 concerning duration then in effect, unless the voting trust 5 is amended to provide otherwise by unanimous agreement of the 6 parties to the voting trust. 7 Sec. 78. Section 490.731, Code 2021, is amended by striking 8 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 9 490.731 Voting agreement. 10 1. Two or more shareholders may provide for the manner in 11 which they will vote their shares by signing an agreement for 12 that purpose. A voting agreement created under this section is 13 not subject to the provisions of section 490.730. 14 2. A voting agreement created under this section is 15 specifically enforceable. 16 Sec. 79. Section 490.732, Code 2021, is amended by striking 17 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 18 490.732 Shareholder agreement. 19 1. An agreement among the shareholders of a corporation that 20 complies with this section is effective among the shareholders 21 and the corporation even though it is inconsistent with one or 22 more other provisions of this chapter in that it does any of 23 the following: 24 a. Eliminates the board of directors or restricts the 25 discretion or powers of the board of directors. 26 b. Governs the authorization or making of distributions, 27 regardless of whether they are in proportion to ownership of 28 shares, subject to the limitations in section 490.640. 29 c. Establishes who shall be directors or officers of the 30 corporation, or their terms of office or manner of selection 31 or removal. 32 d. Governs, in general or in regard to specific matters, 33 the exercise or division of voting power by or between 34 the shareholders and directors or by or among any of them, 35 -88- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 88/ 269
H.F. 844 including use of weighted voting rights or director proxies. 1 e. Establishes the terms and conditions of any agreement for 2 the transfer or use of property or the provision of services 3 between the corporation and any shareholder, director, officer, 4 or employee of the corporation, or among any of them. 5 f. Transfers to one or more shareholders or other persons 6 all or part of the authority to exercise the corporate powers 7 or to manage the business and affairs of the corporation, 8 including the resolution of any issue about which there exists 9 a deadlock among directors or shareholders. 10 g. Requires dissolution of the corporation at the request 11 of one or more of the shareholders or upon the occurrence of a 12 specified event or contingency. 13 h. Otherwise governs the exercise of the corporate powers or 14 the management of the business and affairs of the corporation 15 or the relationship among the shareholders, the directors, and 16 the corporation, or among any of them, and is not contrary to 17 public policy. 18 2. An agreement authorized by this section shall satisfy all 19 of the following requirements: 20 a. Be as set forth in any of the following: 21 (1) The articles of incorporation or bylaws and approved by 22 all persons who are shareholders at the time of the agreement. 23 (2) A written agreement that is signed by all persons who 24 are shareholders at the time of the agreement and is made known 25 to the corporation. 26 b. Be subject to amendment only by all persons who are 27 shareholders at the time of the amendment, unless the agreement 28 provides otherwise. 29 3. The existence of an agreement authorized by this section 30 shall be noted conspicuously on the front or back of each 31 certificate for outstanding shares or on the information 32 statement required by section 490.626, subsection 2. If at the 33 time of the agreement the corporation has shares outstanding 34 represented by certificates, the corporation shall recall the 35 -89- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 89/ 269
H.F. 844 outstanding certificates and issue substitute certificates that 1 comply with this subsection. The failure to note the existence 2 of the agreement on the certificate or information statement 3 shall not affect the validity of the agreement or any action 4 taken pursuant to it. Any purchaser of shares who, at the time 5 of purchase, did not have knowledge of the existence of the 6 agreement shall be entitled to rescission of the purchase. A 7 purchaser shall be deemed to have knowledge of the existence 8 of the agreement if its existence is noted on the certificate 9 or information statement for the shares in compliance with 10 this subsection and, if the shares are not represented by a 11 certificate, the information statement is delivered to the 12 purchaser at or before the time of purchase of the shares. An 13 action to enforce the right of rescission authorized by this 14 subsection shall be commenced within the earlier of ninety days 15 after discovery of the existence of the agreement or two years 16 after the time of purchase of the shares. 17 4. If the agreement ceases to be effective for any reason, 18 the board of directors may, if the agreement is contained or 19 referred to in the corporation’s articles of incorporation or 20 bylaws, adopt an amendment to the articles of incorporation or 21 bylaws, without shareholder action, to delete the agreement and 22 any references to it. 23 5. An agreement authorized by this section that limits the 24 discretion or powers of the board of directors shall relieve 25 the directors of, and impose upon the person or persons in 26 whom such discretion or powers are vested, liability for acts 27 or omissions imposed by law on directors to the extent that 28 the discretion or powers of the directors are limited by the 29 agreement. 30 6. The existence or performance of an agreement authorized 31 by this section shall not be a ground for imposing personal 32 liability on any shareholder for the acts or debts of the 33 corporation even if the agreement or its performance treats the 34 corporation as if it were a partnership or results in failure 35 -90- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 90/ 269
H.F. 844 to observe the corporate formalities otherwise applicable to 1 the matters governed by the agreement. 2 7. Incorporators or subscribers for shares may act as 3 shareholders with respect to an agreement authorized by this 4 section if no shares have been issued when the agreement is 5 made. 6 8. Limits, if any, on the duration of an agreement 7 authorized by this section must be set forth in the agreement. 8 An agreement that became effective between January 1, 2003, 9 and June 30, 2014, both dates inclusive, unless the agreement 10 provided otherwise, remains governed by the provisions of this 11 section concerning duration then in effect. 12 Sec. 80. Section 490.740, Code 2021, is amended by striking 13 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 14 490.740 Part definitions. 15 As used in this part: 16 1. “Derivative proceeding” means a civil suit in the right 17 of a domestic corporation or, to the extent provided in section 18 490.747, in the right of a foreign corporation. 19 2. “Shareholder” means a record shareholder, a beneficial 20 shareholder, and an unrestricted voting trust beneficial owner. 21 Sec. 81. Section 490.743, Code 2021, is amended by striking 22 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 23 490.743 Stay of proceedings. 24 If the corporation commences an inquiry into the allegations 25 made in the demand or complaint, the court may stay any 26 derivative proceeding for such period as the court deems 27 appropriate. 28 Sec. 82. Section 490.744, Code 2021, is amended by striking 29 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 30 490.744 Dismissal. 31 1. A derivative proceeding shall be dismissed by the court 32 on motion by the corporation if one of the groups specified 33 in subsection 2 or 5 has determined in good faith, after 34 conducting a reasonable inquiry upon which its conclusions are 35 -91- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 91/ 269
H.F. 844 based, that the maintenance of the derivative proceeding is 1 not in the best interests of the corporation. A corporation 2 moving to dismiss on this basis shall submit in support of the 3 motion a short and concise statement of the reasons for its 4 determination. 5 2. Unless a panel is appointed pursuant to subsection 5, 6 the determination in subsection 1 shall be made by any of the 7 following: 8 a. A majority vote of qualified directors present at a 9 meeting of the board of directors if the qualified directors 10 constitute a quorum. 11 b. A majority vote of a committee consisting of two or more 12 qualified directors appointed by majority vote of qualified 13 directors present at a meeting of the board of directors, 14 regardless of whether such qualified directors constitute a 15 quorum. 16 3. a. If a derivative proceeding is commenced after 17 a determination has been made rejecting a demand by a 18 shareholder, the complaint shall allege with particularity 19 facts establishing any of the following: 20 (1) That a majority of the board of directors did not 21 consist of qualified directors at the time the determination 22 was made. 23 (2) That the requirements of subsection 1 have not been met. 24 b. All discovery and other proceedings shall be stayed 25 during the pendency of any motion to dismiss unless the 26 court finds upon the motion of any party that particularized 27 discovery is necessary to preserve evidence or prevent undue 28 prejudice to that party. 29 4. If a majority of the board of directors consisted 30 of qualified directors at the time the determination was 31 made, the plaintiff shall have the burden of proving that 32 the requirements of subsection 1 have not been met; if not, 33 the corporation shall have the burden of proving that the 34 requirements of subsection 1 have been met. 35 -92- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 92/ 269
H.F. 844 5. Upon motion by the corporation, the court may appoint 1 a panel of one or more individuals to make a determination 2 whether the maintenance of the derivative proceeding is in the 3 best interests of the corporation. In such case, the plaintiff 4 shall have the burden of proving that the requirements of 5 subsection 1 have not been met. 6 Sec. 83. Section 490.745, Code 2021, is amended by striking 7 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 8 490.745 Discontinuance or settlement. 9 A derivative proceeding shall not be discontinued or settled 10 without the court’s approval. If the court determines that a 11 proposed discontinuance or settlement will substantially affect 12 the interests of the corporation’s shareholders or a class or 13 series of shareholders, the court shall direct that notice be 14 given to the shareholders affected. 15 Sec. 84. Section 490.746, Code 2021, is amended by striking 16 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 17 490.746 Payment of expenses. 18 On termination of the derivative proceeding, the court may 19 do any of the following: 20 1. Order the corporation to pay the plaintiff’s expenses 21 incurred in the proceeding if it finds that the proceeding has 22 resulted in a substantial benefit to the corporation. 23 2. Order the plaintiff to pay any defendant’s expenses 24 incurred in defending the proceeding if it finds that the 25 proceeding was commenced or maintained without reasonable cause 26 or for an improper purpose. 27 3. Order a party to pay an opposing party’s expenses 28 incurred because of the filing of a pleading, motion, or other 29 paper, if it finds that any of the following apply: 30 a. The pleading, motion, or other paper was not well 31 grounded in fact, after reasonable inquiry, or warranted by 32 existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, 33 modification, or reversal of existing law. 34 b. The pleading, motion, or other paper was interposed for 35 -93- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 93/ 269
H.F. 844 an improper purpose, such as to harass or cause unnecessary 1 delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. 2 Sec. 85. Section 490.748, Code 2021, is amended by striking 3 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 4 490.748 Shareholder action to appoint custodian or receiver. 5 1. The district court of the county where a corporation’s 6 principal office or, if none in this state, its registered 7 office, is located may appoint one or more persons to be 8 custodians, or, if the corporation is insolvent, to be 9 receivers, of and for a corporation in a proceeding by a 10 shareholder where it is established that any of the following 11 applies: 12 a. The directors are deadlocked in the management of 13 the corporate affairs, the shareholders are unable to break 14 the deadlock, and irreparable injury to the corporation is 15 threatened or being suffered. 16 b. The directors or those in control of the corporation are 17 acting fraudulently and irreparable injury to the corporation 18 is threatened or being suffered. 19 2. a. The district court may issue injunctions, appoint a 20 temporary custodian or temporary receiver with all the powers 21 and duties the district court directs, take other action to 22 preserve the corporate assets wherever located, and carry on 23 the business of the corporation until a full hearing is held. 24 b. The district court shall hold a full hearing, after 25 notifying all parties to the proceeding and any interested 26 persons designated by the district court, before appointing a 27 custodian or receiver. 28 c. The district court has jurisdiction over the corporation 29 and all of its property, wherever located. 30 3. The district court may appoint an individual or domestic 31 or foreign corporation, registered to do business in this 32 state, as a custodian or receiver and may require the custodian 33 or receiver to post bond, with or without sureties, in an 34 amount the district court directs. 35 -94- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 94/ 269
H.F. 844 4. The district court shall describe the powers and duties 1 of the custodian or receiver in its appointing order, which may 2 be amended from time to time. Among other powers, all of the 3 following apply: 4 a. A custodian may exercise all of the powers of the 5 corporation, through or in place of its board of directors, to 6 the extent necessary to manage the business and affairs of the 7 corporation. 8 b. A receiver may do any of the following: 9 (1) Dispose of all or any part of the assets of the 10 corporation wherever located, at a public or private sale, if 11 authorized by the district court. 12 (2) Sue and defend in the receiver’s own name as receiver in 13 all courts of this state. 14 5. The district court during a custodianship may 15 redesignate the custodian a receiver, and during a receivership 16 may redesignate the receiver a custodian, if doing so is in the 17 best interests of the corporation. 18 6. The district court from time to time during the 19 custodianship or receivership may order compensation paid and 20 expense disbursements or reimbursements made to the custodian 21 or receiver from the assets of the corporation or proceeds from 22 the sale of its assets. 23 7. As used in this section, “shareholder” means a record 24 shareholder, a beneficial shareholder, and an unrestricted 25 voting trust beneficial owner. 26 Sec. 86. NEW SECTION . 490.749 Judicial determination of 27 corporate offices and review of elections and shareholder votes. 28 1. Upon application of or in a proceeding commenced by a 29 person specified in subsection 2, the district court of the 30 county where the corporation’s principal office or, if none in 31 this state, its registered office, is located may determine all 32 of the following: 33 a. The result or validity of the election, appointment, 34 removal, or resignation of a director or officer of the 35 -95- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 95/ 269
H.F. 844 corporation. 1 b. The right of an individual to hold the office of director 2 or officer of the corporation. 3 c. The result or validity of any vote by the shareholders 4 of the corporation. 5 d. The right of a director to membership on a committee of 6 the board of directors. 7 e. The right of a person to nominate or an individual to 8 be nominated as a candidate for election or appointment as 9 a director of the corporation, and any right under a bylaw 10 adopted pursuant to section 490.206, subsection 3, or any 11 comparable right under any provision of the articles of 12 incorporation, contract, or applicable law. 13 2. An application or proceeding pursuant to subsection 1 may 14 be filed or commenced by any of the following persons: 15 a. The corporation. 16 b. Any record shareholder, beneficial shareholder, or 17 unrestricted voting trust beneficial owner of the corporation. 18 c. A director of the corporation, an individual claiming 19 the office of director, or a director whose membership on a 20 committee of the board of directors is contested, in each case 21 who is seeking a determination of a right to such office or 22 membership. 23 d. An officer of the corporation or an individual claiming 24 to be an officer of the corporation, in each case who is 25 seeking a determination of a right to such office. 26 e. A person claiming a right covered by subsection 1, 27 paragraph “e” , and who is seeking a determination of such right. 28 3. In connection with any application or proceeding under 29 subsection 1, the following shall be named as defendants, 30 unless such person made the application or commenced the 31 proceeding: 32 a. The corporation. 33 b. Any individual whose right to office or membership on a 34 committee of the board of directors is contested. 35 -96- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 96/ 269
H.F. 844 c. Any individual claiming the office or membership at 1 issue. 2 d. Any person claiming a right covered by subsection 1, 3 paragraph “e” , that is at issue. 4 4. In connection with any application or proceeding under 5 subsection 1, service of process may be made upon each of the 6 persons specified in subsection 3, by any of the following: 7 a. Service of process on the corporation addressed to such 8 person in any manner provided by statute of this state or by 9 rule of the applicable court for service on the corporation. 10 b. Service of process on the person in any manner provided 11 by statute of this state or by rule of the applicable court. 12 5. When service of process is made upon a person other than 13 the corporation by service upon the corporation pursuant to 14 subsection 4, paragraph “a” , the plaintiff and the corporation 15 or its registered agent shall promptly provide written notice 16 of such service, together with copies of all process and the 17 application or complaint, to the person at the person’s last 18 known residence or business address, or as permitted by statute 19 of this state or by rule of the applicable court. 20 6. In connection with any application or proceeding under 21 subsection 1, the court shall dispose of the application or 22 proceeding on an expedited basis and also may do any of the 23 following: 24 a. Order such additional or further notice as the court 25 deems proper under the circumstances. 26 b. Order that additional persons be joined as parties to 27 the proceeding if the court determines that such joinder is 28 necessary for a just adjudication of matters before the court. 29 c. Order an election or meeting be held in accordance with 30 the provisions of section 490.703, subsection 2, or otherwise. 31 d. Appoint a master to conduct an election or meeting. 32 e. Enter temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctive 33 relief. 34 f. Resolve solely for the purpose of this proceeding any 35 -97- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 97/ 269
H.F. 844 legal or factual issues necessary for the resolution of any of 1 the matters specified in subsection 1, including the right and 2 power of persons claiming to own shares to vote at any meeting 3 of the shareholders. 4 g. Order such other relief as the court determines is 5 equitable, just, and proper. 6 7. It is not necessary to make shareholders a party to 7 a proceeding or application pursuant to this section unless 8 the shareholder is a required defendant under subsection 9 3, paragraph “d” , relief is sought against the shareholder 10 individually, or the court orders joinder pursuant to 11 subsection 6, paragraph “b” . 12 8. Nothing in this section limits, restricts, or abolishes 13 the subject matter jurisdiction or powers of the court 14 as existed before the enactment of this section, and an 15 application or proceeding pursuant to this section is not the 16 exclusive remedy or proceeding available with respect to the 17 matters specified in subsection 1. 18 Sec. 87. Section 490.801, Code 2021, is amended by striking 19 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 20 490.801 Requirement for and functions of board of directors. 21 1. Except as may be provided in an agreement authorized 22 under section 490.732, each corporation shall have a board of 23 directors. 24 2. Except as may be provided in an agreement authorized 25 under section 490.732, and subject to any limitation in 26 the articles of incorporation permitted by section 490.202, 27 subsection 2, all corporate powers shall be exercised by or 28 under the authority of the board of directors, and the business 29 and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by or under 30 the direction, and subject to the oversight, of the board of 31 directors. 32 Sec. 88. Section 490.802, Code 2021, is amended by striking 33 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 34 490.802 Qualifications of directors. 35 -98- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 98/ 269
H.F. 844 1. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may prescribe 1 qualifications for directors or for nominees for directors. 2 Qualifications must be reasonable as applied to the corporation 3 and be lawful. 4 2. A requirement that is based on a past, prospective, 5 or current action, or expression of opinion, by a nominee 6 or director that could limit the ability of a nominee or 7 director to discharge his or her duties as a director is not a 8 permissible qualification under this section. Notwithstanding 9 the foregoing, qualifications may include not being or having 10 been subject to specified criminal, civil, or regulatory 11 sanctions or not having been removed as a director by judicial 12 action or for cause. 13 3. A director need not be a resident of this state or a 14 shareholder unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws so 15 prescribe. 16 4. A qualification for nomination for director prescribed 17 before a person’s nomination shall apply to such person at 18 the time of nomination. A qualification for nomination for 19 director prescribed after a person’s nomination shall not apply 20 to such person with respect to such nomination. 21 5. A qualification for director prescribed before a 22 director has been elected or appointed may apply only at the 23 time an individual becomes a director or may apply during a 24 director’s term. A qualification prescribed after a director 25 has been elected or appointed shall not apply to that director 26 before the end of that director’s term. 27 Sec. 89. Section 490.803, Code 2021, is amended by striking 28 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 29 490.803 Number and election of directors. 30 1. A board of directors shall consist of one or more 31 individuals, with the number specified in or fixed in 32 accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws. 33 2. The number of directors may be increased or decreased 34 from time to time by amendment to, or in the manner provided 35 -99- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 99/ 269
H.F. 844 in, the articles of incorporation or bylaws. 1 3. Directors are elected at the first annual shareholders’ 2 meeting and at each annual shareholders’ meeting thereafter 3 unless elected by written consent in lieu of an annual meeting 4 as permitted by section 490.704 or unless their terms are 5 staggered under section 490.806. 6 Sec. 90. Section 490.804, Code 2021, is amended by striking 7 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 8 490.804 Election of directors by certain classes of series 9 of shares. 10 If the articles of incorporation or action by the board of 11 directors pursuant to section 490.602 authorize dividing the 12 shares into classes or series, the articles of incorporation 13 may also authorize the election of all or a specified number 14 of directors by the holders of one or more authorized classes 15 or series of shares. A class or series, or multiple classes 16 or series, of shares entitled to elect one or more directors 17 is a separate voting group for purposes of the election of 18 directors. 19 Sec. 91. Section 490.805, Code 2021, is amended by striking 20 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 21 490.805 Terms of directors generally. 22 1. The terms of the initial directors of a corporation 23 expire at the first shareholders’ meeting at which directors 24 are elected. 25 2. a. The terms of all other directors expire at the 26 next, or if their terms are staggered in accordance with 27 section 490.806, at the applicable second or third, annual 28 shareholders’ meeting following their election. 29 b. Paragraph “a” does not apply in any of the following 30 circumstances: 31 (1) To the extent provided in section 490.1022 if a bylaw 32 electing to be governed by that section is in effect. 33 (2) A shorter term is specified in the articles of 34 incorporation in the event of a director nominee failing to 35 -100- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 100/ 269
H.F. 844 receive a specified vote for election. 1 3. A decrease in the number of directors does not shorten 2 an incumbent director’s term. 3 4. The term of a director elected to fill a vacancy expires 4 at the next shareholders’ meeting at which directors are 5 elected. 6 5. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the articles 7 of incorporation or under section 490.1022, if a bylaw electing 8 to be governed by that section is in effect, despite the 9 expiration of a director’s term, the director continues to 10 serve until the director’s successor is elected and qualifies 11 or there is a decrease in the number of directors. 12 Sec. 92. Section 490.806, Code 2021, is amended by striking 13 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 14 490.806 Staggered terms for directors. 15 The articles of incorporation may provide for staggering the 16 terms of directors by dividing the total number of directors 17 into two or three groups, with each group containing one-half 18 or one-third of the total, as near as may be practicable. 19 In that event, the terms of directors in the first group 20 expire at the first annual shareholders’ meeting after their 21 election, the terms of the second group expire at the second 22 annual shareholders’ meeting after their election, and the 23 terms of the third group, if any, expire at the third annual 24 shareholders’ meeting after their election. At each annual 25 shareholders’ meeting held thereafter, directors shall be 26 elected for a term of two years or three years, as the case may 27 be, to succeed those whose terms expire. 28 Sec. 93. Section 490.807, Code 2021, is amended by striking 29 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 30 490.807 Resignation of directors. 31 1. A director may resign at any time by delivering a written 32 notice of resignation to the board of directors or its chair, 33 or to the secretary. 34 2. A resignation is effective as provided in section 35 -101- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 101/ 269
H.F. 844 490.141, subsection 9, unless the resignation provides for a 1 delayed effectiveness, including effectiveness determined upon 2 a future event or events. A resignation that is conditioned 3 upon failing to receive a specified vote for election as a 4 director may provide that it is irrevocable. 5 Sec. 94. Section 490.808, Code 2021, is amended by striking 6 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 7 490.808 Removal of directors by shareholders. 8 1. The shareholders may remove one or more directors with or 9 without cause unless the articles of incorporation provide that 10 directors may be removed only for cause. 11 2. If a director is elected by a voting group of 12 shareholders, only the shareholders of that voting group may 13 participate in the vote to remove that director. 14 3. A director may be removed if the number of votes cast 15 to remove exceeds the number of votes cast not to remove the 16 director, except to the extent the articles of incorporation 17 or bylaws require a greater number. However, if cumulative 18 voting is authorized, a director shall not be removed if, in 19 the case of a meeting, the number of votes sufficient to elect 20 the director under cumulative voting is voted against removal 21 and, if action is taken by less than unanimous written consent, 22 voting shareholders entitled to the number of votes sufficient 23 to elect the director under cumulative voting do not consent 24 to the removal. 25 4. A director may be removed by the shareholders only at a 26 meeting called for the purpose of removing the director, and 27 the meeting notice must state that removal of the director is a 28 purpose of the meeting. 29 Sec. 95. Section 490.809, Code 2021, is amended by striking 30 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 31 490.809 Removal of directors by judicial proceeding. 32 1. The district court of the county where a corporation’s 33 principal office or, if none in this state, its registered 34 office, is located may remove a director from office or 35 -102- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 102/ 269
H.F. 844 may order other relief, including barring the director 1 from reelection for a period prescribed by the court, in a 2 proceeding commenced by or in the right of the corporation if 3 the court finds that all of the following apply: 4 a. The director engaged in fraudulent conduct with respect 5 to the corporation or its shareholders, grossly abused the 6 position of director, or intentionally inflicted harm on the 7 corporation. 8 b. Considering the director’s course of conduct and the 9 inadequacy of other available remedies, removal or such other 10 relief would be in the best interest of the corporation. 11 2. A shareholder proceeding on behalf of the corporation 12 under subsection 1 shall comply with all of the requirements of 13 subchapter VII, part D, except section 490.741, subsection 1. 14 Sec. 96. Section 490.810, Code 2021, is amended by striking 15 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 16 490.810 Vacancy on board of directors. 17 1. Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, 18 if a vacancy occurs on a board of directors, including a 19 vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors, 20 the vacancy may be filled in any of the following manners: 21 a. The shareholders may fill the vacancy. 22 b. The board of directors may fill the vacancy. 23 c. If the directors remaining in office are less than a 24 quorum, they may fill the vacancy by the affirmative vote of a 25 majority of all the directors remaining in office. 26 2. If the vacant office was held by a director elected by 27 a voting group of shareholders, only the holders of shares of 28 that voting group are entitled to vote to fill the vacancy 29 if it is filled by the shareholders, and only the remaining 30 directors elected by that voting group, even if less than a 31 quorum, are entitled to fill the vacancy if it is filled by the 32 directors. 33 3. A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date, by 34 reason of a resignation effective at a later date under section 35 -103- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 103/ 269
H.F. 844 490.807, subsection 2, or otherwise, may be filled before the 1 vacancy occurs but the new director shall not take office until 2 the vacancy occurs. 3 Sec. 97. Section 490.820, Code 2021, is amended by striking 4 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 5 490.820 Meetings. 6 1. The board of directors may hold regular or special 7 meetings in or out of this state. 8 2. Unless restricted by the articles of incorporation 9 or bylaws, any director may participate in any meeting 10 of the board of directors through the use of any means of 11 communication by which all directors participating may 12 simultaneously hear each other during the meeting. A director 13 participating in a meeting by this means is deemed to be 14 present in person at the meeting. 15 Sec. 98. Section 490.821, Code 2021, is amended by striking 16 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 17 490.821 Action without meeting. 18 1. Except to the extent that the articles of incorporation 19 or bylaws require that action by the board of directors be 20 taken at a meeting, action required or permitted by this 21 chapter to be taken by the board of directors may be taken 22 without a meeting if each director signs a consent describing 23 the action to be taken and delivers it to the corporation. 24 2. Action taken under this section is the act of the board 25 of directors when one or more consents signed by all the 26 directors are delivered to the corporation. The consent may 27 specify the time at which the action taken is to be effective. 28 A director’s consent may be withdrawn by a revocation signed by 29 the director and delivered to the corporation before delivery 30 to the corporation of unrevoked written consents signed by all 31 the directors. 32 3. A consent signed under this section has the effect of 33 action taken at a meeting of the board of directors and may be 34 described as such in any document. 35 -104- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 104/ 269
H.F. 844 Sec. 99. Section 490.822, Code 2021, is amended by striking 1 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 2 490.822 Notice of meeting. 3 1. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide 4 otherwise, regular meetings of the board of directors may be 5 held without notice of the date, time, place, or purpose of the 6 meeting. 7 2. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide 8 for a longer or shorter period, special meetings of the board 9 of directors shall be preceded by at least two days’ notice of 10 the date, time, and place of the meeting. The notice need not 11 describe the purpose of the special meeting unless required by 12 the articles of incorporation or bylaws. 13 Sec. 100. Section 490.823, Code 2021, is amended by striking 14 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 15 490.823 Waiver of notice. 16 1. A director may waive any notice required by this chapter, 17 the articles of incorporation, or the bylaws before or after 18 the date and time stated in the notice. Except as provided 19 by subsection 2, the waiver must be in writing, signed by 20 the director entitled to the notice, and delivered to the 21 corporation for filing by the corporation with the minutes or 22 corporate records. 23 2. A director’s attendance at or participation in a meeting 24 waives any required notice to the director of the meeting 25 unless all of the following apply: 26 a. The director at the beginning of the meeting, or promptly 27 upon arrival, objects to holding the meeting or transacting 28 business at the meeting. 29 b. The director does not, after objecting, vote for or 30 assent to action taken at the meeting. 31 Sec. 101. Section 490.824, Code 2021, is amended by striking 32 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 33 490.824 Quorum and voting. 34 1. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide 35 -105- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 105/ 269
H.F. 844 for a greater or lesser number, or unless otherwise expressly 1 provided in this chapter, a quorum of a board of directors 2 consists of a majority of the number of directors specified in 3 or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or 4 bylaws. 5 2. The quorum of the board of directors specified in 6 or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation 7 or bylaws shall not consist of less than one-third of the 8 specified or fixed number of directors. 9 3. If a quorum is present when a vote is taken, the 10 affirmative vote of a majority of directors present is the act 11 of the board of directors unless the articles of incorporation 12 or bylaws require the vote of a greater number of directors or 13 unless otherwise expressly provided in this chapter. 14 4. a. A director who is present at a meeting of the board 15 of directors or a committee when corporate action is taken is 16 deemed to have assented to the action taken unless one or more 17 of the following occurs: 18 (1) The director objects at the beginning of the meeting, or 19 promptly upon arrival, to holding it or transacting business 20 at the meeting. 21 (2) The dissent or abstention from the action taken is 22 entered in the minutes of the meeting. 23 (3) The director delivers written notice of the director’s 24 dissent or abstention to the presiding officer of the meeting 25 before its adjournment or to the corporation immediately after 26 adjournment of the meeting. 27 b. The right of dissent or abstention is not available to a 28 director who votes in favor of the action taken. 29 Sec. 102. Section 490.825, Code 2021, is amended by striking 30 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 31 490.825 Committees of the board. 32 1. Unless this chapter, the articles of incorporation, 33 or the bylaws provide otherwise, a board of directors may 34 establish one or more board committees composed exclusively 35 -106- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 106/ 269
H.F. 844 of one or more directors to perform functions of the board of 1 directors. 2 2. a. The establishment of a board committee and 3 appointment of members to it shall be approved by the greater 4 of the following: 5 (1) A majority of all the directors in office when the 6 action is taken. 7 (2) The number of directors required by the articles of 8 incorporation or bylaws to take action under section 490.824. 9 b. Paragraph “a” applies unless, in either case, this 10 chapter or the articles of incorporation provide otherwise. 11 3. Sections 490.820 through 490.824 apply to board 12 committees and their members. 13 4. A board committee may exercise the powers of the board 14 of directors under section 490.801, to the extent specified by 15 the board of directors or in the articles of incorporation or 16 bylaws, except that a board committee shall not do any of the 17 following: 18 a. Authorize or approve distributions, except according to 19 a formula or method, or within limits, prescribed by the board 20 of directors. 21 b. Approve or propose to shareholders action that this 22 chapter requires be approved by shareholders. 23 c. Fill vacancies on the board of directors or, subject to 24 subsection 5, on any board committees. 25 d. Adopt, amend, or repeal bylaws. 26 5. The board of directors may appoint one or more directors 27 as alternate members of any board committee to replace any 28 absent or disqualified member during the member’s absence 29 or disqualification. If the articles of incorporation, the 30 bylaws, or the resolution creating the board committee so 31 provide, the member or members present at any board committee 32 meeting and not disqualified from voting may, by unanimous 33 action, appoint another director to act in place of an absent 34 or disqualified member during that member’s absence or 35 -107- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 107/ 269
H.F. 844 disqualification. 1 Sec. 103. Section 490.830, Code 2021, is amended by striking 2 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 3 490.830 Standards of conduct for directors. 4 1. Each member of the board of directors, when discharging 5 the duties of a director, shall act in conformity with all of 6 the following: 7 a. In good faith. 8 b. In a manner the director reasonably believes to be in the 9 best interests of the corporation. 10 2. The members of the board of directors or a board 11 committee, when becoming informed in connection with their 12 decision-making function or devoting attention to their 13 oversight function, shall discharge their duties with the care 14 that a person in a like position would reasonably believe 15 appropriate under similar circumstances. 16 3. In discharging board or board committee duties, a 17 director shall disclose, or cause to be disclosed, to the other 18 board or committee members information which the director 19 knows is not already known by them but known by the director 20 to be material to the discharge of their decision-making or 21 oversight functions, except that disclosure is not required to 22 the extent that the director reasonably believes that doing so 23 would violate a duty imposed under law, a legally enforceable 24 obligation of confidentiality, or a professional ethics rule. 25 4. In discharging board or board committee duties, a 26 director who does not have knowledge that makes reliance 27 unwarranted is entitled to rely on the performance by any of 28 the persons specified in subsection 6, paragraph “a” or “c” , to 29 whom the board may have delegated, formally or informally by 30 course of conduct, the authority or duty to perform one or more 31 of the board’s functions that are delegable under applicable 32 law. 33 5. In discharging board or board committee duties, a 34 director who does not have knowledge that makes reliance 35 -108- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 108/ 269
H.F. 844 unwarranted is entitled to rely on information, opinions, 1 reports, or statements, including financial statements and 2 other financial data, prepared or presented by any of the 3 persons specified in subsection 6. 4 6. A director is entitled to rely, in accordance with 5 subsection 4 or 5, on any of the following: 6 a. One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom 7 the director reasonably believes to be reliable and competent 8 in the functions performed or the information, opinions, 9 reports, or statements provided. 10 b. Legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons 11 retained by the corporation as to matters involving skills 12 or expertise the director reasonably believes are any of the 13 following: 14 (1) Matters within the particular person’s professional or 15 expert competence. 16 (2) Matters as to which the particular person merits 17 confidence. 18 c. A board committee of which the director is not a member 19 if the director reasonably believes the committee merits 20 confidence. 21 Sec. 104. Section 490.831, Code 2021, is amended by striking 22 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 23 490.831 Standards of liability for directors. 24 1. A director shall not be liable to the corporation or its 25 shareholders for any decision to take or not to take action, 26 or any failure to take any action, as a director, unless the 27 party asserting liability in a proceeding establishes all of 28 the following: 29 a. No defense interposed by the director based on any of the 30 following precludes liability: 31 (1) A provision in the articles of incorporation authorized 32 by section 490.202, subsection 2, paragraph “d” or “f” . 33 (2) The protection afforded by section 490.861 for action 34 taken in compliance with section 490.862 or section 490.863. 35 -109- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 109/ 269
H.F. 844 (3) The protection afforded by section 490.870. 1 b. That the challenged conduct consisted or was the result 2 of any of the following: 3 (1) Action not in good faith. 4 (2) A decision that satisfies any of the following: 5 (a) That which the director did not reasonably believe to be 6 in the best interests of the corporation. 7 (b) As to which the director was not informed to an 8 extent the director reasonably believed appropriate in the 9 circumstances. 10 (3) A lack of objectivity due to the director’s familial, 11 financial, or business relationship with, or a lack of 12 independence due to the director’s domination or control by, 13 another person having a material interest in the challenged 14 conduct, which also meets all of the following criteria: 15 (a) Which relationship or which domination or control could 16 reasonably be expected to have affected the director’s judgment 17 respecting the challenged conduct in a manner adverse to the 18 corporation. 19 (b) After a reasonable expectation to such effect has been 20 established, the director shall not have established that the 21 challenged conduct was reasonably believed by the director to 22 be in the best interests of the corporation. 23 (4) A sustained failure of the director to devote attention 24 to ongoing oversight of the business and affairs of the 25 corporation, or a failure to devote timely attention, by 26 making, or causing to be made, appropriate inquiry, when 27 particular facts and circumstances of significant concern 28 materialize that would alert a reasonably attentive director 29 to the need for such inquiry. 30 (5) Receipt of a financial benefit to which the director was 31 not entitled or any other breach of the director’s duties to 32 deal fairly with the corporation and its shareholders that is 33 actionable under applicable law. 34 2. a. The party seeking to hold the director liable for 35 -110- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 110/ 269
H.F. 844 money damages shall also have the burden of establishing all 1 of the following: 2 (1) That harm to the corporation or its shareholders has 3 been suffered. 4 (2) The harm suffered was proximately caused by the 5 director’s challenged conduct. 6 b. A party seeking to hold the director liable for other 7 money payment under a legal remedy, such as compensation for 8 the unauthorized use of corporate assets, shall also have 9 whatever persuasion burden may be called for to establish that 10 the payment sought is appropriate in the circumstances. 11 c. A party seeking to hold the director liable for other 12 money payment under an equitable remedy, such as profit 13 recovery by or disgorgement to the corporation, shall also 14 have whatever persuasion burden may be called for to establish 15 that the equitable remedy sought is appropriate in the 16 circumstances. 17 3. This section shall not do any of the following: 18 a. In any instance where fairness is at issue, such 19 as consideration of the fairness of a transaction to the 20 corporation under section 490.861, subsection 2, paragraph 21 “c” , alter the burden of proving the fact or lack of fairness 22 otherwise applicable. 23 b. Alter the fact or lack of liability of a director 24 under another section of this chapter, such as the provisions 25 governing the consequences of an unlawful distribution under 26 section 490.833 or a transactional interest under section 27 490.861. 28 c. Affect any rights to which the corporation or a 29 shareholder may be entitled under another statute of this state 30 or the United States. 31 Sec. 105. Section 490.833, Code 2021, is amended by striking 32 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 33 490.833 Directors’ liability for unlawful distributions. 34 1. A director who votes for or assents to a distribution in 35 -111- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 111/ 269
H.F. 844 excess of what may be authorized and made pursuant to section 1 490.640, subsection 1, or section 490.1409, subsection 1, is 2 personally liable to the corporation for the amount of the 3 distribution that exceeds what could have been distributed 4 without violating section 490.640, subsection 1, or section 5 490.1409, subsection 1, if the party asserting liability 6 establishes that when taking the action the director did not 7 comply with section 490.830. 8 2. A director held liable under subsection 1 for an unlawful 9 distribution is entitled to all of the following: 10 a. Contribution from every other director who could be held 11 liable under subsection 1 for the unlawful distribution. 12 b. Recoupment from each shareholder of the prorata portion 13 of the amount of the unlawful distribution the shareholder 14 accepted, knowing the distribution was made in violation of 15 section 490.640, subsection 1, or section 490.1409, subsection 16 1. 17 3. a. A proceeding to enforce the liability of a director 18 under subsection 1 is barred unless it is commenced within two 19 years after any of the following: 20 (1) The date on which the effect of the distribution was 21 measured under section 490.640, subsection 5 or 8. 22 (2) The date as of which the violation of section 490.640, 23 subsection 1, occurred as the consequence of disregard of a 24 restriction in the articles of incorporation. 25 (3) The date on which the distribution of assets to 26 shareholders under section 490.1409, subsection 1, was made. 27 b. A proceeding to enforce contribution or recoupment 28 under subsection 2 is barred unless it is commenced within 29 one year after the liability of the claimant has been finally 30 adjudicated under subsection 1. 31 Sec. 106. Section 490.840, Code 2021, is amended by striking 32 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 33 490.840 Officers. 34 1. A corporation has the officers described in its bylaws 35 -112- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 112/ 269
H.F. 844 or appointed by the board of directors in accordance with the 1 bylaws. 2 2. The board of directors may elect individuals to fill one 3 or more offices of the corporation. An officer may appoint one 4 or more officers if authorized by the bylaws or the board of 5 directors. 6 3. The bylaws or the board of directors shall assign to an 7 officer responsibility for maintaining and authenticating the 8 records of the corporation required to be kept under section 9 490.1601, subsection 1. 10 4. The same individual may simultaneously hold more than one 11 office in a corporation. 12 Sec. 107. Section 490.842, Code 2021, is amended by striking 13 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 14 490.842 Standards of conduct for officers. 15 1. An officer, when performing in such capacity, has the 16 duty to act in conformity with all of the following: 17 a. In good faith. 18 b. With the care that a person in a like position would 19 reasonably exercise under similar circumstances. 20 c. In a manner the officer reasonably believes to be in the 21 best interests of the corporation. 22 2. The duty of an officer includes the obligation to do all 23 of the following: 24 a. Inform the superior officer to whom, or the board of 25 directors or the board committee to which, the officer reports 26 of information about the affairs of the corporation known to 27 the officer, within the scope of the officer’s functions, and 28 known to the officer to be material to such superior officer, 29 board, or committee. 30 b. Inform the officer’s superior officer, or another 31 appropriate person within the corporation, or the board of 32 directors, or a board committee, of any actual or probable 33 material violation of law involving the corporation or material 34 breach of duty to the corporation by an officer, employee, 35 -113- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 113/ 269
H.F. 844 or agent of the corporation, that the officer believes has 1 occurred or is likely to occur. 2 3. In discharging the officer’s duties, an officer who does 3 not have knowledge that makes reliance unwarranted is entitled 4 to rely on any of the following: 5 a. The performance of properly delegated responsibilities 6 by one or more employees of the corporation whom the officer 7 reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in performing 8 the responsibilities delegated. 9 b. Information, opinions, reports, or statements, including 10 financial statements and other financial data, prepared or 11 presented by one or more employees of the corporation whom the 12 officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in 13 the matters presented or by legal counsel, public accountants, 14 or other persons retained by the corporation as to matters 15 involving skills or expertise the officer reasonably believes 16 are any of the following: 17 (1) Matters within the particular person’s professional or 18 expert competence. 19 (2) Matters as to which the particular person merits 20 confidence. 21 4. An officer shall not be liable to the corporation or its 22 shareholders for any decision to take or not to take action, 23 or any failure to take any action, as an officer, if the duties 24 of the office are performed in compliance with this section. 25 Whether an officer who does not comply with this section shall 26 have liability will depend in such instance on applicable 27 law, including those principles of section 490.831 that have 28 relevance. 29 Sec. 108. Section 490.843, Code 2021, is amended by striking 30 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 31 490.843 Resignation and removal of officers. 32 1. An officer may resign at any time by delivering a 33 written notice to the board of directors, or its chair, or to 34 the appointing officer or the secretary. A resignation is 35 -114- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 114/ 269
H.F. 844 effective as provided in section 490.141, subsection 9, unless 1 the notice provides for a delayed effectiveness, including 2 effectiveness determined upon a future event or events. If 3 effectiveness of a resignation is stated to be delayed and the 4 board of directors or the appointing officer accepts the delay, 5 the board of directors or the appointing officer may fill the 6 pending vacancy before the delayed effectiveness but the new 7 officer shall not take office until the vacancy occurs. 8 2. An officer may be removed at any time with or without 9 cause by any of the following: 10 a. The board of directors. 11 b. The appointing officer, unless the bylaws or the board 12 of directors provide otherwise. 13 c. Any other officer if authorized by the bylaws or the 14 board of directors. 15 3. As used in this section, “appointing officer” means the 16 officer, including any successor to that officer, who appointed 17 the officer resigning or being removed. 18 Sec. 109. Section 490.844, Code 2021, is amended by striking 19 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 20 490.844 Contract rights of officers. 21 1. The election or appointment of an officer does not itself 22 create contract rights. 23 2. An officer’s removal does not affect the officer’s 24 contract rights, if any, with the corporation. An officer’s 25 resignation does not affect the corporation’s contract rights, 26 if any, with the officer. 27 Sec. 110. Section 490.850, Code 2021, is amended by striking 28 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 29 490.850 Part definitions. 30 As used in this part: 31 1. “Corporation” includes any domestic or foreign 32 predecessor entity of a corporation in a merger. 33 2. “Director” or “officer” means an individual who is or 34 was a director or officer, respectively, of a corporation 35 -115- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 115/ 269
H.F. 844 or who, while a director or officer of the corporation, is 1 or was serving at the corporation’s request as a director, 2 officer, manager, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of 3 another entity or employee benefit plan. A director or 4 officer is considered to be serving an employee benefit plan 5 at the corporation’s request if the individual’s duties to 6 the corporation also impose duties on, or otherwise involve 7 services by, the individual to the plan or to participants in 8 or beneficiaries of the plan. “Director” or “officer” includes, 9 unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal 10 representative of a director or officer. 11 3. “Liability” means the obligation to pay a judgment, 12 settlement, penalty, fine, including an excise tax assessed 13 with respect to an employee benefit plan, or expenses incurred 14 with respect to a proceeding. 15 4. a. “Official capacity” means the following: 16 (1) When used with respect to a director, the office of 17 director in a corporation. 18 (2) When used with respect to an officer, as contemplated 19 in section 490.856, the office in a corporation held by the 20 officer. 21 b. “Official capacity” does not include service for any 22 other domestic or foreign corporation or any joint venture, 23 trust, employee benefit plan, or other entity. 24 5. “Party” means an individual who was, is, or is threatened 25 to be made a defendant or respondent in a proceeding. 26 6. “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed 27 action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, 28 administrative, arbitrative, or investigative and whether 29 formal or informal. 30 Sec. 111. Section 490.851, Code 2021, is amended by striking 31 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 32 490.851 Permissible indemnification. 33 1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a 34 corporation may indemnify an individual who is a party to 35 -116- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 116/ 269
H.F. 844 a proceeding because the individual is a director against 1 liability incurred in the proceeding if any of the following 2 apply: 3 a. All of the following apply: 4 (1) The director’s conduct was in good faith. 5 (2) The director reasonably believed: 6 (a) In the case of conduct in an official capacity, that 7 the director’s conduct was in the best interests of the 8 corporation. 9 (b) In all other cases, that the director’s conduct was at 10 least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. 11 (3) In the case of any criminal proceeding, the director 12 had no reasonable cause to believe the director’s conduct was 13 unlawful. 14 b. The director engaged in conduct for which broader 15 indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a 16 provision of the articles of incorporation, as authorized by 17 section 490.202, subsection 2, paragraph “e” . 18 2. A director’s conduct with respect to an employee benefit 19 plan for a purpose the director reasonably believed to be in 20 the interests of the participants in, and the beneficiaries 21 of, the plan is conduct that satisfies the requirement of 22 subsection 1, paragraph “a” , subparagraph (2), subparagraph 23 division (b). 24 3. The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, 25 settlement, or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere 26 or its equivalent, is not, of itself, determinative that 27 the director did not meet the relevant standard of conduct 28 described in this section. 29 4. Unless ordered by a court under section 490.854, 30 subsection 1, paragraph “c” , a corporation shall not indemnify a 31 director in any of the following circumstances: 32 a. In connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the 33 corporation, except for expenses incurred in connection with 34 the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met 35 -117- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 117/ 269
H.F. 844 the relevant standard of conduct under subsection 1. 1 b. In connection with any proceeding with respect to conduct 2 for which the director was adjudged liable on the basis of 3 receiving a financial benefit to which the director was not 4 entitled, regardless of whether it involved action in the 5 director’s official capacity. 6 Sec. 112. Section 490.852, Code 2021, is amended by striking 7 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 8 490.852 Mandatory indemnification. 9 A corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly 10 successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of 11 any proceeding to which the director was a party because the 12 director is or was a director of the corporation against 13 expenses incurred by the director in connection with the 14 proceeding. 15 Sec. 113. Section 490.853, Code 2021, is amended by striking 16 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 17 490.853 Advance for expenses. 18 1. A corporation may, before final disposition of a 19 proceeding, advance funds to pay for or reimburse expenses 20 incurred in connection with the proceeding by an individual 21 who is a party to the proceeding because that individual is a 22 director, if the director delivers to the corporation a signed 23 written undertaking of the director to repay any funds advanced 24 and all of the following apply: 25 a. The director is not entitled to mandatory indemnification 26 under section 490.852. 27 b. It is ultimately determined under section 490.854 or 28 490.855 that the director is not entitled to indemnification. 29 2. The undertaking required by subsection 1 must be an 30 unlimited general obligation of the director but need not be 31 secured and may be accepted without reference to the financial 32 ability of the director to make repayment. 33 3. Authorizations under this section shall be made by any 34 of the following: 35 -118- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 118/ 269
H.F. 844 a. By the board of directors as follows: 1 (1) If there are two or more qualified directors, by a 2 majority vote of all of the qualified directors, a majority 3 of whom shall for such purpose constitute a quorum, or by a 4 majority of the members of a committee consisting solely of two 5 or more qualified directors appointed by such a vote. 6 (2) If there are fewer than two qualified directors, 7 by the vote necessary for action by the board of directors 8 in accordance with section 490.824, subsection 3, in which 9 authorization directors who are not qualified directors may 10 participate. 11 b. By the shareholders, but shares owned by or voted under 12 the control of a director who at the time is not a qualified 13 director shall not be voted on the authorization. 14 Sec. 114. Section 490.854, Code 2021, is amended by striking 15 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 16 490.854 Court-ordered indemnification and advance for 17 expenses. 18 1. A person who is a party to a proceeding because the 19 person is a director may apply for indemnification or an 20 advance for expenses to the court conducting the proceeding 21 or to another court of competent jurisdiction. After receipt 22 of an application and after giving any notice it considers 23 necessary, the court shall do any of the following: 24 a. Order indemnification if the court determines that the 25 director is entitled to mandatory indemnification under section 26 490.852. 27 b. Order indemnification or advance for expenses if 28 the court determines that the director is entitled to 29 indemnification or advance for expenses pursuant to a provision 30 authorized by section 490.858, subsection 1. 31 c. (1) Order indemnification or advance for expenses if the 32 court determines, in view of all the relevant circumstances, 33 that it is fair and reasonable to do any of the following: 34 (a) Indemnify the director. 35 -119- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 119/ 269
H.F. 844 (b) Advance expenses to the director. 1 (2) The court shall order indemnification or advance for 2 expenses, even if in the case of subparagraph (1), subparagraph 3 division (a) or (b), the director has not met the relevant 4 standard of conduct set forth in section 490.851, subsection 1, 5 failed to comply with section 490.853 or was adjudged liable 6 in a proceeding referred to in section 490.851, subsection 4, 7 paragraph “a” or “b” . However, if the director was adjudged 8 so liable the director’s indemnification shall be limited to 9 expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding. 10 2. If the court determines that the director is entitled 11 to indemnification under subsection 1, paragraph “a” , or to 12 indemnification or advance for expenses under subsection 1, 13 paragraph “b” , it shall also order the corporation to pay the 14 director’s expenses incurred in connection with obtaining 15 court-ordered indemnification or advance for expenses. 16 If the court determines that the director is entitled to 17 indemnification or advance for expenses under subsection 1, 18 paragraph “c” , it may also order the corporation to pay the 19 director’s expenses to obtain court-ordered indemnification or 20 advance for expenses. 21 Sec. 115. Section 490.855, Code 2021, is amended by striking 22 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 23 490.855 Determination and authorization of indemnification. 24 1. A corporation shall not indemnify a director under 25 section 490.851 unless authorized for a specific proceeding 26 after a determination has been made that indemnification is 27 permissible because the director has met the relevant standard 28 of conduct set forth in section 490.851. 29 2. The determination shall be made by any of the following: 30 a. If there are two or more qualified directors, by the 31 board of directors by a majority vote of all the qualified 32 directors, a majority of whom shall for such purpose constitute 33 a quorum, or by a majority of the members of a committee of two 34 or more qualified directors appointed by such a vote. 35 -120- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 120/ 269
H.F. 844 b. By special legal counsel selected in one of the following 1 manners: 2 (1) In the manner prescribed in paragraph “a” . 3 (2) If there are fewer than two qualified directors, 4 selected by the board of directors, in which selection 5 directors who are not qualified directors may participate. 6 c. By the shareholders, but shares owned by or voted under 7 the control of a director who at the time is not a qualified 8 director shall not be voted on the determination. 9 3. Authorization of indemnification shall be made in 10 the same manner as the determination that indemnification is 11 permissible, except that if there are fewer than two qualified 12 directors or if the determination is made by special legal 13 counsel, authorization of indemnification shall be made by 14 those entitled to select special legal counsel under subsection 15 2, paragraph “b” , subparagraph (2). 16 Sec. 116. Section 490.856, Code 2021, is amended by striking 17 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 18 490.856 Indemnification of officers. 19 1. A corporation may indemnify and advance expenses under 20 this part to an officer who is a party to a proceeding because 21 the person is an officer, according to all of the following: 22 a. To the same extent as a director. 23 b. If the person is an officer but not a director, to 24 such further extent as may be provided by the articles of 25 incorporation or bylaws, or by a resolution adopted or a 26 contract approved by the board of directors or shareholders, 27 except for any of the following: 28 (1) Liability in connection with a proceeding by or in the 29 right of the corporation other than for expenses incurred in 30 connection with the proceeding. 31 (2) Liability arising out of conduct that constitutes any 32 of the following: 33 (a) Receipt by the officer of a financial benefit to which 34 the officer is not entitled. 35 -121- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 121/ 269
H.F. 844 (b) An intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or 1 the shareholders. 2 (c) An intentional violation of criminal law. 3 2. The provisions of subsection 1, paragraph “b” , shall 4 apply to an officer who is also a director, if the officer is 5 made a party to the proceeding based on an act or omission 6 solely as an officer. 7 3. An officer who is not a director is entitled to mandatory 8 indemnification under section 490.852, and may apply to a court 9 under section 490.854 for indemnification or an advance for 10 expenses, in each case to the same extent to which a director 11 may be entitled to indemnification or advance for expenses 12 under those sections. 13 Sec. 117. Section 490.857, Code 2021, is amended by striking 14 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 15 490.857 Insurance. 16 A corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on 17 behalf of an individual who is a director or officer of 18 the corporation, or who, while a director or officer of the 19 corporation, serves at the corporation’s request as a director, 20 officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another 21 domestic or foreign corporation, or a joint venture, trust, 22 employee benefit plan, or other entity, against liability 23 asserted against or incurred by the individual in that capacity 24 or arising from the individual’s status as a director or 25 officer, regardless of whether the corporation would have power 26 to indemnify or advance expenses to the individual against the 27 same liability under this part. 28 Sec. 118. Section 490.858, Code 2021, is amended by striking 29 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 30 490.858 Variation by corporate action —— application of part. 31 1. A corporation may, by a provision in its articles 32 of incorporation or bylaws or in a resolution adopted or a 33 contract approved by the board of directors or shareholders, 34 obligate itself in advance of the act or omission giving rise 35 -122- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 122/ 269
H.F. 844 to a proceeding to provide indemnification in accordance 1 with section 490.851 or advance funds to pay for or 2 reimburse expenses in accordance with section 490.853. Any 3 such obligatory provision shall be deemed to satisfy the 4 requirements for authorization referred to in section 490.853, 5 subsection 3, and in section 490.855, subsection 3. Any 6 such provision that obligates the corporation to provide 7 indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law shall be 8 deemed to obligate the corporation to advance funds to pay for 9 or reimburse expenses in accordance with section 490.853 to the 10 fullest extent permitted by law, unless the provision expressly 11 provides otherwise. 12 2. A right of indemnification or to advances for expenses 13 created by this part or under subsection 1 and in effect at 14 the time of an act or omission shall not be eliminated or 15 impaired with respect to such act or omission by an amendment 16 of the articles of incorporation or bylaws or a resolution 17 of the board of directors or shareholders, adopted after the 18 occurrence of such act or omission, unless, in the case of 19 a right created under subsection 1, the provision creating 20 such right and in effect at the time of such act or omission 21 explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such 22 act or omission has occurred. 23 3. Any provision pursuant to subsection 1 shall not obligate 24 the corporation to indemnify or advance expenses to a director 25 of a predecessor of the corporation, pertaining to conduct 26 with respect to the predecessor, unless otherwise expressly 27 provided. Any provision for indemnification or advance for 28 expenses in the articles of incorporation, or bylaws, or a 29 resolution of the board of directors or shareholders of a 30 predecessor of the corporation in a merger or in a contract 31 to which the predecessor is a party, existing at the time the 32 merger takes effect, shall be governed by section 490.1107, 33 subsection 1, paragraph “d” . 34 4. Subject to subsection 2, a corporation may, by a 35 -123- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 123/ 269
H.F. 844 provision in its articles of incorporation, limit any of the 1 rights to indemnification or advance for expenses created by or 2 pursuant to this part. 3 5. This part does not limit a corporation’s power to pay 4 or reimburse expenses incurred by a director or an officer in 5 connection with appearing as a witness in a proceeding at a 6 time when the director or officer is not a party. 7 6. This part does not limit a corporation’s power to 8 indemnify, advance expenses to, or provide or maintain 9 insurance on behalf of an employee or agent. 10 Sec. 119. Section 490.860, Code 2021, is amended by striking 11 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 12 490.860 Part definitions. 13 As used in this part, unless otherwise specified: 14 1. “Control” , including the term “controlled by” , means any 15 of the following: 16 a. Having the power, directly or indirectly, to elect or 17 remove a majority of the members of the board of directors 18 or other governing body of an entity, whether through the 19 ownership of voting shares or interests, by contract, or 20 otherwise. 21 b. Being subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the 22 entity’s activities or entitled to receive a majority of the 23 entity’s residual returns. 24 2. “Director’s conflicting interest transaction” means 25 a transaction effected or proposed to be effected by the 26 corporation, or by an entity controlled by the corporation, to 27 which, or respecting which, any of the following applies: 28 a. To which, at the relevant time, the director is a party. 29 b. Respecting which, at the relevant time, the director 30 had knowledge and a material financial interest known to the 31 director. 32 c. Respecting which, at the relevant time, the director knew 33 that a related person was a party or had a material financial 34 interest. 35 -124- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 124/ 269
H.F. 844 3. “Fair to the corporation” means, for purposes of section 1 490.861, subsection 2, paragraph “c” , that the transaction 2 as a whole was beneficial to the corporation, taking into 3 appropriate account whether it was all of the following: 4 a. Fair in terms of the director’s dealings with the 5 corporation. 6 b. Comparable to what might have been obtainable in an arm’s 7 length transaction, given the consideration paid or received 8 by the corporation. 9 4. “Material financial interest” means a financial interest 10 in a transaction that would reasonably be expected to impair 11 the objectivity of the director’s judgment when participating 12 in action on the authorization of the transaction. 13 5. “Related person” means any of the following: 14 a. The individual’s spouse. 15 b. A child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, 16 grandparent, sibling, stepsibling, half sibling, aunt, 17 uncle, niece, or nephew, or spouse of any such person, of the 18 individual or of the individual’s spouse. 19 c. A natural person living in the same home as the 20 individual. 21 d. An entity, other than the corporation or an entity 22 controlled by the corporation, controlled by the individual or 23 any person specified in this subsection. 24 e. Any of the following: 25 (1) A domestic or foreign business or nonprofit 26 corporation, other than the corporation or an entity controlled 27 by the corporation, of which the individual is a director. 28 (2) A domestic or foreign unincorporated entity of which the 29 individual is a general partner or a member of the governing 30 body. 31 (3) A domestic or foreign individual, trust, or estate 32 for whom or of which the individual is a trustee, guardian, 33 personal representative, or like fiduciary. 34 f. A person that is, or an entity that is controlled by, an 35 -125- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 125/ 269
H.F. 844 employer of the individual. 1 6. “Relevant time” means the following: 2 a. The time at which directors’ action respecting the 3 transaction is taken in compliance with section 490.862. 4 b. If the transaction is not brought before the board 5 of directors or a board committee for action under section 6 490.862, at the time the corporation or an entity controlled 7 by the corporation becomes legally obligated to consummate the 8 transaction. 9 7. “Required disclosure” means disclosure of all of the 10 following: 11 a. The existence and nature of the director’s conflicting 12 interest. 13 b. All facts known to the director respecting the subject 14 matter of the transaction that a director free of such 15 conflicting interest would reasonably believe to be material in 16 deciding whether to proceed with the transaction. 17 Sec. 120. Section 490.861, Code 2021, is amended by striking 18 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 19 490.861 Judicial action. 20 1. A transaction effected or proposed to be effected by the 21 corporation, or by an entity controlled by the corporation, 22 shall not be the subject of equitable relief, or give rise to 23 an award of damages or other sanctions against a director of 24 the corporation, in a proceeding by a shareholder or by or in 25 the right of the corporation, on the ground that the director 26 has an interest respecting the transaction, if it is not a 27 director’s conflicting interest transaction. 28 2. A director’s conflicting interest transaction shall 29 not be the subject of equitable relief, or give rise to an 30 award of damages or other sanctions against a director of the 31 corporation, in a proceeding by a shareholder or by or in the 32 right of the corporation, on the ground that the director has 33 an interest respecting the transaction, if any of the following 34 apply: 35 -126- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 126/ 269
H.F. 844 a. Directors’ action respecting the transaction was taken in 1 compliance with section 490.862 at any time. 2 b. Shareholders’ action respecting the transaction was taken 3 in compliance with section 490.863 at any time. 4 c. The transaction, judged according to the circumstances 5 at the relevant time, is established to have been fair to the 6 corporation. 7 Sec. 121. Section 490.862, Code 2021, is amended by striking 8 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 9 490.862 Directors’ action. 10 1. Directors’ action respecting a director’s conflicting 11 interest transaction is effective for purposes of section 12 490.861, subsection 2, paragraph “a” , if the transaction has 13 been authorized by the affirmative vote of a majority, but 14 no fewer than two, of the qualified directors who voted on 15 the transaction, after required disclosure by the conflicted 16 director of information not already known by such qualified 17 directors, or after modified disclosure in compliance with 18 subsection 2, provided that all of the following apply: 19 a. The qualified directors have deliberated and voted 20 outside the presence of and without the participation by any 21 other director. 22 b. Where the action has been taken by a board committee, 23 all members of the committee were qualified directors, and any 24 of the following apply: 25 (1) The committee was composed of all the qualified 26 directors on the board of directors. 27 (2) The members of the committee were appointed by the 28 affirmative vote of a majority of the qualified directors on 29 the board of directors. 30 2. Notwithstanding subsection 1, when a transaction is 31 a director’s conflicting interest transaction only because a 32 related person described in section 490.860, subsection 5, 33 paragraph “e” or “f” , is a party to or has a material financial 34 interest in the transaction, the conflicted director is not 35 -127- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 127/ 269
H.F. 844 obligated to make required disclosure to the extent that the 1 director reasonably believes that doing so would violate a 2 duty imposed under law, a legally enforceable obligation of 3 confidentiality, or a professional ethics rule, provided that 4 the conflicted director discloses to the qualified directors 5 voting on the transaction all of the following: 6 a. All information required to be disclosed that is not so 7 violative. 8 b. The existence and nature of the director’s conflicting 9 interest. 10 c. The nature of the conflicted director’s duty not to 11 disclose the confidential information. 12 3. A majority, but no fewer than two, of all the qualified 13 directors on the board of directors, or on the board committee, 14 constitutes a quorum for purposes of action that complies with 15 this section. 16 4. Where directors’ action under this section does not 17 satisfy a quorum or voting requirement applicable to the 18 authorization of the transaction by reason of the articles of 19 incorporation or bylaws, or a provision of law, independent 20 action to satisfy those authorization requirements shall be 21 taken by the board of directors or a board committee, in 22 which action directors who are not qualified directors may 23 participate. 24 Sec. 122. Section 490.863, Code 2021, is amended by striking 25 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 26 490.863 Shareholders’ action. 27 1. a. Shareholders’ action respecting a director’s 28 conflicting interest transaction is effective for purposes of 29 section 490.861, subsection 2, paragraph “b” , if a majority of 30 the votes cast by the holders of all qualified shares are in 31 favor of the transaction after all of the following occur: 32 (1) Notice to shareholders describing the action to be taken 33 respecting the transaction. 34 (2) Provision to the corporation of the information 35 -128- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 128/ 269
H.F. 844 referred to in subsection 2. 1 (3) Communication to the shareholders entitled to vote 2 on the transaction of the information that is the subject of 3 required disclosure, to the extent the information is not known 4 by them. 5 b. In the case of shareholders’ action at a meeting, the 6 shareholders entitled to vote shall be determined as of the 7 record date for notice of the meeting. 8 2. A director who has a conflicting interest respecting 9 the transaction shall, before the shareholders’ vote, inform 10 the secretary or other officer or agent of the corporation 11 authorized to tabulate votes, in writing, of the number of 12 shares that the director knows are not qualified shares under 13 subsection 3, and the identity of the holders of those shares. 14 3. As used in this section: 15 a. “Holder” means and “held by” refers to shares held 16 by a record shareholder, a beneficial shareholder, or an 17 unrestricted voting trust beneficial owner. 18 b. “Qualified shares” means all shares entitled to be 19 voted with respect to the transaction except for shares that 20 the secretary or other officer or agent of the corporation 21 authorized to tabulate votes either knows, or under subsection 22 2 is notified, are held by any of the following: 23 (1) A director who has a conflicting interest respecting the 24 transaction. 25 (2) A related person of the director, excluding a person 26 described in section 490.860, subsection 5, paragraph “f” . 27 4. A majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the 28 holders of all qualified shares constitutes a quorum for 29 purposes of compliance with this section. Subject to the 30 provisions of subsection 5, shareholders’ action that otherwise 31 complies with this section is not affected by the presence of 32 holders, or by the voting, of shares that are not qualified 33 shares. 34 5. If a shareholders’ vote does not comply with subsection 35 -129- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 129/ 269
H.F. 844 1 solely because of a director’s failure to comply with 1 subsection 2, and if the director establishes that the failure 2 was not intended to influence and did not in fact determine the 3 outcome of the vote, the court may take such action respecting 4 the transaction and the director, and may give such effect, 5 if any, to the shareholders’ vote, as the court considers 6 appropriate in the circumstances. 7 6. Where shareholders’ action under this section does 8 not satisfy a quorum or voting requirement applicable to the 9 authorization of the transaction by reason of the articles of 10 incorporation or bylaws, or a provision of law, independent 11 action to satisfy those authorization requirements shall be 12 taken by the shareholders, in which action shares that are not 13 qualified shares may participate. 14 Sec. 123. Section 490.870, Code 2021, is amended by striking 15 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 16 490.870 Business opportunities. 17 1. If a director or officer pursues or takes advantage of 18 a business opportunity directly, or indirectly through or on 19 behalf of another person, that action shall not be the subject 20 of equitable relief, or give rise to an award of damages or 21 other sanctions against the director, officer, or other person, 22 in a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation on the 23 ground that the opportunity should have first been offered to 24 the corporation, if any of the following apply: 25 a. Before the director, officer, or other person becomes 26 legally obligated respecting the opportunity, the director or 27 officer brings it to the attention of the corporation and any 28 of the following apply: 29 (1) Action by qualified directors disclaiming the 30 corporation’s interest in the opportunity is taken in 31 compliance with the same procedures as are set forth in section 32 490.862. 33 (2) Shareholders’ action disclaiming the corporation’s 34 interest in the opportunity is taken in compliance with the 35 -130- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 130/ 269
H.F. 844 procedures set forth in section 490.863, in either case as if 1 the decision being made concerned a director’s conflicting 2 interest transaction; except that, rather than making required 3 disclosure as defined in section 490.860, the director or 4 officer shall have made prior disclosure to those acting on 5 behalf of the corporation of all material facts concerning the 6 business opportunity known to the director or officer. 7 b. The duty to offer the corporation the business 8 opportunity has been limited or eliminated pursuant to a 9 provision of the articles of incorporation adopted, and where 10 required, made effective by action of qualified directors, in 11 accordance with section 490.202, subsection 2, paragraph “f” . 12 2. In any proceeding seeking equitable relief or other 13 remedies based upon an alleged improper pursuit or taking 14 advantage of a business opportunity by a director or officer, 15 directly, or indirectly through or on behalf of another 16 person, the fact that the director or officer did not employ 17 the procedure described in subsection 1, paragraph “a” , 18 subparagraph (1) or (2), before pursuing or taking advantage 19 of the opportunity shall not create an implication that the 20 opportunity should have been first presented to the corporation 21 or alter the burden of proof otherwise applicable to establish 22 that the director or officer breached a duty to the corporation 23 in the circumstances. 24 Sec. 124. NEW SECTION . 490.901A Subchapter definitions. 25 1. As used in this subchapter: 26 a. “Conversion” means a transaction pursuant to part C. 27 b. “Converted entity” means the converting entity as it 28 continues in existence after a conversion. 29 c. “Converting entity” means the domestic corporation that 30 approves a plan of conversion pursuant to section 490.932 31 or the domestic or foreign eligible entity that approves a 32 conversion pursuant to the organic law of the eligible entity. 33 d. “Domesticated corporation” means the domesticating 34 corporation as it continues in existence after a domestication. 35 -131- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 131/ 269
H.F. 844 e. “Domesticating corporation” means the domestic 1 corporation that approves a plan of domestication pursuant 2 to section 490.921 or the foreign corporation that approves 3 a domestication pursuant to the organic law of the foreign 4 corporation. 5 f. “Domestication” means a transaction pursuant to part B. 6 g. “Protected agreement” means any of the following: 7 (1) A document evidencing indebtedness of a domestic 8 corporation or eligible entity and any related agreement in 9 effect immediately before the enactment date. 10 (2) An agreement that is binding on a domestic corporation 11 or eligible entity immediately before the enactment date. 12 (3) The articles of incorporation or bylaws of a domestic 13 corporation or the organic rules of a domestic eligible entity, 14 in each case in effect immediately before the enactment date. 15 (4) An agreement that is binding on any of the shareholders, 16 members, interest holders, directors, or other governors of a 17 domestic corporation or eligible entity, in their capacities as 18 such, immediately before the enactment date. 19 2. As used in subsection 1 and sections 490.920 and 20 490.930, “enactment date” means January 1, 2022, as it relates 21 to domestications and January 1, 2009, as it relates to 22 conversions. 23 Sec. 125. Section 490.902, Code 2021, is amended by striking 24 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 25 490.902 Excluded transactions. 26 This subchapter shall not be used to effect a transaction 27 that converts a company organized on the mutual principle to 28 one organized on the basis of share ownership. 29 Sec. 126. NEW SECTION . 490.903 Required approvals. 30 If a domestic or foreign corporation or eligible entity 31 shall not be a party to a merger without the approval of the 32 superintendent of banking, the commissioner of insurance, 33 or the Iowa utility board, and the applicable statutes or 34 regulations do not specifically deal with transactions under 35 -132- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 132/ 269
H.F. 844 this subchapter but do require such approval for mergers, 1 a corporation or eligible entity shall not be a party to a 2 transaction under this subchapter without the prior approval of 3 that agency or official. 4 Sec. 127. NEW SECTION . 490.904 Relationship of subchapter 5 to other laws. 6 A transaction effected under this subchapter shall not 7 create or impair a right, duty, or obligation of a person under 8 the statutory law of this state other than this subchapter 9 relating to a change in control, business combination, 10 control-share acquisition, or similar transaction involving 11 a domesticating or converting domestic corporation, unless 12 the approval of the plan of domestication or conversion is by 13 a vote of the shareholders or the board of directors which 14 would be sufficient to create or impair the right, duty, or 15 obligation directly under that law. 16 Sec. 128. NEW SECTION . 490.905 Foreign insurance companies 17 becoming domestic. 18 1. The secretary of state, upon a corporation complying with 19 this section and upon the filing of articles of incorporation 20 and upon receipt of the fees as provided in this chapter, 21 shall issue an acknowledgment of receipt of document as 22 of the date of the filing of the articles of incorporation 23 with the secretary of state. The acknowledgment of receipt 24 of document shall state on its face that it is issued in 25 accordance with this section. The secretary of state shall 26 then notify the appropriate officer of the state or country of 27 the corporation’s last domicile that the corporation is now a 28 domestic corporation domiciled in this state. This section 29 applies to life insurance companies, and to insurance companies 30 doing business under chapter 515. 31 2. A corporation becoming domiciled in this state under 32 subsection 1 shall not be required to comply with any other 33 requirements under this subchapter. 34 Sec. 129. NEW SECTION . 490.920 Domestication. 35 -133- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 133/ 269
H.F. 844 1. By complying with the provisions of this part applicable 1 to foreign corporations, a foreign corporation may become a 2 domestic corporation if the domestication is permitted by the 3 organic law of the foreign corporation. 4 2. By complying with the provisions of this part, a domestic 5 corporation may become a foreign corporation pursuant to a 6 plan of domestication if the domestication is permitted by the 7 organic law of the foreign corporation. 8 3. The plan of domestication must include all of the 9 following: 10 a. The name of the domesticating corporation. 11 b. The name and jurisdiction of formation of the 12 domesticated corporation. 13 c. The manner and basis of reclassifying the shares of the 14 domesticating corporation into shares or other securities, 15 obligations, rights to acquire shares or other securities, 16 cash, other property, or any combination of the foregoing. 17 d. The proposed articles of incorporation and bylaws of the 18 domesticated corporation. 19 e. The other terms and conditions of the domestication. 20 4. In addition to the requirements of subsection 3, a plan 21 of domestication may contain any other provision not prohibited 22 by law. 23 5. The terms of a plan of domestication may be made 24 dependent upon facts objectively ascertainable outside the plan 25 in accordance with section 490.120, subsection 11. 26 6. If a protected agreement of a domestic domesticating 27 corporation in effect immediately before the domestication 28 becomes effective contains a provision applying to a merger 29 of the corporation and the agreement does not refer to a 30 domestication of the corporation, the provision applies to a 31 domestication of the corporation as if the domestication were a 32 merger until such time as the provision is first amended after 33 the enactment date. 34 Sec. 130. NEW SECTION . 490.921 Action on a plan of 35 -134- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 134/ 269
H.F. 844 domestication. 1 In the case of a domestication of a domestic corporation 2 into a foreign jurisdiction, the plan of domestication shall be 3 adopted in the following manner: 4 1. The plan of domestication shall first be adopted by the 5 board of directors. 6 2. a. The plan of domestication shall then be approved by 7 the shareholders. In submitting the plan of domestication to 8 the shareholders for approval, the board of directors shall 9 recommend that the shareholders approve the plan, unless any of 10 the following applies: 11 (1) The board of directors makes a determination that 12 because of conflicts of interest or other special circumstances 13 it should not make such a recommendation. 14 (2) Section 490.826 applies. 15 b. If paragraph “a” , subparagraph (1) or (2) applies, the 16 board shall inform the shareholders of the basis for its so 17 proceeding. 18 3. The board of directors may set conditions for approval 19 of the plan of domestication by the shareholders or the 20 effectiveness of the plan of domestication. 21 4. If the approval of the shareholders is to be given at 22 a meeting, the corporation shall notify each shareholder, 23 regardless of whether entitled to vote, of the meeting of 24 shareholders at which the plan of domestication is to be 25 submitted for approval. The notice must state that the 26 purpose, or one of the purposes, of the meeting is to consider 27 the plan of domestication and must contain or be accompanied 28 by a copy or summary of the plan. The notice must include 29 or be accompanied by a copy of the articles of incorporation 30 and the bylaws as they will be in effect immediately after the 31 domestication. 32 5. Unless the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or the 33 board of directors acting pursuant to subsection 3, require 34 a greater vote or a greater quorum, approval of the plan of 35 -135- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 135/ 269
H.F. 844 domestication requires all of the following: 1 a. The approval of the shareholders at a meeting at which a 2 quorum exists consisting of a majority of the votes entitled 3 to be cast on the plan. 4 b. Except as provided in subsection 6, the approval of 5 each class or series of shares voting as a separate voting 6 group at a meeting at which a quorum of the voting group exists 7 consisting of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on 8 the plan by that voting group. 9 6. The articles of incorporation may expressly limit or 10 eliminate the separate voting rights provided in subsection 11 5, paragraph “b” , as to any class or series of shares, except 12 when the articles of incorporation of the foreign corporation 13 resulting from the domestication include what would be in 14 effect an amendment that would entitle the class or series to 15 vote as a separate group under section 490.1004 if it were 16 a proposed amendment of the articles of incorporation of the 17 domestic domesticating corporation. 18 7. If as a result of a domestication one or more 19 shareholders of a domestic domesticating corporation would 20 become subject to interest holder liability, approval of the 21 plan of domestication shall require the signing in connection 22 with the domestication, by each such shareholder, of a separate 23 written consent to become subject to such interest holder 24 liability, unless in the case of a shareholder that already has 25 interest holder liability with respect to the domesticating 26 corporation, the terms and conditions of the interest holder 27 liability with respect to the domesticated corporation are 28 substantially identical to those of the existing interest 29 holder liability, other than for changes that eliminate or 30 reduce such interest holder liability. 31 Sec. 131. NEW SECTION . 490.922 Articles of domestication 32 —— effectiveness. 33 1. After a plan of domestication of a domestic corporation 34 has been adopted and approved as required by this chapter, or a 35 -136- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 136/ 269
H.F. 844 foreign corporation that is the domesticating corporation has 1 approved a domestication as required under its organic law, 2 articles of domestication shall be signed by the domesticating 3 corporation. The articles must set forth all of the following: 4 a. The name of the domesticating corporation and its 5 jurisdiction of formation. 6 b. The name and jurisdiction of formation of the 7 domesticated corporation. 8 c. If the domesticating corporation is a domestic 9 corporation, a statement that the plan of domestication 10 was approved in accordance with this subchapter or, if the 11 domesticating corporation is a foreign corporation, a statement 12 that the domestication was approved in accordance with its 13 organic law. 14 2. If the domesticated corporation is a domestic 15 corporation, the articles of domestication must attach 16 articles of incorporation of the domesticated corporation that 17 satisfy the requirements of section 490.202. Provisions that 18 would not be required to be included in restated articles of 19 incorporation may be omitted from the articles of incorporation 20 attached to the articles of domestication. 21 3. The articles of domestication shall be delivered to the 22 secretary of state for filing, and shall take effect at the 23 effective date determined in accordance with section 490.123. 24 4. If the domesticated corporation is a domestic 25 corporation, the domestication becomes effective when the 26 articles of domestication are effective. If the domesticated 27 corporation is a foreign corporation, the domestication becomes 28 effective on the later of the following: 29 a. The date and time provided by the organic law of the 30 domesticated corporation. 31 b. When the articles of domestication are effective. 32 5. If the domesticating corporation is a foreign 33 corporation that is registered to do business in this state 34 under subchapter XV, its registration statement shall 35 -137- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 137/ 269
H.F. 844 be canceled automatically when the domestication becomes 1 effective. 2 Sec. 132. NEW SECTION . 490.923 Amendment of plan of 3 domestication —— abandonment. 4 1. A plan of domestication of a domestic corporation may be 5 amended by any of the following manners: 6 a. In the same manner as the plan was approved, if the plan 7 does not provide for the manner in which it may be amended. 8 b. In the manner provided in the plan, except that a 9 shareholder that was entitled to vote on or consent to approval 10 of the plan is entitled to vote on or consent to any amendment 11 of the plan that will change any of the following: 12 (1) The amount or kind of shares or other securities, 13 obligations, rights to acquire shares or other securities, 14 cash, other property, or any combination of the foregoing, to 15 be received by any of the shareholders of the domesticating 16 corporation under the plan. 17 (2) The articles of incorporation or bylaws of the 18 domesticated corporation that will be in effect immediately 19 after the domestication becomes effective, except for changes 20 that do not require approval of the shareholders of the 21 domesticated corporation under its organic law or its proposed 22 articles of incorporation or bylaws as set forth in the plan. 23 (3) Any of the other terms or conditions of the plan, if the 24 change would adversely affect the shareholder in any material 25 respect. 26 2. After a plan of domestication has been adopted and 27 approved by a domestic corporation as required by this part, 28 and before the articles of domestication have become effective, 29 the plan may be abandoned by the corporation without action by 30 its shareholders in accordance with any procedures set forth in 31 the plan or, if no such procedures are set forth in the plan, in 32 the manner determined by the board of directors. 33 3. If a domestication is abandoned after the articles of 34 domestication have been delivered to the secretary of state for 35 -138- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 138/ 269
H.F. 844 filing but before the articles of domestication have become 1 effective, articles of abandonment, signed by the domesticating 2 corporation, must be delivered to the secretary of state for 3 filing before the articles of domestication become effective. 4 The articles of abandonment take effect upon filing, and the 5 domestication shall be deemed abandoned and shall not become 6 effective. The articles of abandonment must contain all of the 7 following: 8 a. The name of the domesticating corporation. 9 b. The date on which the articles of domestication were 10 filed by the secretary of state. 11 c. A statement that the domestication has been abandoned in 12 accordance with this section. 13 Sec. 133. NEW SECTION . 490.924 Effect of domestication. 14 1. When a domestication becomes effective all of the 15 following apply: 16 a. All property owned by, and every contract right possessed 17 by, the domesticating corporation are the property and contract 18 rights of the domesticated corporation without transfer, 19 reversion, or impairment. 20 b. All debts, obligations, and other liabilities of the 21 domesticating corporation are the debts, obligations, and other 22 liabilities of the domesticated corporation. 23 c. The name of the domesticated corporation may but need not 24 be substituted for the name of the domesticating corporation in 25 any pending proceeding. 26 d. The articles of incorporation and bylaws of the 27 domesticated corporation become effective. 28 e. The shares of the domesticating corporation are 29 reclassified into shares or other securities, obligations, 30 rights to acquire shares or other securities, cash, or other 31 property in accordance with the terms of the domestication, and 32 the shareholders of the domesticating corporation are entitled 33 only to the rights provided to them by those terms and to any 34 appraisal rights they may have under the organic law of the 35 -139- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 139/ 269
H.F. 844 domesticating corporation. 1 f. The domesticated corporation is all of the following: 2 (1) Incorporated under and subject to the organic law of the 3 domesticated corporation. 4 (2) The same corporation without interruption as the 5 domesticating corporation. 6 (3) Deemed to have been incorporated on the date the 7 domesticating corporation was originally incorporated. 8 2. When a domestication of a domestic corporation into 9 a foreign jurisdiction becomes effective, the domesticated 10 corporation is deemed to have done all of the following: 11 a. Appointed the secretary of state as its agent for 12 service of process in a proceeding to enforce the rights of 13 shareholders who exercise appraisal rights in connection with 14 the domestication. 15 b. Agreed that it will promptly pay the amount, if any, to 16 which such shareholders are entitled under subchapter XIII. 17 3. Except as otherwise provided in the organic law or 18 organic rules of a domesticating foreign corporation, the 19 interest holder liability of a shareholder in a foreign 20 corporation that is domesticated into this state who had 21 interest holder liability in respect of such domesticating 22 corporation before the domestication becomes effective shall 23 be as follows: 24 a. The domestication does not discharge that prior 25 interest holder liability with respect to any interest holder 26 liabilities that arose before the domestication becomes 27 effective. 28 b. The provisions of the organic law of the domesticating 29 corporation shall continue to apply to the collection or 30 discharge of any interest holder liabilities preserved by 31 paragraph “a” , as if the domestication had not occurred. 32 c. The shareholder shall have such rights of contribution 33 from other persons as are provided by the organic law of the 34 domesticating corporation with respect to any interest holder 35 -140- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 140/ 269
H.F. 844 liabilities preserved by paragraph “a” , as if the domestication 1 had not occurred. 2 d. The shareholder shall not, by reason of such prior 3 interest holder liability, have interest holder liability with 4 respect to any interest holder liabilities that are incurred 5 after the domestication becomes effective. 6 4. A shareholder who becomes subject to interest holder 7 liability in respect of the domesticated corporation as a 8 result of the domestication shall have such interest holder 9 liability only in respect of interest holder liabilities that 10 arise after the domestication becomes effective. 11 5. A domestication does not constitute or cause the 12 dissolution of the domesticating corporation. 13 6. Property held for charitable purposes under the 14 laws of this state by a domestic or foreign corporation 15 immediately before a domestication shall not, as a result of 16 the transaction, be diverted from the objects for which it was 17 donated, granted, devised, or otherwise transferred except 18 and to the extent permitted by or pursuant to the laws of 19 this state addressing cy pres or dealing with nondiversion of 20 charitable assets. 21 7. A bequest, devise, gift, grant, or promise contained 22 in a will or other instrument of donation, subscription, or 23 conveyance which is made to the domesticating corporation and 24 which takes effect or remains payable after the domestication 25 inures to the domesticated corporation. 26 8. A trust obligation that would govern property if 27 transferred to the domesticating corporation applies to 28 property that is transferred to the domesticated corporation 29 after the domestication takes effect. 30 Sec. 134. NEW SECTION . 490.930 Conversion. 31 1. By complying with this subchapter, a domestic 32 corporation may become any of the following: 33 a. A domestic eligible entity. 34 b. A foreign eligible entity if the conversion is permitted 35 -141- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 141/ 269
H.F. 844 by the organic law of the foreign entity. 1 2. By complying with this part and applicable provisions 2 of its organic law, a domestic eligible entity may become a 3 domestic corporation. If procedures for the approval of a 4 conversion are not provided by the organic law or organic rules 5 of a domestic eligible entity, the conversion shall be adopted 6 and approved in the same manner as a merger of that eligible 7 entity. If the organic law or organic rules of a domestic 8 eligible entity do not provide procedures for the approval 9 of either a conversion or a merger, a plan of conversion may 10 nonetheless be adopted and approved by the unanimous consent 11 of all the interest holders of such eligible entity. In 12 either such case, the conversion thereafter may be effected as 13 provided in the other provisions of this part; and for purposes 14 of applying this subchapter in such a case all of the following 15 apply: 16 a. The eligible entity, its members or interest holders, 17 eligible interests and organic rules taken together, shall be 18 deemed to be a domestic business corporation, shareholders, 19 shares and articles of incorporation, respectively and vice 20 versa, as the context may require. 21 b. If the business and affairs of the eligible entity are 22 managed by a person or persons that are not identical to the 23 members or interest holders, that person or persons shall be 24 deemed to be the board of directors. 25 3. By complying with the provisions of this part applicable 26 to foreign entities, a foreign eligible entity may become a 27 domestic corporation if the organic law of the foreign eligible 28 entity permits it to become a business corporation in another 29 jurisdiction. 30 4. If a protected agreement of a domestic converting 31 corporation in effect immediately before the conversion becomes 32 effective contains a provision applying to a merger of the 33 corporation that is a converting entity and the agreement does 34 not refer to a conversion of the corporation, the provision 35 -142- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 142/ 269
H.F. 844 applies to a conversion of the corporation as if the conversion 1 were a merger, until such time as the provision is first 2 amended after the enactment date. 3 Sec. 135. NEW SECTION . 490.931 Plan of conversion. 4 1. A domestic corporation may convert to a domestic or 5 foreign eligible entity under this part by approving a plan of 6 conversion. The plan of conversion must include all of the 7 following: 8 a. The name of the converting corporation. 9 b. The name, jurisdiction of formation, and type of entity 10 of the converted entity. 11 c. The manner and basis of converting the shares of 12 the domestic corporation into eligible interests or other 13 securities, obligations, rights to acquire eligible interests 14 or other securities, cash, other property, or any combination 15 of the foregoing. 16 d. The other terms and conditions of the conversion. 17 e. The full text, as it will be in effect immediately after 18 the conversion becomes effective, of the organic rules of the 19 converted entity which are to be in writing. 20 2. In addition to the requirements of subsection 1, a plan 21 of conversion may contain any other provision not prohibited 22 by law. 23 3. The terms of a plan of conversion may be made dependent 24 upon facts objectively ascertainable outside the plan in 25 accordance with section 490.120, subsection 11. 26 Sec. 136. NEW SECTION . 490.932 Action on a plan of 27 conversion. 28 In the case of a conversion of a domestic corporation to a 29 domestic or foreign eligible entity, the plan of conversion 30 shall be adopted in the following manner: 31 1. The plan of conversion shall first be adopted by the 32 board of directors. 33 2. a. The plan of conversion shall then be approved by 34 the shareholders. In submitting the plan of conversion to the 35 -143- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 143/ 269
H.F. 844 shareholders for their approval, the board of directors must 1 recommend that the shareholders approve the plan, unless any of 2 the following applies: 3 (1) The board of directors makes a determination that 4 because of conflicts of interest or other special circumstances 5 it should not make such a recommendation. 6 (2) Section 490.826 applies. 7 b. If paragraph “a” , subparagraph (1) or (2) applies, the 8 board of directors shall inform the shareholders of the basis 9 for its so proceeding. 10 3. The board of directors may set conditions for approval of 11 the plan of conversion by the shareholders or the effectiveness 12 of the plan of conversion. 13 4. If the approval of the shareholders is to be given at 14 a meeting, the corporation shall notify each shareholder, 15 regardless of whether entitled to vote, of the meeting of 16 shareholders at which the plan of conversion is to be submitted 17 for approval. The notice must state that the purpose, or one 18 of the purposes, of the meeting is to consider the plan of 19 conversion and must contain or be accompanied by a copy or 20 summary of the plan. The notice must include or be accompanied 21 by a copy of the organic rules of the converted entity which 22 are to be in writing as they will be in effect immediately 23 after the conversion. 24 5. Unless the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or the 25 board of directors acting pursuant to subsection 3, require 26 a greater vote or a greater quorum, approval of the plan of 27 conversion requires all of the following: 28 a. The approval of the shareholders at a meeting at which a 29 quorum exists consisting of a majority of the votes entitled 30 to be cast on the plan. 31 b. Except as provided in subsection 6, the approval of 32 each class or series of shares voting as a separate voting 33 group at a meeting at which a quorum of the voting group exists 34 consisting of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on 35 -144- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 144/ 269
H.F. 844 the plan by that voting group. 1 6. If as a result of the conversion one or more shareholders 2 of the converting domestic corporation would become subject to 3 interest holder liability, approval of the plan of conversion 4 shall require the signing in connection with the transaction, 5 by each such shareholder, of a separate written consent to 6 become subject to such interest holder liability. 7 Sec. 137. NEW SECTION . 490.933 Articles of conversion —— 8 effectiveness. 9 1. Articles of conversion shall be signed by the converting 10 entity after either a plan of conversion of a domestic 11 corporation has been adopted and approved as required by this 12 chapter or a domestic or foreign eligible entity that is the 13 converting entity has approved a conversion as required under 14 its organic law. The articles of conversion must do all of the 15 following: 16 a. State the name, jurisdiction of formation, and type of 17 entity of the converting entity. 18 b. State the name, jurisdiction of formation, and type of 19 entity of the converted entity. 20 c. (1) If the converting entity is a domestic corporation, 21 state that the plan of conversion was approved in accordance 22 with this part. 23 (2) If the converting entity is an eligible entity, state 24 that the conversion was approved by the eligible entity in 25 accordance with its organic law. 26 (3) If the converting entity is a domestic eligible entity 27 the organic law of which does not provide for approval of the 28 conversion, state that the conversion was approved by the 29 domestic eligible entity in accordance with this part. 30 d. (1) If the converted entity is a domestic business 31 corporation, or a domestic nonprofit corporation or filing 32 entity, have attached the public organic record of the 33 converted entity, except that provisions that would not be 34 required to be included in a restated public organic record may 35 -145- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 145/ 269
H.F. 844 be omitted. 1 (2) If the converted entity is a domestic limited liability 2 partnership, have attached the filing required to become a 3 limited liability partnership. 4 2. If the converted entity is a domestic corporation, 5 its articles of incorporation must satisfy the requirements 6 of section 490.202, except that provisions that would not be 7 required to be included in restated articles of incorporation 8 may be omitted from the articles of incorporation. If the 9 converted entity is a domestic eligible entity, its public 10 organic record, if any, must satisfy the requirements of the 11 organic law of this state, except that the public organic 12 record does not need to be signed. 13 3. The articles of conversion shall be delivered to the 14 secretary of state for filing, and shall take effect at the 15 effective date determined in accordance with section 490.123. 16 4. If a converted entity is a domestic entity, the 17 conversion becomes effective when the articles of conversion 18 are effective. With respect to a conversion in which the 19 converted entity is a foreign eligible entity, the conversion 20 itself shall become effective at the later of the following: 21 a. The date and time provided by the organic law of that 22 eligible entity. 23 b. When the articles of conversion become effective. 24 5. Articles of conversion under this section may be combined 25 with any required conversion filing under the organic law 26 of a domestic eligible entity that is the converting entity 27 or converted entity if the combined filing satisfies the 28 requirements of both this section and the other organic law. 29 6. If the converting entity is a foreign eligible entity 30 that is registered to do business in this state under a 31 provision of law similar to subchapter XV, its registration 32 statement or other type of foreign qualification shall be 33 canceled automatically on the effective date of its conversion. 34 Sec. 138. NEW SECTION . 490.934 Amendment of plan of 35 -146- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 146/ 269
H.F. 844 conversion —— abandonment. 1 1. A plan of conversion of a converting entity that is a 2 domestic corporation may be amended in any of the following 3 manners: 4 a. In the same manner as the plan was approved, if the plan 5 does not provide for the manner in which it may be amended. 6 b. In the manner provided in the plan, except that 7 shareholders that were entitled to vote on or consent to 8 approval of the plan are entitled to vote on or consent to any 9 amendment of the plan that will change any of the following: 10 (1) The amount or kind of eligible interests or other 11 securities, obligations, rights to acquire eligible interests 12 or other securities, cash, other property, or any combination 13 of the foregoing, to be received by any of the shareholders of 14 the converting corporation under the plan. 15 (2) The organic rules of the converted entity that will be 16 in effect immediately after the conversion becomes effective, 17 except for changes that do not require approval of the eligible 18 interest holders of the converted entity under its organic law 19 or organic rules. 20 (3) Any other terms or conditions of the plan, if the 21 change would adversely affect such shareholders in any material 22 respect. 23 2. After a plan of conversion has been approved by a 24 converting entity that is a domestic corporation in the manner 25 required by this part and before the articles of conversion 26 become effective, the plan may be abandoned by the corporation 27 without action by its shareholders in accordance with any 28 procedures set forth in the plan or, if no such procedures are 29 set forth in the plan, in the manner determined by the board of 30 directors. 31 3. If a conversion is abandoned after the articles of 32 conversion have been delivered to the secretary of state for 33 filing and before the articles of conversion become effective, 34 articles of abandonment, signed by the converting entity, 35 -147- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 147/ 269
H.F. 844 must be delivered to the secretary of state for filing before 1 the articles of conversion become effective. The articles 2 of abandonment take effect on filing, and the conversion is 3 abandoned and does not become effective. The articles of 4 abandonment must contain all of the following: 5 a. The name of the converting entity. 6 b. The date on which the articles of conversion were filed 7 by the secretary of state. 8 c. A statement that the conversion has been abandoned in 9 accordance with this section. 10 Sec. 139. NEW SECTION . 490.935 Effect of conversion. 11 1. When a conversion becomes effective all of the following 12 shall apply: 13 a. All property owned by, and every contract right possessed 14 by, the converting entity remain the property and contract 15 rights of the converted entity without transfer, reversion, or 16 impairment. 17 b. All debts, obligations, and other liabilities of the 18 converting entity remain the debts, obligations, and other 19 liabilities of the converted entity. 20 c. The name of the converted entity may but need not be 21 substituted for the name of the converting entity in any 22 pending action or proceeding. 23 d. If the converted entity is a filing entity or a domestic 24 business corporation or a domestic or foreign nonprofit 25 corporation, its public organic record and its private organic 26 rules become effective. 27 e. If the converted entity is a nonfiling entity, its 28 private organic rules become effective. 29 f. If the converted entity is a limited liability 30 partnership, the filing required to become a limited liability 31 partnership and its private organic rules become effective. 32 g. The shares or eligible interests of the converting 33 entity are reclassified into shares, eligible interests or 34 other securities, obligations, rights to acquire shares, 35 -148- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 148/ 269
H.F. 844 eligible interests or other securities, cash, or other property 1 in accordance with the terms of the conversion, and the 2 shareholders or interest holders of the converting entity are 3 entitled only to the rights provided to them by those terms and 4 to any appraisal rights they may have under the organic law of 5 the converting entity. 6 h. The converted entity is all of the following: 7 (1) Incorporated or organized under and subject to the 8 organic law of the converted entity. 9 (2) The same entity without interruption as the converting 10 entity. 11 (3) Deemed to have been incorporated or otherwise 12 organized on the date that the converting entity was originally 13 incorporated or organized. 14 2. When a conversion of a domestic corporation to a foreign 15 eligible entity becomes effective, the converted entity is 16 deemed to have done all of the following: 17 a. Appointed the secretary of state as its agent for 18 service of process in a proceeding to enforce the rights of 19 shareholders who exercise appraisal rights in connection with 20 the conversion. 21 b. Agreed that it will promptly pay the amount, if any, to 22 which such shareholders are entitled under subchapter XIII. 23 3. Except as otherwise provided in the articles of 24 incorporation of a domestic corporation or the organic law or 25 organic rules of a foreign corporation or a domestic or foreign 26 eligible entity, a shareholder or eligible interest holder who 27 becomes subject to interest holder liability in respect of a 28 domestic corporation or eligible entity as a result of the 29 conversion shall have such interest holder liability only in 30 respect of interest holder liabilities that arise after the 31 conversion becomes effective. 32 4. Except as otherwise provided in the organic law or the 33 organic rules of the eligible entity, the interest holder 34 liability of an interest holder in a converting eligible entity 35 -149- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 149/ 269
H.F. 844 that converts to a domestic corporation who had interest holder 1 liability in respect of such converting eligible entity before 2 the conversion becomes effective shall be as follows: 3 a. The conversion does not discharge that prior interest 4 holder liability with respect to any interest holder 5 liabilities that arose before the conversion became effective. 6 b. The provisions of the organic law of the eligible entity 7 shall continue to apply to the collection or discharge of any 8 interest holder liabilities preserved by paragraph “a” , as if 9 the conversion had not occurred. 10 c. The eligible interest holder shall have such rights of 11 contribution from other persons as are provided by the organic 12 law of the eligible entity with respect to any interest holder 13 liabilities preserved by paragraph “a” , as if the conversion had 14 not occurred. 15 d. The eligible interest holder shall not, by reason of such 16 prior interest holder liability, have interest holder liability 17 with respect to any interest holder liabilities that arise 18 after the conversion becomes effective. 19 5. A conversion does not require the converting entity 20 to wind up its affairs and does not constitute or cause the 21 dissolution or termination of the entity. 22 6. Property held for charitable purposes under the laws of 23 this state by a corporation or a domestic or foreign eligible 24 entity immediately before a conversion shall not, as a result 25 of the transaction, be diverted from the objects for which it 26 was donated, granted, devised, or otherwise transferred except 27 and to the extent permitted by or pursuant to the laws of 28 this state addressing cy pres or dealing with nondiversion of 29 charitable assets. 30 7. A bequest, devise, gift, grant, or promise contained 31 in a will or other instrument of donation, subscription, or 32 conveyance which is made to the converting entity and which 33 takes effect or remains payable after the conversion inures to 34 the converted entity. 35 -150- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 150/ 269
H.F. 844 8. A trust obligation that would govern property if 1 transferred to the converting entity applies to property that 2 is transferred to the converted entity after the conversion 3 takes effect. 4 Sec. 140. Section 490.1003, Code 2021, is amended by 5 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 6 following: 7 490.1003 Amendment by board of directors and shareholders. 8 If a corporation has issued shares, an amendment to the 9 articles of incorporation shall be adopted in the following 10 manner: 11 1. The proposed amendment shall first be adopted by the 12 board of directors. 13 2. a. Except as provided in sections 490.1005, 490.1007, 14 and 490.1008, the amendment shall then be approved by the 15 shareholders. In submitting the proposed amendment to the 16 shareholders for approval, the board of directors shall 17 recommend that the shareholders approve the amendment, unless 18 any of the following applies: 19 (1) The board of directors makes a determination that 20 because of conflicts of interest or other special circumstances 21 it should not make such a recommendation. 22 (2) Section 490.826 applies. 23 b. If paragraph “a” , subparagraph (1) or (2) applies, the 24 board must inform the shareholders of the basis for its so 25 proceeding. 26 3. The board of directors may set conditions for the 27 approval of the amendment by the shareholders or the 28 effectiveness of the amendment. 29 4. If the amendment is required to be approved by the 30 shareholders, and the approval is to be given at a meeting, 31 the corporation shall notify each shareholder, regardless of 32 whether entitled to vote, of the meeting of shareholders at 33 which the amendment is to be submitted for approval. The 34 notice must state that the purpose, or one of the purposes, 35 -151- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 151/ 269
H.F. 844 of the meeting is to consider the amendment. The notice must 1 contain or be accompanied by a copy of the amendment. 2 5. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws, or the 3 board of directors acting pursuant to subsection 3, require a 4 greater vote or a greater quorum, approval of the amendment 5 requires the approval of the shareholders at a meeting at which 6 a quorum consisting of a majority of the votes entitled to 7 be cast on the amendment exists, and, if any class or series 8 of shares is entitled to vote as a separate group on the 9 amendment, except as provided in section 490.1004, subsection 10 3, the approval of each such separate voting group at a meeting 11 at which a quorum of the voting group exists consisting of a 12 majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the amendment by 13 that voting group. 14 6. a. If as a result of an amendment of the articles 15 of incorporation one or more shareholders of a domestic 16 corporation would become subject to new interest holder 17 liability, approval of the amendment requires the signing in 18 connection with the amendment, by each such shareholder, of a 19 separate written consent to become subject to such new interest 20 holder liability. 21 b. Paragraph “a” does not apply in the case of a shareholder 22 that already has interest holder liability and the terms and 23 conditions of the new interest holder liability are any of the 24 following: 25 (1) Substantially identical to those of the existing 26 interest holder liability. 27 (2) Substantially identical to those of the existing 28 interest holder liability, other than changes that eliminate or 29 reduce such interest holder liability. 30 7. As used in subsection 6 and section 490.1009, “new 31 interest holder liability” means interest holder liability 32 of a person resulting from an amendment of the articles of 33 incorporation if any of the following applies: 34 a. The person did not have interest holder liability before 35 -152- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 152/ 269
H.F. 844 the amendment becomes effective. 1 b. The person had interest holder liability before the 2 amendment becomes effective, the terms and conditions of which 3 are changed when the amendment becomes effective. 4 Sec. 141. Section 490.1004, Code 2021, is amended by 5 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 6 following: 7 490.1004 Voting on amendments by voting groups. 8 1. The holders of the outstanding shares of a class are 9 entitled to vote as a separate voting group, if shareholder 10 voting is otherwise required by this chapter, on a proposed 11 amendment to the articles of incorporation if the amendment 12 would do any of the following: 13 a. Effect an exchange or reclassification of all or part of 14 the shares of the class into shares of another class. 15 b. Effect an exchange or reclassification, or create the 16 right of exchange, of all or part of the shares of another 17 class into shares of the class. 18 c. Change the rights, preferences, or limitations of all or 19 part of the shares of the class. 20 d. Change the shares of all or part of the class into a 21 different number of shares of the same class. 22 e. Create a new class of shares having rights or preferences 23 with respect to distributions that are prior or superior to the 24 shares of the class. 25 f. Increase the rights, preferences, or number of authorized 26 shares of any class that, after giving effect to the amendment, 27 have rights or preferences with respect to distributions that 28 are prior or superior to the shares of the class. 29 g. Limit or deny an existing preemptive right of all or part 30 of the shares of the class. 31 h. Cancel or otherwise affect rights to distributions that 32 have accumulated but not yet been authorized on all or part of 33 the shares of the class. 34 2. If a proposed amendment would affect a series of a class 35 -153- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 153/ 269
H.F. 844 of shares in one or more of the ways described in subsection 1, 1 the holders of shares of that series are entitled to vote as a 2 separate voting group on the proposed amendment. 3 3. If a proposed amendment that entitles the holders of 4 two or more classes or series of shares to vote as separate 5 voting groups under this section would affect those two or more 6 classes or series in the same or a substantially similar way, 7 the holders of shares of all the classes or series so affected 8 shall vote together as a single voting group on the proposed 9 amendment, unless otherwise provided in the articles of 10 incorporation or added as a condition by the board of directors 11 pursuant to section 490.1003, subsection 3. 12 4. A class or series of shares is entitled to the voting 13 rights granted by this section even if the articles of 14 incorporation provide that the shares are nonvoting shares. 15 Sec. 142. Section 490.1006, Code 2021, is amended by 16 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 17 following: 18 490.1006 Articles of amendment. 19 1. After an amendment to the articles of incorporation 20 has been adopted and approved in the manner required by this 21 chapter and by the articles of incorporation, the corporation 22 shall deliver to the secretary of state, for filing, articles 23 of amendment, which must set forth all of the following: 24 a. The name of the corporation. 25 b. The text of each amendment adopted, or the information 26 required by section 490.120, subsection 11, paragraph “e” . 27 c. If an amendment provides for an exchange, 28 reclassification, or cancellation of issued shares, 29 provisions for implementing the amendment, if not contained in 30 the amendment itself, which may be made dependent upon facts 31 objectively ascertainable outside the articles of amendment in 32 accordance with section 490.120, subsection 11, paragraph “e”. 33 d. The date of each amendment’s adoption. 34 e. For an amendment, the following: 35 -154- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 154/ 269
H.F. 844 (1) If it was adopted by the incorporators or board of 1 directors without shareholder approval, a statement that the 2 amendment was duly adopted by the incorporators or by the board 3 of directors, as the case may be, and that shareholder approval 4 was not required. 5 (2) If it required approval by the shareholders, a statement 6 that the amendment was duly approved by the shareholders in 7 the manner required by this chapter and by the articles of 8 incorporation. 9 (3) If being filed pursuant to section 490.120, subsection 10 11, paragraph “e” , a statement to that effect. 11 2. Articles of amendment shall take effect at the effective 12 date determined in accordance with section 490.123. 13 Sec. 143. Section 490.1007, Code 2021, is amended by 14 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 15 following: 16 490.1007 Restated articles of incorporation. 17 1. A corporation’s board of directors may restate its 18 articles of incorporation at any time, without shareholder 19 approval, to consolidate all amendments into a single document. 20 2. If the restated articles include one or more new 21 amendments that require shareholder approval, the amendments 22 shall be adopted and approved as provided in section 490.1003. 23 3. A corporation that restates its articles of 24 incorporation shall deliver to the secretary of state for 25 filing articles of restatement setting forth all of the 26 following: 27 a. The name of the corporation. 28 b. The text of the restated articles of incorporation. 29 c. A statement that the restated articles consolidate all 30 amendments into a single document. 31 d. If a new amendment is included in the restated articles, 32 the statements required under section 490.1006 with respect to 33 the new amendment. 34 4. Duly adopted restated articles of incorporation 35 -155- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 155/ 269
H.F. 844 supersede the original articles of incorporation and all 1 amendments to the articles of incorporation. 2 5. The secretary of state may certify restated articles of 3 incorporation as the articles of incorporation currently in 4 effect, without including the statements required by subsection 5 3, paragraph “d” . 6 Sec. 144. Section 490.1009, Code 2021, is amended by 7 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 8 following: 9 490.1009 Effect of amendment. 10 1. An amendment to the articles of incorporation does not 11 affect a cause of action existing against or in favor of the 12 corporation, a proceeding to which the corporation is a party, 13 or the existing rights of persons other than the shareholders. 14 An amendment changing a corporation’s name does not affect a 15 proceeding brought by or against the corporation in its former 16 name. 17 2. A shareholder who becomes subject to new interest holder 18 liability in respect of the corporation as a result of an 19 amendment to the articles of incorporation shall have that new 20 interest holder liability only in respect of interest holder 21 liabilities that arise after the amendment becomes effective. 22 3. Except as otherwise provided in the articles of 23 incorporation of the corporation, the interest holder liability 24 of a shareholder who had interest holder liability in respect 25 of the corporation before the amendment becomes effective and 26 has new interest holder liability after the amendment becomes 27 effective shall be as follows: 28 a. The amendment does not discharge that prior interest 29 holder liability with respect to any interest holder 30 liabilities that arose before the amendment becomes effective. 31 b. The provisions of the articles of incorporation of 32 the corporation relating to interest holder liability as in 33 effect immediately prior to the amendment shall continue to 34 apply to the collection or discharge of any interest holder 35 -156- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 156/ 269
H.F. 844 liabilities preserved by paragraph “a” , as if the amendment had 1 not occurred. 2 c. The shareholder shall have such rights of contribution 3 from other persons as are provided by the articles of 4 incorporation relating to interest holder liability as in 5 effect immediately prior to the amendment with respect to any 6 interest holder liabilities preserved by paragraph “a” , as if 7 the amendment had not occurred. 8 d. The shareholder shall not, by reason of such prior 9 interest holder liability, have interest holder liability with 10 respect to any interest holder liabilities that arise after the 11 amendment becomes effective. 12 Sec. 145. Section 490.1020, Code 2021, is amended by 13 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 14 following: 15 490.1020 Authority to amend. 16 1. A corporation’s shareholders may amend or repeal the 17 corporation’s bylaws. 18 2. A corporation’s board of directors may amend or repeal 19 the corporation’s bylaws unless any of the following apply: 20 a. The articles of incorporation, section 490.1021, or, if 21 applicable, section 490.1022, reserve that power exclusively to 22 the shareholders in whole or part. 23 b. Except as provided in section 490.206, subsection 4, 24 the shareholders in amending, repealing, or adopting a bylaw 25 expressly provide that the board of directors shall not amend, 26 repeal, or adopt that bylaw. 27 3. A shareholder of the corporation does not have a vested 28 property right resulting from any provision in the bylaws. 29 Sec. 146. Section 490.1021, Code 2021, is amended by 30 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 31 following: 32 490.1021 Bylaw increasing quorum or voting requirement for 33 directors. 34 1. A bylaw that increases a quorum or voting requirement 35 -157- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 157/ 269
H.F. 844 for the board of directors or that requires a meeting of 1 shareholders to be held at a place may be amended or repealed 2 as follows: 3 a. If originally adopted by the shareholders, only by the 4 shareholders, unless the bylaw otherwise provides. 5 b. If adopted by the board of directors, either by the 6 shareholders or by the board of directors. 7 2. A bylaw adopted or amended by the shareholders that 8 increases a quorum or voting requirement for the board of 9 directors may provide that it can be amended or repealed only 10 by a specified vote of either the shareholders or the board of 11 directors. 12 3. Action by the board of directors under subsection 1 13 to amend or repeal a bylaw that changes a quorum or voting 14 requirement for the board of directors shall meet the same 15 quorum requirement and be adopted by the same vote required to 16 take action under the quorum and voting requirement then in 17 effect or proposed to be adopted, whichever is greater. 18 Sec. 147. NEW SECTION . 490.1022 Bylaw provisions relating 19 to the election of directors. 20 1. Unless the articles of incorporation specifically 21 prohibit the adoption of a bylaw pursuant to this section, 22 alter the vote specified in section 490.728, subsection 1, or 23 provide for cumulative voting, a corporation may elect in its 24 bylaws to be governed in the election of directors as follows: 25 a. Each vote entitled to be cast may be voted for or against 26 up to that number of candidates that is equal to the number 27 of directors to be elected, or a shareholder may indicate an 28 abstention, but without cumulating the votes. 29 b. To be elected, a nominee shall have received a plurality 30 of the votes cast by holders of shares entitled to vote 31 in the election at a meeting at which a quorum is present, 32 provided that a nominee who is elected but receives more votes 33 against than for election shall serve as a director for a term 34 that shall terminate on the date that is the earlier of the 35 -158- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 158/ 269
H.F. 844 following: 1 (1) (a) Ninety days from the date on which the voting 2 results are determined pursuant to section 490.729, subsection 3 2, paragraph “e” . 4 (b) The date on which an individual is selected by the 5 board of directors to fill the office held by such director, 6 which selection shall be deemed to constitute the filling of a 7 vacancy by the board to which section 490.810 applies. 8 (2) Subject to subsection 1, paragraph “c” , a nominee who is 9 elected but receives more votes against than for election shall 10 not serve as a director beyond the ninety-day period provided 11 in subparagraph division (a). 12 c. The board of directors may select any qualified 13 individual to fill the office held by a director who received 14 more votes against than for election. 15 2. a. Subsection 1 does not apply to an election of 16 directors by a voting group if any of the fo1lowing applies: 17 (1) At the expiration of the time fixed under a provision 18 requiring advance notification of director candidates. 19 (2) Absent such a provision, at a time fixed by the board of 20 directors which is not more than fourteen days before notice 21 is given of the meeting at which the election is to occur, 22 there are more candidates for election by the voting group than 23 the number of directors to be elected, one or more of whom are 24 properly proposed by shareholders. 25 b. An individual shall not be considered a candidate for 26 purposes of paragraph “a” , if the board of directors determines 27 before the notice of meeting is given that such individual’s 28 candidacy does not create a bona fide election contest. 29 3. A bylaw electing to be governed by this section may be 30 repealed under any of the following circumstances: 31 a. If originally adopted by the shareholders, only by the 32 shareholders, unless the bylaw otherwise provides. 33 b. If adopted by the board of directors, by the board of 34 directors or the shareholders. 35 -159- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 159/ 269
H.F. 844 Sec. 148. Section 490.1101, Code 2021, is amended by 1 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 2 following: 3 490.1101 Subchapter definitions. 4 As used in this subchapter: 5 1. “Acquired entity” means the domestic or foreign 6 corporation or eligible entity that will have all of one or 7 more classes or series of its shares or eligible interests 8 acquired in a share exchange. 9 2. “Acquiring entity” means the domestic or foreign 10 corporation or eligible entity that will acquire all of one or 11 more classes or series of shares or eligible interests of the 12 acquired entity in a share exchange. 13 3. “New interest holder liability” means interest holder 14 liability of a person, resulting from a merger or share 15 exchange, that is any of the following: 16 a. In respect of an entity which is different from the 17 entity in which the person held shares or eligible interests 18 immediately before the merger or share exchange became 19 effective. 20 b. In respect of the same entity as the one in which the 21 person held shares or eligible interests immediately before 22 the merger or share exchange became effective if any of the 23 following apply: 24 (1) The person did not have interest holder liability 25 immediately before the merger or share exchange became 26 effective. 27 (2) The person had interest holder liability immediately 28 before the merger or share exchange became effective, the terms 29 and conditions of which were changed when the merger or share 30 exchange became effective. 31 4. “Party to a merger” means any domestic or foreign 32 corporation or eligible entity that will merge under a plan of 33 merger but does not include a survivor created by the merger. 34 5. “Survivor” in a merger means the domestic or foreign 35 -160- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 160/ 269
H.F. 844 corporation or eligible entity into which one or more other 1 corporations or eligible entities are merged. 2 Sec. 149. Section 490.1102, Code 2021, is amended by 3 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 4 following: 5 490.1102 Merger. 6 1. By complying with this subchapter, all of the following 7 apply: 8 a. One or more domestic business corporations may merge 9 with one or more domestic or foreign business corporations or 10 eligible entities pursuant to a plan of merger, resulting in 11 a survivor. 12 b. Two or more foreign business corporations or domestic or 13 foreign eligible entities may merge, resulting in a survivor 14 that is a domestic business corporation created in the merger. 15 2. By complying with the provisions of this subchapter 16 applicable to foreign entities, a foreign business corporation 17 or a foreign eligible entity may be a party to a merger with 18 a domestic business corporation, or may be created as the 19 survivor in a merger in which a domestic business corporation 20 is a party, but only if the merger is permitted by the organic 21 law of the foreign business corporation or eligible entity. 22 3. If the organic law or organic rules of a domestic 23 eligible entity do not provide procedures for the approval 24 of a merger, a plan of merger may nonetheless be adopted 25 and approved by the unanimous consent of all of the interest 26 holders of such eligible entity, and the merger may thereafter 27 by effected as provided in the other provisions of this 28 subchapter; and for the purposes of applying this subchapter in 29 such a case all of the following shall apply: 30 a. The eligible entity, its members or interest holders, 31 eligible interests and articles of incorporation or other 32 organic rules taken together shall be deemed to be a domestic 33 business corporation, shareholders, shares and articles of 34 incorporation, respectively and vice versa as the context may 35 -161- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 161/ 269
H.F. 844 require. 1 b. If the business and affairs of the eligible entity are 2 managed by a person or persons that are not identical to the 3 members or interest holders, that group shall be deemed to be 4 the board of directors. 5 4. The plan of merger must include all of the following: 6 a. As to each party to the merger, its name, jurisdiction of 7 formation, and type of entity. 8 b. The survivor’s name, jurisdiction of formation, and type 9 of entity, and, if the survivor is to be created in the merger, 10 a statement to that effect. 11 c. The terms and conditions of the merger. 12 d. The manner and basis of converting the shares of 13 each merging domestic or foreign business corporation and 14 eligible interests of each merging domestic or foreign eligible 15 entity into shares or other securities, eligible interests, 16 obligations, rights to acquire shares, other securities or 17 eligible interests, cash, other property, or any combination 18 of the foregoing. 19 e. The articles of incorporation of any domestic or foreign 20 business or nonprofit corporation, or the public organic 21 record of any domestic or foreign unincorporated entity, to be 22 created by the merger, or if a new domestic or foreign business 23 or nonprofit corporation or unincorporated entity is not to 24 be created by the merger, any amendments to the survivor’s 25 articles of incorporation or other public organic record. 26 f. Any other provisions required by the laws under which any 27 party to the merger is organized or by which it is governed, or 28 by the articles of incorporation or organic rules of any such 29 party. 30 5. In addition to the requirements of subsection 4, a plan 31 of merger may contain any other provision not prohibited by 32 law. 33 6. Terms of a plan of merger may be made dependent on facts 34 objectively ascertainable outside the plan in accordance with 35 -162- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 162/ 269
H.F. 844 section 490.120, subsection 11. 1 7. A plan of merger may be amended only with the consent of 2 each party to the merger, except as provided in the plan. A 3 domestic party to a merger may approve an amendment to a plan 4 in any of the following manners: 5 a. In the same manner as the plan was approved, if the plan 6 does not provide for the manner in which it may be amended. 7 b. In the manner provided in the plan, except that 8 shareholders, members, or interest holders that were entitled 9 to vote on or consent to approval of the plan are entitled 10 to vote on or consent to any amendment of the plan that will 11 change any of the following: 12 (1) The amount or kind of shares or other securities, 13 eligible interests, obligations, rights to acquire shares, 14 other securities or eligible interests, cash, or other property 15 to be received under the plan by the shareholders, members, or 16 interest holders of any party to the merger. 17 (2) The articles of incorporation of any domestic or foreign 18 business or nonprofit corporation, or the organic rules of 19 any unincorporated entity, that will be the survivor of the 20 merger, except for changes permitted by section 490.1005 or by 21 comparable provisions of the organic law of any such foreign 22 corporation or domestic or foreign nonprofit corporation or 23 unincorporated entity. 24 (3) Any of the other terms or conditions of the plan if the 25 change would adversely affect such shareholders, members, or 26 interest holders in any material respect. 27 Sec. 150. Section 490.1103, Code 2021, is amended by 28 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 29 following: 30 490.1103 Share exchange. 31 1. By complying with this subchapter all of the following 32 apply: 33 a. A domestic corporation may acquire all of the shares of 34 one or more classes or series of shares of another domestic or 35 -163- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 163/ 269
H.F. 844 foreign corporation, or all of the eligible interests of one or 1 more classes or series of interests of a domestic or foreign 2 eligible entity, in exchange for shares or other securities, 3 eligible interests, obligations, rights to acquire shares or 4 other securities or eligible interests, cash, other property, 5 or any combination of the foregoing, pursuant to a plan of 6 share exchange. 7 b. All of the shares of one or more classes or series of 8 shares of a domestic corporation may be acquired by another 9 domestic or foreign corporation or eligible entity, in 10 exchange for shares or other securities, eligible interests, 11 obligations, rights to acquire shares or other securities or 12 eligible interests, cash, other property, or any combination of 13 the foregoing, pursuant to a plan of share exchange. 14 2. A foreign corporation or eligible entity may be the 15 acquired entity in a share exchange only if the share exchange 16 is permitted by the organic law of that corporation or other 17 entity. 18 3. If the organic law or organic rules of a domestic 19 eligible entity do not provide procedures for the approval 20 of a share exchange, a plan of share exchange may be adopted 21 and approved, and the share exchange effected, in accordance 22 with the procedures, if any, for a merger. If the organic 23 law or organic rules of a domestic eligible entity do not 24 provide procedures for the approval of either a share exchange 25 or a merger, a plan of share exchange may nonetheless be 26 adopted and approved by the unanimous consent of all of the 27 interest holders of such eligible entity whose interests will 28 be exchanged under the plan of share exchange, and the share 29 exchange may thereafter be effected as provided in the other 30 provisions of this subchapter; and for purposes of applying 31 this subchapter in such a case all of the following apply: 32 a. The eligible entity, its interest holders, interests, 33 and articles of incorporation or other organic rules taken 34 together shall be deemed to be a domestic business corporation, 35 -164- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 164/ 269
H.F. 844 shareholders, shares and articles of incorporation, 1 respectively and vice versa as the context may require. 2 b. If the business and affairs of the eligible entity are 3 managed by a person or persons that are not identical to the 4 members or interest holders, that person or those persons shall 5 be deemed to be the board of directors. 6 4. The plan of share exchange must include all of the 7 following: 8 a. The name of each domestic or foreign corporation or other 9 eligible entity the shares or eligible interests of which will 10 be acquired and the name of the domestic or foreign corporation 11 or eligible entity that will acquire those shares or eligible 12 interests. 13 b. The terms and conditions of the share exchange. 14 c. The manner and basis of exchanging shares of a domestic 15 or foreign corporation or eligible interests in a domestic or 16 foreign eligible entity the shares or eligible interests of 17 which will be acquired under the share exchange for shares or 18 other securities, eligible interests, obligations, rights to 19 acquire shares, other securities, or eligible interests, cash, 20 other property, or any combination of the foregoing. 21 d. Any other provisions required by the organic law 22 governing the acquired entity or its articles of incorporation 23 or organic rules. 24 5. The terms of a plan of share exchange may be made 25 dependent on facts objectively ascertainable outside the plan 26 in accordance with section 490.120, subsection 11. 27 6. A plan of share exchange may be amended only with the 28 consent of each party to the share exchange, except as provided 29 in the plan. A domestic entity may approve an amendment to a 30 plan in any of the following manners: 31 a. In the same manner as the plan was approved, if the plan 32 does not provide for the manner in which it may be amended. 33 b. In the manner provided in the plan, except that 34 shareholders, members, or interest holders that were entitled 35 -165- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 165/ 269
H.F. 844 to vote on or consent to approval of the plan are entitled 1 to vote on or consent to any amendment of the plan that will 2 change any of the following: 3 (1) The amount or kind of shares or other securities, 4 eligible interests, obligations, rights to acquire shares, 5 other securities or eligible interests, cash, or other property 6 to be received under the plan by the shareholders, members, or 7 interest holders of the acquired entity. 8 (2) Any of the other terms or conditions of the plan if the 9 change would adversely affect such shareholders, members, or 10 interest holders in any material respect. 11 Sec. 151. Section 490.1104, Code 2021, is amended by 12 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 13 following: 14 490.1104 Action on a plan of merger or share exchange. 15 In the case of a domestic corporation that is a party to a 16 merger or the acquired entity in a share exchange, the plan 17 of merger or share exchange shall be adopted in the following 18 manner: 19 1. The plan of merger or share exchange shall first be 20 adopted by the board of directors. 21 2. a. Except as provided in subsections 8, 10, and 12, and 22 in section 490.1105, the plan of merger or share exchange shall 23 then be approved by the shareholders. In submitting the plan 24 of merger or share exchange to the shareholders for approval, 25 the board of directors shall recommend that the shareholders 26 approve the plan, or, in the case of an offer referred to in 27 subsection 10, paragraph “b” , that the shareholders tender 28 their shares to the offeror in response to the offer, unless 29 any of the following apply: 30 (1) The board of directors makes a determination that 31 because of conflicts of interest or other special circumstances 32 it should not make such a recommendation. 33 (2) Section 490.826 applies. 34 b. If either paragraph “a” , subparagraph (1) or (2), 35 -166- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 166/ 269
H.F. 844 applies, the board shall inform the shareholders of the basis 1 for its so proceeding. 2 3. The board of directors may set conditions for the 3 approval of the plan of merger or share exchange by the 4 shareholders or the effectiveness of the plan of merger or 5 share exchange. 6 4. If the plan of merger or share exchange is required 7 to be approved by the shareholders, and if the approval is 8 to be given at a meeting, the corporation shall notify each 9 shareholder, regardless of whether entitled to vote, of the 10 meeting of shareholders at which the plan is to be submitted 11 for approval. The notice must state that the purpose, or one 12 of the purposes, of the meeting is to consider the plan and 13 must contain or be accompanied by a copy or summary of the 14 plan. If the corporation is to be merged into an existing 15 foreign or domestic corporation or eligible entity, the notice 16 must also include or be accompanied by a copy or summary of the 17 articles of incorporation and bylaws or the organic rules of 18 that corporation or eligible entity. If the corporation is to 19 be merged with a domestic or foreign corporation or eligible 20 entity and a new domestic or foreign corporation or eligible 21 entity is to be created pursuant to the merger, the notice 22 must include or be accompanied by a copy or a summary of the 23 articles of incorporation and bylaws or the organic rules of 24 the new corporation or eligible entity. 25 5. Unless the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or the 26 board of directors acting pursuant to subsection 3, require 27 a greater vote or a greater quorum, approval of the plan 28 of merger or share exchange requires the approval of the 29 shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum exists consisting 30 of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the plan, 31 and, if any class or series of shares is entitled to vote as 32 a separate group on the plan of merger or share exchange, the 33 approval of each such separate voting group at a meeting at 34 which a quorum of the voting group is present consisting of 35 -167- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 167/ 269
H.F. 844 a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the merger or 1 share exchange by that voting group. 2 6. Subject to subsection 7, separate voting by voting groups 3 is required for each of the following: 4 a. On a plan of merger, by each class or series of shares 5 that are any of the following: 6 (1) To be converted under the plan of merger into shares, 7 other securities, eligible interests, obligations, rights to 8 acquire shares, other securities or eligible interests, cash, 9 other property, or any combination of the foregoing. 10 (2) Entitled to vote as a separate group on a provision in 11 the plan that constitutes a proposed amendment to the articles 12 of incorporation of a surviving corporation that requires 13 action by separate voting groups under section 490.1004. 14 b. On a plan of share exchange, by each class or series 15 of shares included in the exchange, with each class or series 16 constituting a separate voting group. 17 c. On a plan of merger or share exchange, if the voting 18 group is entitled under the articles of incorporation to 19 vote as a voting group to approve a plan of merger or share 20 exchange, respectively. 21 7. The articles of incorporation may expressly limit or 22 eliminate the separate voting rights provided in subsection 6, 23 paragraph “a” , subparagraph (1), and subsection 6, paragraph 24 “b” , as to any class or series of shares, except when all of the 25 following apply: 26 a. The plan of merger or share exchange includes what is 27 or would be in effect an amendment subject to subsection 6, 28 paragraph “a” , subparagraph (2). 29 b. The plan of merger or share exchange will not effect a 30 substantive business combination. 31 8. Unless the articles of incorporation otherwise provide, 32 approval by the corporation’s shareholders of a plan of 33 merger is not required if all of the following conditions are 34 satisfied: 35 -168- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 168/ 269
H.F. 844 a. The corporation will survive the merger. 1 b. Except for amendments permitted by section 490.1005, its 2 articles of incorporation will not be changed. 3 c. Each shareholder of the corporation whose shares were 4 outstanding immediately before the effective date of the merger 5 or share exchange will hold the same number of shares, with 6 identical preferences, rights, and limitations, immediately 7 after the effective date of the merger. 8 d. The issuance in the merger of shares or other securities 9 convertible into or rights exercisable for shares does not 10 require a vote under section 490.621, subsection 6. 11 9. a. If, as a result of a merger or share exchange, one 12 or more shareholders of a domestic corporation would become 13 subject to new interest holder liability, approval of the plan 14 of merger or share exchange requires the signing in connection 15 with the transaction, by each such shareholder, of a separate 16 written consent to become subject to such new interest holder 17 liability. 18 b. Paragraph “a” does not apply in the case of a shareholder 19 that already has interest holder liability with respect to such 20 domestic corporation, if all of the following apply: 21 (1) The new interest holder liability is with respect to 22 a domestic or foreign corporation, which may be a different 23 or the same domestic corporation in which the person is a 24 shareholder. 25 (2) The terms and conditions of the new interest holder 26 liability are substantially identical to those of the existing 27 interest holder liability, other than for changes that 28 eliminate or reduce such interest holder liability. 29 10. Unless the articles of incorporation otherwise provide, 30 approval by the shareholders of a plan of merger or share 31 exchange is not required if all of the following apply: 32 a. The plan of merger or share exchange expressly permits or 33 requires the merger or share exchange to be effected under this 34 subsection and provides that, if the merger or share exchange 35 -169- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 169/ 269
H.F. 844 is to be effected under this subsection, the merger or share 1 exchange will be effected as soon as practicable following the 2 satisfaction of the requirement set forth in paragraph “f” . 3 b. Another party to the merger, the acquiring entity in 4 the share exchange, or a parent of another party to the merger 5 or the acquiring entity in the share exchange, makes an offer 6 to purchase, on the terms provided in the plan of merger or 7 share exchange, any and all of the outstanding shares of the 8 corporation that, absent this subsection, would be entitled to 9 vote on the plan of merger or share exchange, except that the 10 offer may exclude shares of the corporation that are owned at 11 the commencement of the offer by the corporation, the offeror, 12 or any parent of the offeror, or by any wholly owned subsidiary 13 of any of the foregoing. 14 c. The offer discloses that the plan of merger or share 15 exchange provides that the merger or share exchange will be 16 effected as soon as practicable following the satisfaction of 17 the requirement set forth in paragraph “f” and that the shares 18 of the corporation that are not tendered in response to the 19 offer will be treated as set forth in paragraph “h” . 20 d. The offer remains open for at least ten days. 21 e. The offeror purchases all shares properly tendered in 22 response to the offer and not properly withdrawn. 23 f. The shares listed below are collectively entitled to cast 24 at least the minimum number of votes on the merger or share 25 exchange that, absent this subsection, would be required by 26 this subchapter and by the articles of incorporation for the 27 approval of the merger or share exchange by the shareholders 28 and by any other voting group entitled to vote on the merger 29 or share exchange at a meeting at which all shares entitled to 30 vote on the approval were present and voted: 31 (1) Shares purchased by the offeror in accordance with the 32 offer. 33 (2) Shares otherwise owned by the offeror or by any parent 34 of the offeror or any wholly owned subsidiary of any of the 35 -170- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 170/ 269
H.F. 844 foregoing. 1 (3) Shares subject to an agreement that they are to be 2 transferred, contributed, or delivered to the offeror, any 3 parent of the offeror, or any wholly owned subsidiary of any of 4 the foregoing in exchange for shares or eligible interests in 5 such offeror, parent, or subsidiary. 6 g. The offeror or a wholly owned subsidiary of the offeror 7 merges with or into, or effects a share exchange in which it 8 acquires shares of, the corporation. 9 h. Each outstanding share of each class or series of shares 10 of the corporation that the offeror is offering to purchase 11 in accordance with the offer, and that is not purchased in 12 accordance with the offer, is to be converted in the merger 13 into, or into the right to receive, or is to be exchanged 14 in the share exchange for, or for the right to receive, 15 the same amount and kind of securities, eligible interests, 16 obligations, rights, cash, or other property to be paid or 17 exchanged in accordance with the offer for each share of 18 that class or series of shares that is tendered in response 19 to the offer, except that shares of the corporation that are 20 owned by the corporation or that are described in paragraph 21 “f” , subparagraph (2) or (3), need not be converted into or 22 exchanged for the consideration described in this paragraph 23 “h” . 24 11. As used in subsection 10: 25 a. “Offer” means the offer referred to in subsection 10, 26 paragraph “b” . 27 b. “Offeror” means the person making the offer. 28 c. “Parent” of an entity means a person that owns, directly 29 or indirectly, through one or more wholly owned subsidiaries, 30 all of the outstanding shares of or eligible interests in that 31 entity. 32 d. Shares tendered in response to the offer shall be deemed 33 to have been “purchased” in accordance with the offer at the 34 earliest time as of which the following applies: 35 -171- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 171/ 269
H.F. 844 (1) The offeror has irrevocably accepted those shares for 1 payment. 2 (2) Either of the following applies: 3 (a) In the case of shares represented by certificates, the 4 offeror, or the offeror’s designated depository or other agent, 5 has physically received the certificates representing those 6 shares. 7 (b) In the case of shares without certificates, those shares 8 have been transferred into the account of the offeror or its 9 designated depository or other agent, or an agent’s message 10 relating to those shares has been received by the offeror or 11 its designated depository or other agent. 12 e. “Wholly owned subsidiary” of a person means an entity of 13 or in which that person owns, directly or indirectly, through 14 one or more wholly owned subsidiaries, all of the outstanding 15 shares or eligible interests. 16 12. Unless the articles of incorporation otherwise provide, 17 all of the following applies: 18 a. Approval of a plan of share exchange by the shareholders 19 of a domestic corporation is not required if the corporation is 20 the acquiring entity in the share exchange. 21 b. Shares not to be exchanged under the plan of share 22 exchange are not entitled to vote on the plan. 23 Sec. 152. Section 490.1105, Code 2021, is amended by 24 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 25 following: 26 490.1105 Merger between parent and subsidiary or between 27 subsidiaries. 28 1. A domestic or foreign parent entity that owns shares of 29 a domestic corporation which carry at least ninety percent of 30 the voting power of each class and series of the outstanding 31 shares of the subsidiary that has voting power may do any of 32 the following: 33 a. Merge the subsidiary into itself, if it is a domestic 34 or foreign corporation or eligible entity, or into another 35 -172- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 172/ 269
H.F. 844 domestic or foreign corporation or eligible entity in which the 1 parent entity owns at least ninety percent of the voting power 2 of each class and series of the outstanding shares or eligible 3 interests which have voting power. 4 b. Merge itself, if it is a domestic or foreign corporation 5 or eligible entity, into such subsidiary, in either case 6 without the approval of the board of directors or shareholders 7 of the subsidiary, unless the articles of incorporation 8 or organic rules of the parent entity or the articles of 9 incorporation of the subsidiary corporation otherwise provide. 10 c. Section 490.1104, subsection 9, applies to a merger under 11 this section. The articles of merger relating to a merger 12 under this section do not need to be signed by the subsidiary. 13 2. A parent entity shall, within ten days after the 14 effective date of a merger approved under subsection 1, notify 15 each of the subsidiary’s shareholders that the merger has 16 become effective. 17 3. Except as provided in subsections 1 and 2, a merger 18 between a parent entity and a domestic subsidiary corporation 19 shall be governed by the provisions of this subchapter 20 applicable to mergers generally. 21 Sec. 153. Section 490.1106, Code 2021, is amended by 22 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 23 following: 24 490.1106 Articles of merger or share exchange. 25 1. After a plan of merger has been adopted and approved as 26 required by this chapter, or if the merger is being effected 27 under section 490.1102, subsection 1, paragraph “b” , the merger 28 has been approved as required by the organic law governing the 29 parties to the merger, then articles of merger shall be signed 30 by each party to the merger except as provided in section 31 490.1105, subsection 1. The articles must set forth all of the 32 following: 33 a. The name, jurisdiction of formation, and type of entity 34 of each party to the merger. 35 -173- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 173/ 269
H.F. 844 b. The name, jurisdiction of formation, and type of entity 1 of the survivor. 2 c. If the survivor of the merger is a domestic corporation 3 and its articles of incorporation are amended, or if a new 4 domestic corporation is created as a result of the merger, any 5 of the following: 6 (1) The amendments to the survivor’s articles of 7 incorporation. 8 (2) The articles of incorporation of the new corporation. 9 d. If the survivor of the merger is a domestic eligible 10 entity and its public organic record is amended, or if a new 11 domestic eligible entity is created as a result of the merger, 12 any of the following: 13 (1) The amendments to the public organic record of the 14 survivor. 15 (2) The public organic record, if any, of the new eligible 16 entity. 17 e. If the plan of merger required approval by the 18 shareholders of a domestic corporation that is a party to the 19 merger, a statement that the plan was duly approved by the 20 shareholders and, if voting by any separate voting group was 21 required, by each such separate voting group, in the manner 22 required by this chapter and the articles of incorporation. 23 f. If the plan of merger or share exchange did not require 24 approval by the shareholders of a domestic corporation that is 25 a party to the merger, a statement to that effect. 26 g. As to each foreign corporation that is a party to the 27 merger, a statement that the participation of the foreign 28 corporation was duly authorized as required by its organic law. 29 h. As to each domestic or foreign eligible entity that is a 30 party to the merger, a statement that the merger was approved 31 in accordance with its organic law or section 490.1102, 32 subsection 3. 33 i. If the survivor is created by the merger and is a 34 domestic limited liability partnership, the filing required to 35 -174- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 174/ 269
H.F. 844 become a limited liability partnership, as an attachment. 1 2. After a plan of share exchange in which the acquired 2 entity is a domestic corporation or eligible entity has been 3 adopted and approved as required by this chapter, articles 4 of share exchange shall be signed by the acquired entity and 5 the acquiring entity. The articles shall set forth all of the 6 following: 7 a. The name of the acquired entity. 8 b. The name, jurisdiction of formation, and type of entity 9 of the domestic or foreign corporation or eligible entity that 10 is the acquiring entity. 11 c. A statement that the plan of share exchange was duly 12 approved by the acquired entity by all of the following: 13 (1) The required vote or consent of each class or series of 14 shares or eligible interests included in the exchange. 15 (2) The required vote or consent of each other class or 16 series of shares or eligible interests entitled to vote on 17 approval of the exchange by the articles of incorporation or 18 organic rules of the acquired entity or section 490.1103, 19 subsection 3. 20 3. In addition to the requirements of subsection 1 or 2, 21 articles of merger or share exchange may contain any other 22 provision not prohibited by law. 23 4. The articles of merger or share exchange shall be 24 delivered to the secretary of state for filing and, subject to 25 subsection 5, the merger or share exchange shall take effect 26 on the effective date determined in accordance with section 27 490.123. 28 5. With respect to a merger in which one or more foreign 29 entities is a party or a foreign entity created by the merger 30 is the survivor, the merger itself shall become effective at 31 the later of the following: 32 a. When all documents required to be filed in foreign 33 jurisdictions to effect the merger have become effective. 34 b. When the articles of merger take effect. 35 -175- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 175/ 269
H.F. 844 6. Articles of merger filed under this section may be 1 combined with any filing required under the organic law 2 governing any domestic eligible entity involved in the 3 transaction if the combined filing satisfies the requirements 4 of both this section and the other organic law. 5 Sec. 154. Section 490.1107, Code 2021, is amended by 6 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 7 following: 8 490.1107 Effect of merger or share exchange. 9 1. When a merger becomes effective, all of the following 10 apply: 11 a. The domestic or foreign corporation or eligible entity 12 that is designated in the plan of merger as the survivor 13 continues or comes into existence, as the case may be. 14 b. The separate existence of every domestic or foreign 15 corporation or eligible entity that is a party to the merger, 16 other than the survivor, ceases. 17 c. All property owned by, and every contract right possessed 18 by, each domestic or foreign corporation or eligible entity 19 that is a party to the merger, other than the survivor, are the 20 property and contract rights of the survivor without transfer, 21 reversion, or impairment. 22 d. All debts, obligations, and other liabilities of each 23 domestic or foreign corporation or eligible entity that is 24 a party to the merger, other than the survivor, are debts, 25 obligations, or liabilities of the survivor. 26 e. The name of the survivor may, but need not be, 27 substituted in any pending proceeding for the name of any party 28 to the merger whose separate existence ceased in the merger. 29 f. If the survivor is a domestic entity, the articles of 30 incorporation and bylaws or the organic rules of the survivor 31 are amended to the extent provided in the plan of merger. 32 g. The articles of incorporation and bylaws or the organic 33 rules of a survivor that is a domestic entity and is created by 34 the merger become effective. 35 -176- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 176/ 269
H.F. 844 h. The shares of each domestic or foreign corporation 1 that is a party to the merger, and the eligible interests in 2 an eligible entity that is a party to a merger, that are to 3 be converted in accordance with the terms of the merger into 4 shares, or other securities, eligible interests, obligations, 5 rights to acquire shares, other securities, or eligible 6 interests, cash, other property, or any combination of the 7 foregoing, are converted, and the former holders of such shares 8 or eligible interests are entitled only to the rights provided 9 to them by those terms or to any rights they may have under 10 subchapter XIII or the organic law governing the eligible 11 entity or foreign corporation. 12 i. Except as provided by law or the terms of the merger, 13 all the rights, privileges, franchises, and immunities of each 14 entity that is a party to the merger, other than the survivor, 15 are the rights, privileges, franchises, and immunities of the 16 survivor. 17 j. If the survivor exists before the merger, all of the 18 following apply: 19 (1) All the property and contract rights of the survivor 20 remain its property and contract rights without transfer, 21 reversion, or impairment. 22 (2) The survivor remains subject to all its debts, 23 obligations, and other liabilities. 24 (3) Except as provided by law or the plan of merger, the 25 survivor continues to hold all of its rights, privileges, 26 franchises, and immunities. 27 2. When a share exchange becomes effective, the shares 28 or eligible interests in the acquired entity that are to be 29 exchanged for shares or other securities, eligible interests, 30 obligations, rights to acquire shares, other securities or 31 eligible interests, cash, other property, or any combination of 32 the foregoing, are entitled only to the rights provided to them 33 in the plan of share exchange or to any rights they may have 34 under subchapter XIII or under the organic law governing the 35 -177- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 177/ 269
H.F. 844 acquired entity. 1 3. Except as otherwise provided in the articles of 2 incorporation of a domestic corporation or the organic law 3 governing or organic rules of a foreign corporation or a 4 domestic or foreign eligible entity, the effect of a merger or 5 share exchange on interest holder liability is as follows: 6 a. A person who becomes subject to new interest holder 7 liability in respect of an entity as a result of a merger or 8 share exchange shall have that new interest holder liability 9 only in respect of interest holder liabilities that arise after 10 the merger or share exchange becomes effective. 11 b. If a person had interest holder liability with respect to 12 a party to the merger or the acquired entity before the merger 13 or share exchange becomes effective with respect to shares or 14 eligible interests of such party or acquired entity which were 15 exchanged in the merger or share exchange, were canceled in 16 the merger, or the terms and conditions of which relating to 17 interest holder liability were amended pursuant to the merger, 18 then all of the following apply: 19 (1) The merger or share exchange does not discharge that 20 prior interest holder liability with respect to any interest 21 holder liabilities that arose before the merger or share 22 exchange becomes effective. 23 (2) The provisions of the organic law governing any entity 24 for which the person had that prior interest holder liability 25 shall continue to apply to the collection or discharge of any 26 interest holder liabilities preserved by subparagraph (1), as 27 if the merger or share exchange had not occurred. 28 (3) The person shall have such rights of contribution from 29 other persons as are provided by the organic law governing the 30 entity for which the person had that prior interest holder 31 liability with respect to any interest holder liabilities 32 preserved by subparagraph (1), as if the merger or share 33 exchange had not occurred. 34 (4) The person shall not, by reason of such prior interest 35 -178- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 178/ 269
H.F. 844 holder liability, have interest holder liability with respect 1 to any interest holder liabilities that arise after the merger 2 or share exchange becomes effective. 3 c. If a person has interest holder liability both before 4 and after a merger becomes effective with unchanged terms and 5 conditions with respect to the entity that is the survivor by 6 reason of owning the same shares or eligible interests before 7 and after the merger becomes effective, the merger has no 8 effect on such interest holder liability. 9 d. A share exchange has no effect on interest holder 10 liability related to shares or eligible interests of the 11 acquired entity that were not exchanged in the share exchange. 12 4. Upon a merger becoming effective, a foreign corporation, 13 or a foreign eligible entity, that is the survivor of the 14 merger is deemed to have done all of the following: 15 a. Appointed the secretary of state as its agent for 16 service of process in a proceeding to enforce the rights of 17 shareholders of each domestic corporation that is a party to 18 the merger who exercise appraisal rights. 19 b. Agreed that it will promptly pay the amount, if any, to 20 which such shareholders are entitled under subchapter XIII. 21 5. Except as provided in the organic law governing a party 22 to a merger or in its articles of incorporation or organic 23 rules, the merger does not give rise to any rights that an 24 interest holder, governor, or third party would have upon a 25 dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of that party. The 26 merger does not require a party to the merger to wind up its 27 affairs and does not constitute or cause its dissolution or 28 termination. 29 6. Property held for a charitable purpose under the law of 30 this state by a domestic or foreign corporation or eligible 31 entity immediately before a merger becomes effective shall not, 32 as a result of the transaction, be diverted from the objects 33 for which it was donated, granted, devised, or otherwise 34 transferred except and to the extent permitted by or pursuant 35 -179- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 179/ 269
H.F. 844 to the laws of this state addressing cy pres or dealing with 1 nondiversion of charitable assets. 2 7. A bequest, devise, gift, grant, or promise contained 3 in a will or other instrument of donation, subscription, or 4 conveyance which is made to an entity that is a party to a 5 merger that is not the survivor and which takes effect or 6 remains payable after the merger inures to the survivor. 7 8. A trust obligation that would govern property if 8 transferred to a nonsurviving entity applies to property 9 that is transferred to the survivor after a merger becomes 10 effective. 11 Sec. 155. Section 490.1108, Code 2021, is amended by 12 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 13 following: 14 490.1108 Abandonment of a merger or share exchange. 15 1. After a plan of merger or share exchange has been 16 adopted and approved as required by this subchapter, and before 17 articles of merger or share exchange have become effective, the 18 plan may be abandoned by a domestic business corporation that 19 is a party to the plan without action by its shareholders in 20 accordance with any procedures set forth in the plan of merger 21 or share exchange or, if no such procedures are set forth in 22 the plan, in the manner determined by the board of directors. 23 2. If a merger or share exchange is abandoned under 24 subsection 1 after articles of merger or share exchange have 25 been delivered to the secretary of state for filing but before 26 the merger or share exchange has become effective, a statement 27 of abandonment signed by all the parties that signed the 28 articles of merger or share exchange shall be delivered to the 29 secretary of state for filing before the articles of merger 30 or share exchange become effective. The statement shall take 31 effect on filing and the merger or share exchange shall be 32 deemed abandoned and shall not become effective. The statement 33 of abandonment must contain all of the following: 34 a. The name of each party to the merger or the names of the 35 -180- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 180/ 269
H.F. 844 acquiring and acquired entities in a share exchange. 1 b. The date on which the articles of merger or share 2 exchange were filed by the secretary of state. 3 c. A statement that the merger or share exchange has been 4 abandoned in accordance with this section. 5 Sec. 156. Section 490.1201, Code 2021, is amended by 6 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 7 following: 8 490.1201 Disposition of assets not requiring shareholder 9 approval. 10 No approval of the shareholders is required to do any of 11 the following, unless the articles of incorporation otherwise 12 provide: 13 1. Sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any of 14 the corporation’s assets in the usual and regular course of 15 business. 16 2. Mortgage, pledge, dedicate to the repayment of 17 indebtedness, whether with or without recourse, or otherwise 18 encumber any or all of the corporation’s assets, regardless of 19 whether in the usual and regular course of business. 20 3. Transfer any or all of the corporation’s assets to one or 21 more domestic or foreign corporations or other entities, all of 22 the shares or interests of which are owned by the corporation. 23 4. Distribute assets pro rata to the holders of one or more 24 classes or series of the corporation’s shares. 25 Sec. 157. Section 490.1202, Code 2021, is amended by 26 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 27 following: 28 490.1202 Shareholder approval of certain dispositions. 29 1. A sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of assets, 30 other than a disposition described in section 490.1201, 31 requires approval of the corporation’s shareholders if the 32 disposition would leave the corporation without a significant 33 continuing business activity. A corporation will conclusively 34 be deemed to have retained a significant continuing business 35 -181- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 181/ 269
H.F. 844 activity if it retains a business activity that represented, 1 for the corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated 2 basis, at least twenty-five percent of total assets at the 3 end of the most recently completed fiscal year, and either 4 twenty-five percent of either income from continuing operations 5 before taxes or twenty-five percent of revenues from continuing 6 operations, in each case for the most recently completed fiscal 7 year; but no presumption that the disposition will leave the 8 corporation without a significant continuing business activity 9 shall arise from the fact that the corporation’s continuing 10 business activity does not equal or exceed any of these 11 percentages. 12 2. To obtain the approval of the shareholders under 13 subsection 1, all of the following shall apply: 14 a. The board of directors shall first adopt a resolution 15 authorizing the disposition. The disposition shall then be 16 approved by the shareholders. In submitting the disposition 17 to the shareholders for approval, the board of directors shall 18 recommend that the shareholders approve the disposition, unless 19 any of the following apply: 20 (1) The board of directors makes a determination that 21 because of conflicts of interest or other special circumstances 22 it should not make such a recommendation. 23 (2) Section 490.826 applies. 24 b. If paragraph “a” , subparagraph (1) or (2), applies, the 25 board shall inform the shareholders of the basis for its so 26 proceeding. 27 3. The board of directors may set conditions for the 28 approval by the shareholders of a disposition or the 29 effectiveness of the disposition. 30 4. If a disposition is required to be approved by the 31 shareholders under subsection 1, and if the approval is to 32 be given at a meeting, the corporation shall notify each 33 shareholder, regardless of whether entitled to vote, of 34 the meeting of shareholders at which the disposition is 35 -182- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 182/ 269
H.F. 844 to be submitted for approval. The notice must state that 1 the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the meeting is to 2 consider the disposition and must contain a description of 3 the disposition, including the terms and conditions of the 4 disposition and the consideration to be received by the 5 corporation. 6 5. Unless the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or the 7 board of directors acting pursuant to subsection 3 require 8 a greater vote or a greater quorum, the approval of a 9 disposition by the shareholders shall require the approval 10 of the shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum exists 11 consisting of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on 12 the disposition. 13 6. After a disposition has been approved by the shareholders 14 under this subchapter, and at any time before the disposition 15 has been consummated, it may be abandoned by the corporation 16 without action by the shareholders, subject to any contractual 17 rights of other parties to the disposition. 18 7. A disposition of assets in the course of dissolution 19 under subchapter XIV is not governed by this section. 20 8. The assets of a direct or indirect consolidated 21 subsidiary shall be deemed to be the assets of the parent 22 corporation for the purposes of this section. 23 Sec. 158. Section 490.1301, Code 2021, is amended by 24 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 25 following: 26 490.1301 Subchapter definitions. 27 As used in this subchapter: 28 1. “Affiliate” means a person that directly or indirectly 29 through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, 30 or is under common control with another person or is a senior 31 executive of such person. For purposes of section 490.1302, 32 subsection 2, paragraph “d” , a person is deemed to be an 33 affiliate of its senior executives. 34 2. “Corporation” means the domestic corporation that is the 35 -183- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 183/ 269
H.F. 844 issuer of the shares held by a shareholder demanding appraisal 1 and, for matters covered in sections 490.1322 through 490.1331, 2 “corporation” includes the survivor of a merger. 3 3. “Fair value” means the value of the corporation’s shares 4 determined according to the following: 5 a. Immediately before the effectiveness of the corporate 6 action to which the shareholder objects. 7 b. Using customary and current valuation concepts and 8 techniques generally employed for similar businesses in the 9 context of the transaction requiring appraisal. 10 c. Without discounting for lack of marketability or minority 11 status except, if appropriate, for amendments to the articles 12 of incorporation pursuant to section 490.1302, subsection 1, 13 paragraph “d” . 14 4. “Interest” means interest from the date the corporate 15 action becomes effective until the date of payment, at the rate 16 of interest on judgments in this state on the effective date 17 of the corporate action. 18 5. “Interested transaction” means a corporate action 19 described in section 490.1302, subsection 1, other than a 20 merger pursuant to section 490.1105, involving an interested 21 person in which any of the shares or assets of the corporation 22 are being acquired or converted. As used in this subsection: 23 a. “Beneficial owner” means any person who, directly 24 or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, or 25 understanding, other than a revocable proxy, has or shares the 26 power to vote, or to direct the voting of, shares; except that 27 a member of a national securities exchange is not deemed to be 28 a beneficial owner of securities held directly or indirectly 29 by it on behalf of another person if the member is precluded 30 by the rules of the exchange from voting without instruction 31 on contested matters or matters that may affect substantially 32 the rights or privileges of the holders of the securities to 33 be voted. When two or more persons agree to act together for 34 the purpose of voting their shares of the corporation, each 35 -184- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 184/ 269
H.F. 844 member of the group formed thereby is deemed to have acquired 1 beneficial ownership, as of the date of the agreement, of all 2 shares having voting power of the corporation beneficially 3 owned by any member of the group. 4 b. “Excluded shares” means shares acquired pursuant to an 5 offer for all shares having voting power if the offer was made 6 within one year before the corporate action for consideration 7 of the same kind and of a value equal to or less than that paid 8 in connection with the corporate action. 9 c. “Interested person” means a person, or an affiliate of a 10 person, who at any time during the one-year period immediately 11 preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporate 12 action was or had any of the following: 13 (1) Was the beneficial owner of twenty percent or more of 14 the voting power of the corporation, other than as owner of 15 excluded shares. 16 (2) Had the power, contractually or otherwise, other than as 17 owner of excluded shares, to cause the appointment or election 18 of twenty-five percent or more of the directors to the board of 19 directors of the corporation. 20 (3) Was a senior executive or director of the corporation 21 or a senior executive of any affiliate of the corporation, and 22 that senior executive or director will receive, as a result 23 of the corporate action, a financial benefit not generally 24 available to other shareholders as such, other than any of the 25 following: 26 (a) Employment, consulting, retirement, or similar benefits 27 established separately and not as part of or in contemplation 28 of the corporate action. 29 (b) Employment, consulting, retirement, or similar benefits 30 established in contemplation of, or as part of, the corporate 31 action that are not more favorable than those existing before 32 the corporate action or, if more favorable, that have been 33 approved on behalf of the corporation in the same manner as is 34 provided in section 490.862. 35 -185- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 185/ 269
H.F. 844 (c) In the case of a director of the corporation who will, 1 in the corporate action, become a director or governor of the 2 acquiror or any of its affiliates, rights, and benefits as a 3 director or governor that are provided on the same basis as 4 those afforded by the acquiror generally to other directors or 5 governors of such entity or such affiliate. 6 6. “Preferred shares” means a class or series of shares 7 whose holders have preference over any other class or series of 8 shares with respect to distributions. 9 7. “Senior executive” means the chief executive officer, 10 chief operating officer, chief financial officer, and any 11 individual in charge of a principal business unit or function. 12 8. “Shareholder” means a record shareholder, a beneficial 13 shareholder, and a voting trust beneficial owner. 14 Sec. 159. Section 490.1302, Code 2021, is amended by 15 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 16 following: 17 490.1302 Right to appraisal. 18 1. A shareholder is entitled to appraisal rights, and to 19 obtain payment of the fair value of that shareholder’s shares, 20 in the event of any of the following corporate actions: 21 a. Consummation of a merger to which the corporation is a 22 party if any of the following apply: 23 (1) Shareholder approval is required for the merger by 24 section 490.1104 or would be required but for the provisions of 25 section 490.1104, subsection 10, except that appraisal rights 26 shall not be available to any shareholder of the corporation 27 with respect to shares of any class or series that remain 28 outstanding after consummation of the merger. 29 (2) The corporation is a subsidiary and the merger is 30 governed by section 490.1105. 31 b. Consummation of a share exchange to which the corporation 32 is a party the shares of which will be acquired, except that 33 appraisal rights shall not be available to any shareholder of 34 the corporation with respect to any class or series of shares 35 -186- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 186/ 269
H.F. 844 of the corporation that is not acquired in the share exchange. 1 c. Consummation of a disposition of assets pursuant to 2 section 490.1202 if the shareholder is entitled to vote on 3 the disposition, except that appraisal rights shall not be 4 available to any shareholder of the corporation with respect to 5 shares of any class or series if all of the following apply: 6 (1) Under the terms of the corporate action approved by the 7 shareholders there is to be distributed to shareholders in cash 8 the corporation’s net assets, in excess of a reasonable amount 9 reserved to meet claims of the type described in sections 10 490.1406 and 490.1407, if the distribution is made subject to 11 all of the following: 12 (a) Within one year after the shareholders’ approval of the 13 action. 14 (b) In accordance with the shareholders’ respective 15 interests determined at the time of distribution. 16 (2) The disposition of assets is not an interested 17 transaction. 18 d. An amendment of the articles of incorporation with 19 respect to a class or series of shares that reduces the number 20 of shares of a class or series owned by the shareholder to a 21 fraction of a share if the corporation has the obligation or 22 right to repurchase the fractional share so created. 23 e. Any other merger, share exchange, disposition of assets, 24 or amendment to the articles of incorporation, in each case to 25 the extent provided by the articles of incorporation, bylaws, 26 or a resolution of the board of directors. 27 f. Consummation of a domestication pursuant to section 28 490.920 if the shareholder does not receive shares in the 29 foreign corporation resulting from the domestication that have 30 terms as favorable to the shareholder in all material respects, 31 and represent at least the same percentage interest of the 32 total voting rights of the outstanding shares of the foreign 33 corporation, as the shares held by the shareholder before the 34 domestication. 35 -187- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 187/ 269
H.F. 844 g. Consummation of a conversion of the corporation to a 1 nonprofit corporation pursuant to section 490.930. 2 h. Consummation of a conversion of the corporation to an 3 unincorporated entity pursuant to section 490.930. 4 2. Notwithstanding subsection 1, the availability of 5 appraisal rights under subsection 1, paragraphs “a” , “b” , “c” , 6 “d” , “f” , and “h” , shall be limited in accordance with the 7 following provisions: 8 a. Appraisal rights shall not be available for the holders 9 of shares of any class or series of shares which is any of the 10 following: 11 (1) A covered security under section 18(b)(1)(A) or (B) of 12 the federal Securities Act of 1933, as amended. 13 (2) Traded in an organized market and has at least two 14 thousand shareholders and a market value of at least twenty 15 million dollars, exclusive of the value of such shares held 16 by the corporation’s subsidiaries, senior executives and 17 directors, and by any beneficial shareholder and any voting 18 trust beneficial owner owning more than ten percent of such 19 shares. 20 (3) Issued by an open-end management investment company 21 registered with the United States securities and exchange 22 commission under the federal Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 23 U.S.C. §80a-1 et seq., and which may be redeemed at the option 24 of the holder at net asset value. 25 b. The applicability of paragraph “a” shall be determined 26 according to the following: 27 (1) The record date fixed to determine the shareholders 28 entitled to receive notice of the meeting of shareholders to 29 act upon the corporate action requiring appraisal rights or 30 in the case of an offer made pursuant to section 490.1104, 31 subsection 10, the date of such offer. 32 (2) If there is no meeting of shareholders and no offer made 33 pursuant to section 490.1104, subsection 10, the day before the 34 consummation of the corporate action or effective date of the 35 -188- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 188/ 269
H.F. 844 amendment of the articles of incorporation, as applicable. 1 c. Paragraph “a” shall not be applicable and appraisal 2 rights shall be available pursuant to subsection 1 under the 3 following circumstances: 4 (1) For the holders of any class or series of shares who 5 are required by the terms of the corporate action requiring 6 appraisal rights to accept for such shares anything other than 7 cash or shares of any class or any series of shares of any 8 corporation, or any other proprietary interest of any other 9 entity, that satisfies the standards set forth in paragraph “a” , 10 at the time the corporate action becomes effective. 11 (2) For the holders of any class or series of shares, in the 12 case of the consummation of a disposition of assets pursuant 13 to section 490.1202, unless the cash, shares, or proprietary 14 interests received in the disposition are, under the terms 15 of the corporate action approved by the shareholders, to be 16 distributed to the shareholders, as part of a distribution to 17 shareholders of the net assets of the corporation in excess of 18 a reasonable amount to meet claims of the type described in 19 sections 490.1406 and 490.1407, if the distribution is made 20 subject to all of the following: 21 (a) Within one year after the shareholders’ approval of the 22 action. 23 (b) In accordance with the shareholders’ respective 24 interests determined at the time of the distribution. 25 d. Paragraph “a” shall not be applicable and appraisal 26 rights shall be available pursuant to subsection 1 for the 27 holders of any class or series of shares where the corporate 28 action is an interested transaction. 29 3. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the 30 articles of incorporation as originally filed or any amendment 31 to the articles of incorporation may limit or eliminate 32 appraisal rights for any class or series of preferred shares, 33 except that the following shall apply: 34 a. Except as provided in paragraph “b” , no such limitation 35 -189- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 189/ 269
H.F. 844 or elimination shall be effective if the class or series does 1 not have the right to vote separately as a voting group, alone 2 or as part of a group, on the action or if the action is a 3 conversion under section 490.930, or a merger having a similar 4 effect as a conversion in which the converted entity is an 5 eligible entity. 6 b. Any such limitation or elimination contained in an 7 amendment to the articles of incorporation that limits or 8 eliminates appraisal rights for any of such shares that are 9 outstanding immediately before the effective date of such 10 amendment or that the corporation is or may be required to 11 issue or sell thereafter pursuant to any conversion, exchange, 12 or other right existing immediately before the effective date 13 of such amendment, shall not apply to any corporate action that 14 becomes effective within one year after the effective date of 15 such amendment if such action would otherwise afford appraisal 16 rights. 17 Sec. 160. Section 490.1303, Code 2021, is amended by 18 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 19 following: 20 490.1303 Assertion of rights by nominees and beneficial 21 shareholders. 22 1. A record shareholder may assert appraisal rights 23 as to fewer than all the shares registered in the record 24 shareholder’s name but owned by a beneficial shareholder or a 25 voting trust beneficial owner only if the record shareholder 26 objects with respect to all shares of a class or series owned 27 by the beneficial shareholder or the voting trust beneficial 28 owner and notifies the corporation in writing of the name 29 and address of each beneficial shareholder or voting trust 30 beneficial owner on whose behalf appraisal rights are being 31 asserted. The rights of a record shareholder who asserts 32 appraisal rights for only part of the shares held of record in 33 the record shareholder’s name under this subsection shall be 34 determined as if the shares as to which the record shareholder 35 -190- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 190/ 269
H.F. 844 objects and the record shareholder’s other shares were 1 registered in the names of different record shareholders. 2 2. A beneficial shareholder and a voting trust beneficial 3 owner may assert appraisal rights as to shares of any class 4 or series held on behalf of the shareholder only if such 5 shareholder does all of the following: 6 a. Submits to the corporation the record shareholder’s 7 written consent to the assertion of such rights no later 8 than the date referred to in section 490.1322, subsection 2, 9 paragraph “b” , subparagraph (2). 10 b. Does so with respect to all shares of the class or series 11 that are beneficially owned by the beneficial shareholder or 12 the voting trust beneficial owner. 13 Sec. 161. Section 490.1320, Code 2021, is amended by 14 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 15 following: 16 490.1320 Notice of appraisal rights. 17 1. Where any corporate action specified in section 18 490.1302, subsection 1, is to be submitted to a vote at a 19 shareholders’ meeting, the meeting notice, or where no approval 20 of such action is required pursuant to section 490.1104, 21 subsection 10, the offer made pursuant to that section, must 22 state that the corporation has concluded that appraisal rights 23 are, are not, or may be available under this subchapter. If 24 the corporation concludes that appraisal rights are or may be 25 available, a copy of this subchapter must accompany the meeting 26 notice or offer sent to those record shareholders entitled to 27 exercise appraisal rights. 28 2. In a merger pursuant to section 490.1105, the parent 29 entity shall notify in writing all record shareholders of the 30 subsidiary who are entitled to assert appraisal rights that the 31 corporate action became effective. Such notice shall be sent 32 within ten days after the corporate action became effective and 33 include the materials described in section 490.1322. 34 3. Where any corporate action specified in section 35 -191- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 191/ 269
H.F. 844 490.1302, subsection 1, is to be approved by written consent 1 of the shareholders pursuant to section 490.704, all of the 2 following apply: 3 a. Written notice that appraisal rights are, are not, or may 4 be available shall be sent to each record shareholder from whom 5 a consent is solicited at the time consent of such shareholder 6 is first solicited and, if the corporation has concluded that 7 appraisal rights are or may be available, the notice must be 8 accompanied by a copy of this subchapter. 9 b. Written notice that appraisal rights are, are not, or 10 may be available must be delivered together with the notice to 11 nonconsenting and nonvoting shareholders required by section 12 490.704, subsections 5 and 6, may include the materials 13 described in section 490.1322, and, if the corporation has 14 concluded that appraisal rights are or may be available, must 15 be accompanied by a copy of this subchapter. 16 4. Where corporate action described in section 490.1302, 17 subsection 1, is proposed, or a merger pursuant to section 18 490.1105 is effected, the notice referred to in subsection 1 19 or 3, if the corporation concludes that appraisal rights are 20 or may be available, and in subsection 2 must be accompanied 21 by all of the following: 22 a. Financial statements of the corporation that issued 23 the shares that may be subject to appraisal, consisting of a 24 balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year ending not more 25 than sixteen months before the date of the notice, an income 26 statement for that year, and a cash flow statement for that 27 year; provided that, if such financial statements are not 28 reasonably available, the corporation shall provide reasonably 29 equivalent financial information. 30 b. The latest interim financial statements of such 31 corporation, if any. 32 5. The right to receive the information described in 33 subsection 4 may be waived in writing by a shareholder before 34 or after the corporate action. 35 -192- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 192/ 269
H.F. 844 Sec. 162. Section 490.1321, Code 2021, is amended by 1 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 2 following: 3 490.1321 Notice of intent to demand payment and consequences 4 of voting or consenting. 5 1. If a corporate action specified in section 490.1302, 6 subsection 1, is submitted to a vote at a shareholders’ 7 meeting, a shareholder who wishes to assert appraisal rights 8 with respect to any class or series of shares must do all of the 9 following: 10 a. Deliver to the corporation, before the vote is taken, 11 written notice of the shareholder’s intent to demand payment if 12 the proposed action is effectuated. 13 b. Not vote, or cause or permit to be voted, any shares of 14 such class or series in favor of the proposed action. 15 2. If a corporate action specified in section 490.1302, 16 subsection 1, is to be approved by written consent, a 17 shareholder who wishes to assert appraisal rights with respect 18 to any class or series of shares shall not sign a consent in 19 favor of the proposed action with respect to that class or 20 series of shares. 21 3. If a corporate action specified in section 490.1302, 22 subsection 1, does not require shareholder approval pursuant to 23 section 490.1104, subsection 10, a shareholder who wishes to 24 assert appraisal rights with respect to any class or series of 25 shares must do all of the following: 26 a. Deliver to the corporation before the shares are 27 purchased pursuant to the offer written notice of the 28 shareholder’s intent to demand payment if the proposed action 29 is effected. 30 b. Not tender, or cause or permit to be tendered, any shares 31 of such class or series in response to such offer. 32 4. A shareholder who fails to satisfy the requirements of 33 subsection 1, 2, or 3 is not entitled to payment under this 34 subchapter. 35 -193- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 193/ 269
H.F. 844 Sec. 163. Section 490.1322, Code 2021, is amended by 1 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 2 following: 3 490.1322 Appraisal notice and form. 4 1. If a corporate action requiring appraisal rights 5 under section 490.1302, subsection 1, becomes effective, the 6 corporation shall deliver a written appraisal notice and form 7 required by subsection 2, to all shareholders who satisfy the 8 requirements of section 490.1321, subsection 1, 2, or 3. In 9 the case of a merger under section 490.1105, the parent shall 10 deliver an appraisal notice and form to all record shareholders 11 who may be entitled to assert appraisal rights. 12 2. The appraisal notice shall be delivered no earlier than 13 the date the corporate action specified in section 490.1302, 14 subsection 1, became effective, and no later than ten days 15 after such date, and must do all of the following: 16 a. Supply a form that does all of the following: 17 (1) Specifies the first date of any announcement to 18 shareholders made before the date the corporate action became 19 effective of the principal terms of the proposed corporate 20 action. 21 (2) If such announcement was made, requires the shareholder 22 asserting appraisal rights to certify whether beneficial 23 ownership of those shares for which appraisal rights are 24 asserted was acquired before that date. 25 (3) Requires the shareholder asserting appraisal rights to 26 certify that such shareholder did not vote for or consent to 27 the transaction as to the class or series of shares for which 28 appraisal is sought. 29 b. State all of the following: 30 (1) Where the form shall be sent and where certificates for 31 certificated shares shall be deposited and the date by which 32 those certificates must be deposited, which date shall not be 33 earlier than the date by which the corporation must receive the 34 required form under subparagraph (2). 35 -194- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 194/ 269
H.F. 844 (2) A date by which the corporation shall receive the 1 form, which date shall not be fewer than forty nor more than 2 sixty days after the date the appraisal notice is sent under 3 subsection 1, and state that the shareholder shall have waived 4 the right to demand appraisal with respect to the shares unless 5 the form is received by the corporation by such specified date. 6 (3) The corporation’s estimate of the fair value of the 7 shares. 8 (4) That, if requested in writing, the corporation will 9 provide, to the shareholder so requesting, within ten days 10 after the date specified in subparagraph (2) the number of 11 shareholders who return the forms by the specified date and the 12 total number of shares owned by them. 13 (5) The date by which the notice to withdraw under section 14 490.1323 shall be received, which date shall be within twenty 15 days after the date specified in subparagraph (2). 16 c. Be accompanied by a copy of this subchapter. 17 Sec. 164. Section 490.1323, Code 2021, is amended by 18 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 19 following: 20 490.1323 Perfection of rights —— right to withdraw. 21 1. A shareholder who receives notice pursuant to section 22 490.1322 and who wishes to exercise appraisal rights shall 23 sign and return the form sent by the corporation and, in 24 the case of certificated shares, deposit the shareholder’s 25 certificates in accordance with the terms of the notice by the 26 date referred to in the notice pursuant to section 490.1322, 27 subsection 2, paragraph “b” , subparagraph (2). In addition, 28 if applicable, the shareholder shall certify on the form 29 whether the beneficial owner of such shares acquired beneficial 30 ownership of the shares before the date required to be set 31 forth in the notice pursuant to section 490.1322, subsection 32 2, paragraph “a” , subparagraph (1). If a shareholder fails to 33 make this certification, the corporation may elect to treat the 34 shareholder’s shares as after-acquired shares under section 35 -195- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 195/ 269
H.F. 844 490.1325. Once a shareholder deposits that shareholder’s 1 certificates or, in the case of uncertificated shares, returns 2 the signed forms, that shareholder loses all rights as a 3 shareholder, unless the shareholder withdraws pursuant to 4 subsection 2. 5 2. A shareholder who has complied with subsection 1 may 6 nevertheless decline to exercise appraisal rights and withdraw 7 from the appraisal process by so notifying the corporation in 8 writing by the date set forth in the appraisal notice pursuant 9 to section 490.1322, subsection 2, paragraph “b” , subparagraph 10 (5). A shareholder who fails to so withdraw from the appraisal 11 process shall not thereafter withdraw without the corporation’s 12 written consent. 13 3. A shareholder who does not sign and return the form and, 14 in the case of certificated shares, deposit that shareholder’s 15 share certificates where required, each by the date set forth 16 in the notice described in section 490.1322, subsection 2, 17 shall not be entitled to payment under this subchapter. 18 Sec. 165. Section 490.1324, Code 2021, is amended by 19 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 20 following: 21 490.1324 Payment. 22 1. Except as provided in section 490.1325, within thirty 23 days after the form required by section 490.1322, subsection 2, 24 paragraph “b” , subparagraph (2), is due, the corporation shall 25 pay in cash to those shareholders who complied with section 26 490.1323, subsection 1, the amount the corporation estimates to 27 be the fair value of their shares, plus interest. 28 2. The payment to each shareholder pursuant to subsection 1 29 must be accompanied by all of the following: 30 a. (1) Financial statements of the corporation that issued 31 the shares to be appraised, consisting of a balance sheet as 32 of the end of a fiscal year ending not more than sixteen months 33 before the date of payment, an income statement for that year, 34 and a cash flow statement for that year; provided that, if 35 -196- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 196/ 269
H.F. 844 such annual financial statements are not reasonably available, 1 the corporation shall provide reasonably equivalent financial 2 information. 3 (2) The latest interim financial statements of such 4 corporation, if any. 5 b. A statement of the corporation’s estimate of the fair 6 value of the shares, which estimate shall equal or exceed the 7 corporation’s estimate given pursuant to section 490.1322, 8 subsection 2, paragraph “b” , subparagraph (3). 9 c. A statement that shareholders described in subsection 10 1 have the right to demand further payment under section 11 490.1326 and that if any such shareholder does not do so within 12 the time period specified in section 490.1326, subsection 2, 13 such shareholder shall be deemed to have accepted the payment 14 under subsection 1 in full satisfaction of the corporation’s 15 obligations under this subchapter. 16 Sec. 166. Section 490.1325, Code 2021, is amended by 17 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 18 following: 19 490.1325 After-acquired shares. 20 1. A corporation may elect to withhold payment required 21 by section 490.1324 from any shareholder who was required to, 22 but did not certify that beneficial ownership of all of the 23 shareholder’s shares for which appraisal rights are asserted 24 was acquired before the date set forth in the appraisal notice 25 sent pursuant to section 490.1322, subsection 2, paragraph “a” . 26 2. If the corporation elected to withhold payment under 27 subsection 1, within thirty days after the form required by 28 section 490.1322, subsection 2, paragraph “b” , subparagraph 29 (2), is due, the corporation shall notify all shareholders who 30 are described in subsection 1 regarding all of the following: 31 a. Of the information required by section 490.1324, 32 subsection 2, paragraph “a” . 33 b. Of the corporation’s estimate of fair value pursuant to 34 section 490.1324, subsection 2, paragraph “b” . 35 -197- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 197/ 269
H.F. 844 c. That they may accept the corporation’s estimate of fair 1 value, plus interest, in full satisfaction of their demands or 2 demand appraisal under section 490.1326. 3 d. That those shareholders who wish to accept such offer 4 shall so notify the corporation of their acceptance of the 5 corporation’s offer within thirty days after receiving the 6 offer. 7 e. That those shareholders who do not satisfy the 8 requirements for demanding appraisal under section 490.1326 9 shall be deemed to have accepted the corporation’s offer. 10 3. Within ten days after receiving the shareholder’s 11 acceptance pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph “d” , the 12 corporation shall pay in cash the amount it offered under 13 subsection 2, paragraph “b” , plus interest to each shareholder 14 who agreed to accept the corporation’s offer in full 15 satisfaction of the shareholder’s demand. 16 4. Within forty days after delivering the notice described 17 in subsection 2, the corporation shall pay in cash the amount 18 it offered to pay under subsection 2, paragraph “b” , plus 19 interest to each shareholder described in subsection 2, 20 paragraph “e” . 21 Sec. 167. Section 490.1326, Code 2021, is amended by 22 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 23 following: 24 490.1326 Procedure if shareholder dissatisfied with payment 25 or offer. 26 1. A shareholder paid pursuant to section 490.1324 who is 27 dissatisfied with the amount of the payment shall notify the 28 corporation in writing of that shareholder’s estimate of the 29 fair value of the shares and demand payment of that estimate, 30 less any payment under section 490.1324 plus interest. A 31 shareholder offered payment under section 490.1325 who is 32 dissatisfied with that offer shall reject the offer and demand 33 payment of the shareholder’s stated estimate of the fair value 34 of the shares plus interest. 35 -198- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 198/ 269
H.F. 844 2. A shareholder who fails to notify the corporation 1 in writing of that shareholder’s demand to be paid the 2 shareholder’s stated estimate of the fair value plus interest 3 under subsection 1 within thirty days after receiving the 4 corporation’s payment or offer of payment under section 5 490.1324 or 490.1325, respectively, waives the right to demand 6 payment under this section and shall be entitled only to the 7 payment made or offered pursuant to those respective sections. 8 Sec. 168. Section 490.1330, Code 2021, is amended by 9 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 10 following: 11 490.1330 Court action. 12 1. If a shareholder makes a demand for payment under 13 section 490.1326 which remains unsettled, the corporation shall 14 commence a proceeding within sixty days after receiving the 15 payment demand and petition the court to determine the fair 16 value of the shares and accrued interest. If the corporation 17 does not commence the proceeding within the sixty-day 18 period, it shall pay in cash to each shareholder the amount 19 the shareholder demanded pursuant to section 490.1326 plus 20 interest. 21 2. The corporation shall commence the proceeding in the 22 district court of the county where the corporation’s principal 23 office or, if none, its registered office, in this state is 24 located. If the corporation is a foreign corporation without 25 a registered office in this state, it shall commence the 26 proceeding in the county in this state where the principal 27 office or registered office of the domestic corporation merged 28 with the foreign corporation was located at the time of the 29 transaction. 30 3. The corporation shall make all shareholders, regardless 31 of whether they are residents of this state, whose demands 32 remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as in an action 33 against their shares, and all parties shall be served with a 34 copy of the petition. Nonresidents may be served by registered 35 -199- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 199/ 269
H.F. 844 or certified mail or by publication as provided by law. 1 4. The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding 2 is commenced under subsection 2 is plenary and exclusive. 3 The court may appoint one or more persons as appraisers to 4 receive evidence and recommend a decision on the question of 5 fair value. The appraisers shall have the powers described 6 in the order appointing them, or in any amendment to it. The 7 shareholders demanding appraisal rights are entitled to the 8 same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings. 9 There shall be no right to a jury trial. 10 5. Each shareholder made a party to the proceeding is 11 entitled to judgment for any of the following: 12 a. The amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair 13 value of the shareholder’s shares exceeds the amount paid 14 by the corporation to the shareholder for such shares, plus 15 interest. 16 b. The fair value, plus interest, of the shareholder’s 17 shares for which the corporation elected to withhold payment 18 under section 490.1325. 19 Sec. 169. Section 490.1331, Code 2021, is amended by 20 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 21 following: 22 490.1331 Court costs and expenses. 23 1. The court in an appraisal proceeding commenced under 24 section 490.1330 shall determine all court costs of the 25 proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and expenses 26 of appraisers appointed by the court. The court shall assess 27 the court costs against the corporation, except that the court 28 may assess court costs against all or some of the shareholders 29 demanding appraisal, in amounts which the court finds 30 equitable, to the extent the court finds such shareholders 31 acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with 32 respect to the rights provided by this subchapter. 33 2. The court in an appraisal proceeding may also assess the 34 expenses of the respective parties in amounts the court finds 35 -200- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 200/ 269
H.F. 844 equitable, against any of the following: 1 a. The corporation and in favor of any or all shareholders 2 demanding appraisal if the court finds the corporation did not 3 substantially comply with the requirements of section 490.1320, 4 490.1322, 490.1324, or 490.1325. 5 b. Either the corporation or a shareholder demanding 6 appraisal, in favor of any other party, if the court finds that 7 the party against whom expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, 8 vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to the rights 9 provided by this subchapter. 10 3. If the court in an appraisal proceeding finds that 11 the expenses incurred by any shareholder were of substantial 12 benefit to other shareholders similarly situated and that such 13 expenses should not be assessed against the corporation, the 14 court may direct that such expenses be paid out of the amounts 15 awarded the shareholders who were benefited. 16 4. To the extent the corporation fails to make a required 17 payment pursuant to section 490.1324, 490.1325, or 490.1326, 18 the shareholder may sue directly for the amount owed, and to 19 the extent successful, shall be entitled to recover from the 20 corporation all expenses of the suit. 21 Sec. 170. Section 490.1340, Code 2021, is amended by 22 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 23 following: 24 490.1340 Other remedies limited. 25 1. The legality of a proposed or completed corporate 26 action described in section 490.1302, subsection 1, shall not 27 be contested, nor may the corporate action be enjoined, set 28 aside, or rescinded, in a legal or equitable proceeding by a 29 shareholder after the shareholders have approved the corporate 30 action. 31 2. Subsection 1 does not apply to a corporate action that 32 meets any of the following conditions: 33 a. Was not authorized and approved in accordance with the 34 applicable provisions of any of the following: 35 -201- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 201/ 269
H.F. 844 (1) Subchapter IX, X, XI, or XII. 1 (2) The articles of incorporation or bylaws. 2 (3) The resolution of the board of directors authorizing the 3 corporate action. 4 b. Was procured as a result of fraud, a material 5 misrepresentation, or an omission of a material fact necessary 6 to make statements made, in light of the circumstances in which 7 they were made, not misleading. 8 c. Is an interested transaction, unless it has been 9 recommended by the board of directors in the same manner as 10 is provided in section 490.862 and has been approved by the 11 shareholders in the same manner as is provided in section 12 490.863 as if the interested transaction were a director’s 13 conflicting interest transaction. 14 d. Is approved by less than unanimous consent of the 15 voting shareholders pursuant to section 490.704 if all of the 16 following apply: 17 (1) The challenge to the corporate action is brought by a 18 shareholder who did not consent and as to whom notice of the 19 approval of the corporate action was not effective at least ten 20 days before the corporate action was effected. 21 (2) The proceeding challenging the corporate action is 22 commenced within ten days after notice of the approval of the 23 corporate action is effective as to the shareholder bringing 24 the proceeding. 25 Sec. 171. Section 490.1402, Code 2021, is amended by 26 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 27 following: 28 490.1402 Dissolution by board of directors and shareholders. 29 1. The board of directors may propose dissolution for 30 submission to the shareholders by first adopting a resolution 31 authorizing the dissolution. 32 2. a. For a proposal to dissolve to be adopted, it shall 33 then be approved by the shareholders. In submitting the 34 proposal to dissolve to the shareholders for approval, the 35 -202- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 202/ 269
H.F. 844 board of directors shall recommend that the shareholders 1 approve the dissolution, unless any of the following apply: 2 (1) The board of directors determines that because of 3 conflict of interest or other special circumstances it should 4 make no recommendation. 5 (2) Section 490.826 applies. 6 b. If paragraph “a” , subparagraph (1) or (2), applies, the 7 board shall inform the shareholders of the basis for its so 8 proceeding. 9 3. The board of directors may set conditions for the 10 approval of the proposal for dissolution by shareholders or the 11 effectiveness of the dissolution. 12 4. If the approval of the shareholders is to be given at 13 a meeting, the corporation shall notify each shareholder, 14 regardless of whether entitled to vote, of the meeting of 15 shareholders at which the dissolution is to be submitted for 16 approval. The notice must state that the purpose, or one of 17 the purposes, of the meeting is to consider dissolving the 18 corporation. 19 5. Unless the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or the 20 board of directors acting pursuant to subsection 3 require a 21 greater vote, a greater quorum, or a vote by voting groups, 22 adoption of the proposal to dissolve shall require the approval 23 of the shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum exists 24 consisting of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on 25 the proposal to dissolve. 26 Sec. 172. Section 490.1403, Code 2021, is amended by 27 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 28 following: 29 490.1403 Articles of dissolution. 30 1. At any time after dissolution is authorized, the 31 corporation may dissolve by delivering to the secretary of 32 state for filing articles of dissolution setting forth all of 33 the following: 34 a. The name of the corporation. 35 -203- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 203/ 269
H.F. 844 b. The date that dissolution was authorized. 1 c. If dissolution was approved by the shareholders, a 2 statement that the proposal to dissolve was duly approved by 3 the shareholders in the manner required by this chapter and by 4 the articles of incorporation and bylaws. 5 2. The articles of dissolution shall take effect at the 6 effective date determined in accordance with section 490.123. 7 A corporation is dissolved upon the effective date of its 8 articles of dissolution. 9 3. As used in this part, “dissolved corporation” means a 10 corporation whose articles of dissolution have become effective 11 and includes a successor entity to which the remaining assets 12 of the corporation are transferred subject to its liabilities 13 for purposes of liquidation. 14 Sec. 173. Section 490.1404, Code 2021, is amended by 15 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 16 following: 17 490.1404 Revocation of dissolution. 18 1. A corporation may revoke its dissolution within one 19 hundred twenty days after its effective date. 20 2. Revocation of dissolution shall be authorized in the 21 same manner as the dissolution was authorized unless that 22 authorization permitted revocation by action of the board of 23 directors alone, in which event the board of directors may 24 revoke the dissolution without shareholder action. 25 3. After the revocation of dissolution is authorized, 26 the corporation may revoke the dissolution by delivering to 27 the secretary of state for filing articles of revocation 28 of dissolution, together with a copy of its articles of 29 dissolution, that set forth all of the following: 30 a. The name of the corporation. 31 b. The effective date of the dissolution that was revoked. 32 c. The date that the revocation of dissolution was 33 authorized. 34 d. If the corporation’s board of directors or incorporators 35 -204- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 204/ 269
H.F. 844 revoked the dissolution, a statement to that effect. 1 e. If the corporation’s board of directors revoked a 2 dissolution as authorized by the shareholders, a statement that 3 revocation was permitted by action by the board of directors 4 alone pursuant to that authorization. 5 f. If shareholder action was required to revoke the 6 dissolution, a statement that the revocation was duly approved 7 by the shareholders in the manner required by this chapter and 8 by the articles of incorporation and bylaws. 9 4. The articles of revocation of dissolution shall take 10 effect at the effective date determined in accordance with 11 section 490.123. Revocation of dissolution is effective 12 upon the effective date of the articles of revocation of 13 dissolution. 14 5. When the revocation of dissolution is effective, it 15 relates back to and takes effect as of the effective date of 16 the dissolution and the corporation resumes carrying on its 17 business as if the dissolution had never occurred. 18 Sec. 174. Section 490.1405, Code 2021, is amended by 19 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 20 following: 21 490.1405 Effect of dissolution. 22 1. A corporation that has dissolved continues its corporate 23 existence but the dissolved corporation shall not carry on any 24 business except that appropriate to wind up and liquidate its 25 business and affairs, including by doing any of the following: 26 a. Collecting its assets. 27 b. Disposing of its properties that will not be distributed 28 in kind to its shareholders. 29 c. Discharging or making provision for discharging its 30 liabilities. 31 d. Making distributions of its remaining assets among its 32 shareholders according to their interests. 33 e. Doing every other act necessary to wind up and liquidate 34 its business and affairs. 35 -205- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 205/ 269
H.F. 844 2. Dissolution of a corporation does not do any of the 1 following: 2 a. Transfer title to the corporation’s property. 3 b. Prevent transfer of its shares or securities. 4 c. Subject its directors or officers to standards of conduct 5 different from those prescribed in subchapter VIII. 6 d. Change any of the following: 7 (1) Quorum or voting requirements for its board of directors 8 or shareholders. 9 (2) Provisions for selection, resignation, or removal of 10 its directors or officers or both. 11 (3) Provisions for amending its bylaws. 12 e. Prevent commencement of a proceeding by or against the 13 corporation in its corporate name. 14 f. Abate or suspend a proceeding pending by or against the 15 corporation on the effective date of dissolution. 16 g. Terminate the authority of the registered agent of the 17 corporation. 18 3. A distribution in liquidation under this section may 19 only be made by a dissolved corporation. For purposes of 20 determining the shareholders entitled to receive a distribution 21 in liquidation, the board of directors may fix a record date 22 for determining shareholders entitled to a distribution in 23 liquidation, which date shall not be retroactive. If the 24 board of directors does not fix a record date for determining 25 shareholders entitled to a distribution in liquidation, the 26 record date is the date the board of directors authorizes the 27 distribution in liquidation. 28 Sec. 175. Section 490.1406, Code 2021, is amended by 29 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 30 following: 31 490.1406 Known claims against dissolved corporation. 32 1. A dissolved corporation may dispose of the known claims 33 against it by notifying its known claimants in writing of the 34 dissolution at any time after its effective date. 35 -206- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 206/ 269
H.F. 844 2. The written notice must do all of the following: 1 a. Describe information that must be included in a claim. 2 b. Provide a mailing address where a claim may be sent. 3 c. State the deadline, which must not be fewer than one 4 hundred twenty days after the written notice is effective, by 5 which the dissolved corporation shall receive the claim. 6 d. State that the claim will be barred if not received by 7 the deadline. 8 3. A claim against the dissolved corporation is barred if 9 any of the following occurs: 10 a. A claimant who was given written notice under subsection 11 2 does not deliver the claim to the dissolved corporation by 12 the deadline. 13 b. A claimant whose claim was rejected by the dissolved 14 corporation does not commence a proceeding to enforce the claim 15 within ninety days after the rejection notice is effective. 16 4. As used in this section, “claim” does not include a 17 contingent liability or a claim based on an event occurring 18 after the effective date of dissolution. 19 Sec. 176. Section 490.1407, Code 2021, is amended by 20 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 21 following: 22 490.1407 Other claims against dissolved corporation. 23 1. A dissolved corporation may publish notice of its 24 dissolution and request that persons with claims against the 25 dissolved corporation present them in accordance with the 26 notice. 27 2. The notice must meet all of the following requirements: 28 a. Be published in compliance with any of the following: 29 (1) One time in a newspaper of general circulation in the 30 county where the dissolved corporation’s principal office, or, 31 if none in this state, its registered office, is or was last 32 located. 33 (2) Be posted conspicuously for at least thirty days on the 34 dissolved corporation’s internet site. 35 -207- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 207/ 269
H.F. 844 b. Describe the information that must be included in a claim 1 and provide a mailing address where the claim may be sent. 2 c. State that a claim against the dissolved corporation will 3 be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced 4 within three years after the publication of the notice. 5 3. If the dissolved corporation publishes a notice in 6 accordance with subsection 2, the claim of each of the 7 following claimants is barred unless the claimant commences 8 a proceeding to enforce the claim against the dissolved 9 corporation within three years after the publication date of 10 the notice: 11 a. A claimant who was not given written notice under section 12 490.1406. 13 b. A claimant whose claim was timely sent to the dissolved 14 corporation but not acted on by the corporation. 15 c. A claimant whose claim is contingent or based on an event 16 occurring after the effective date of dissolution. 17 4. A claim that is not barred by section 490.1406, 18 subsection 2, or subsection 3 of this section, may be enforced 19 in any of the following ways: 20 a. Against the dissolved corporation, to the extent of its 21 undistributed assets. 22 b. Except as provided in section 490.1408, subsection 4, 23 if the assets have been distributed in liquidation, against 24 a shareholder of the dissolved corporation to the extent of 25 the shareholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the corporate 26 assets distributed to the shareholder in liquidation, whichever 27 is less, but a shareholder’s total liability for all claims 28 under this section shall not exceed the total amount of assets 29 distributed to the shareholder in liquidation. 30 Sec. 177. Section 490.1409, Code 2021, is amended by 31 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 32 following: 33 490.1409 Director duties. 34 1. Directors shall cause the dissolved corporation to 35 -208- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 208/ 269
H.F. 844 discharge or make reasonable provision for the payment of 1 claims and make distributions in liquidation of assets to 2 shareholders after payment or provision for claims. 3 2. Directors of a dissolved corporation which has disposed 4 of claims under section 490.1406, 490.1407, or 490.1408 shall 5 not be liable for breach of subsection 1 with respect to claims 6 against the dissolved corporation that are barred or satisfied 7 under section 490.1406, 490.1407, or 490.1408. 8 Sec. 178. Section 490.1420, Code 2021, is amended by 9 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 10 following: 11 490.1420 Grounds for administrative dissolution. 12 The secretary of state may commence a proceeding under 13 section 490.1421 to dissolve a corporation administratively, 14 if any of the following apply: 15 1. The corporation does not pay within sixty days after they 16 are due any fees, taxes, interest, or penalties imposed by this 17 chapter or other laws of this state. 18 2. The corporation does not deliver its biennial report 19 required by section 490.1622 to the secretary of state within 20 sixty days after it is due. 21 3. The corporation is without a registered agent or 22 registered office in this state for sixty days or more. 23 4. The secretary of state has not been notified within sixty 24 days that the corporation’s registered agent or registered 25 office has been changed, that its registered agent has 26 resigned, or that its registered office has been discontinued. 27 5. The corporation’s period of duration stated in its 28 articles of incorporation expires. 29 Sec. 179. Section 490.1421, Code 2021, is amended by 30 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 31 following: 32 490.1421 Procedure for and effect of administrative 33 dissolution. 34 1. If the secretary of state determines that one or 35 -209- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 209/ 269
H.F. 844 more grounds exist under section 490.1420 for dissolving a 1 corporation, the secretary of state shall serve the corporation 2 with written notice of such determination under section 3 490.504. 4 2. If the corporation does not correct each ground for 5 dissolution or demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of 6 the secretary of state that each ground determined by the 7 secretary of state does not exist within sixty days after 8 service of the notice under section 490.504, the secretary 9 of state shall administratively dissolve the corporation by 10 signing a certificate of dissolution that recites the ground or 11 grounds for dissolution and its effective date. The secretary 12 of state shall file the original of the certificate and serve a 13 copy on the corporation under section 490.504. 14 3. A corporation administratively dissolved continues 15 its corporate existence but shall not carry on any business 16 except that necessary to wind up and liquidate its business 17 and affairs under section 490.1405 and notify claimants under 18 sections 490.1406 and 490.1407. 19 4. The administrative dissolution of a corporation does not 20 terminate the authority of its registered agent. 21 Sec. 180. Section 490.1422, Code 2021, is amended by 22 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 23 following: 24 490.1422 Reinstatement following administrative dissolution. 25 1. A corporation administratively dissolved under section 26 490.1421 may apply to the secretary of state for reinstatement 27 at any time after the effective date of dissolution. The 28 application must meet all of the following requirements: 29 a. State the name of the corporation at its date of 30 dissolution and the effective date of its administrative 31 dissolution. 32 b. State that the ground or grounds for dissolution either 33 did not exist or have been eliminated. 34 c. If the application is received more than five years after 35 -210- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 210/ 269
H.F. 844 the effective date of dissolution, state a corporate name that 1 satisfies the requirements of section 490.401. 2 d. State the federal tax identification number of the 3 corporation. 4 2. a. The secretary of state shall refer the federal 5 tax identification number contained in the application for 6 reinstatement to the department of workforce development. The 7 department shall report to the secretary of state the tax 8 status of the corporation. If the department reports to the 9 secretary of state that a filing delinquency or liability 10 exists against the corporation, the secretary of state shall 11 not cancel the certificate of dissolution until the filing 12 delinquency or liability is satisfied. 13 b. (1) If the secretary of state determines that the 14 application contains the information required by subsection 15 1, and that a delinquency or liability reported pursuant to 16 paragraph “a” has been satisfied, and that the information is 17 correct, the secretary of state shall cancel the certificate 18 of dissolution and prepare a certificate of reinstatement 19 that recites the secretary of state’s determination and the 20 effective date of reinstatement, file the certificate of 21 reinstatement, and deliver a copy to the corporation under 22 section 490.504. 23 (2) If the corporate name in subsection 1, paragraph “c” , is 24 different from the corporate name in subsection 1, paragraph 25 “a” , the certificate of reinstatement shall constitute an 26 amendment to the articles of incorporation insofar as it 27 pertains to the corporate name. A corporation shall not 28 relinquish the right to retain its corporate name if the 29 reinstatement is effective within five years of the effective 30 date of the corporation’s dissolution. 31 3. When the reinstatement is effective, it relates back to 32 and takes effect as of the effective date of the administrative 33 dissolution as if the administrative dissolution had never 34 occurred. 35 -211- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 211/ 269
H.F. 844 Sec. 181. Section 490.1423, Code 2021, is amended by 1 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 2 following: 3 490.1423 Appeal from denial of reinstatement. 4 1. If the secretary of state denies a corporation’s 5 application for reinstatement following administrative 6 dissolution, the secretary of state shall serve the corporation 7 under section 490.504 with a written notice that explains the 8 reason or reasons for denial. 9 2. The corporation may appeal the denial of reinstatement 10 to the district court of the county where the corporation’s 11 principal office or, if none in this state, its registered 12 office, is located within thirty days after service of 13 the notice of denial is effected. The corporation appeals 14 by petitioning the court to set aside the dissolution and 15 attaching to the petition copies of the secretary of state’s 16 certificate of dissolution, the corporation’s application for 17 reinstatement, and the secretary of state’s notice of denial. 18 3. The court may summarily order the secretary of state to 19 reinstate the dissolved corporation or may take other action 20 the court considers appropriate. 21 4. The court’s final decision may be appealed as in other 22 civil proceedings. 23 Sec. 182. Section 490.1430, Code 2021, is amended by 24 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 25 following: 26 490.1430 Grounds for judicial dissolution. 27 1. The district court may dissolve a corporation in any of 28 the following ways: 29 a. A proceeding by the attorney general if it is established 30 that any of the following apply: 31 (1) The corporation obtained its articles of incorporation 32 through fraud. 33 (2) The corporation has continued to exceed or abuse the 34 authority conferred upon it by law. 35 -212- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 212/ 269
H.F. 844 b. A proceeding by a shareholder if it is established that 1 any of the following conditions exist: 2 (1) The directors are deadlocked in the management of 3 the corporate affairs, the shareholders are unable to break 4 the deadlock, and irreparable injury to the corporation is 5 threatened or being suffered, or the business and affairs of 6 the corporation can no longer be conducted to the advantage of 7 the shareholders generally, because of the deadlock. 8 (2) The directors or those in control of the corporation 9 have acted, are acting, or will act in a manner that is 10 illegal, oppressive, or fraudulent. 11 (3) The shareholders are deadlocked in voting power and have 12 failed, for a period that includes at least two consecutive 13 annual meeting dates, to elect successors to directors whose 14 terms have expired. 15 (4) The corporate assets are being misapplied or wasted. 16 c. A proceeding by a creditor if it is established that any 17 of the following applies: 18 (1) The creditor’s claim has been reduced to judgment, 19 the execution on the judgment returned unsatisfied, and the 20 corporation is insolvent. 21 (2) The corporation has admitted in writing that the 22 creditor’s claim is due and owing and the corporation is 23 insolvent. 24 d. A proceeding by the corporation to have its voluntary 25 dissolution continued under court supervision. 26 e. A proceeding by a shareholder if the corporation has 27 abandoned its business and has failed within a reasonable time 28 to liquidate and distribute its assets and dissolve. 29 2. Subsection 1, paragraph “b” , shall not apply in the 30 case of a corporation that, on the date of the filing of the 31 proceeding, has a class or series of shares which is any of the 32 following: 33 a. A covered security under section 18(b)(1)(A) or (B) of 34 the federal Securities Act of 1933. 35 -213- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 213/ 269
H.F. 844 b. Not a covered security, but is held by at least three 1 hundred shareholders and the shares outstanding have a market 2 value of at least twenty million dollars, exclusive of the 3 value of such shares held by the corporation’s subsidiaries, 4 senior executives, directors, and if they own more than ten 5 percent of such shares, beneficial shareholders, and voting 6 trust beneficial owners. 7 3. a. As used in subsection 1, “shareholder” means a record 8 shareholder, a beneficial shareholder, and an unrestricted 9 voting trust beneficial owner. 10 b. As used in subsection 2, “shareholder” means a record 11 shareholder, a beneficial shareholder, and a voting trust 12 beneficial owner. 13 Sec. 183. Section 490.1431, Code 2021, is amended by 14 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 15 following: 16 490.1431 Procedure for judicial dissolution. 17 1. Venue for a proceeding by the attorney general 18 to dissolve a corporation lies in Polk county. Venue 19 for a proceeding brought by any other party named in 20 section 490.1430, subsection 1, lies in the county where a 21 corporation’s principal office or, if none in this state, its 22 registered office is or was last located. 23 2. It is not necessary to make shareholders parties to a 24 proceeding to dissolve a corporation unless relief is sought 25 against them individually. 26 3. A court in a proceeding brought to dissolve a corporation 27 may issue injunctions, appoint a receiver or custodian during 28 the proceeding with all powers and duties the court directs, 29 take other action required to preserve the corporate assets 30 wherever located, and carry on the business of the corporation 31 until a full hearing can be held. 32 4. Within ten days of the commencement of a proceeding 33 to dissolve a corporation under section 490.1430, subsection 34 1, paragraph “b” , the corporation shall deliver to all 35 -214- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 214/ 269
H.F. 844 shareholders, other than the petitioner, a notice stating that 1 the shareholders are entitled to avoid the dissolution of the 2 corporation by electing to purchase the petitioner’s shares 3 under section 490.1434, and accompanied by a copy of section 4 490.1434. 5 Sec. 184. Section 490.1432, Code 2021, is amended by 6 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 7 following: 8 490.1432 Receivership or custodianship. 9 1. Unless an election to purchase has been filed under 10 section 490.1434, a court in a judicial proceeding brought to 11 dissolve a corporation may appoint one or more receivers to 12 wind up and liquidate, or one or more custodians to manage, 13 the business and affairs of the corporation. The court shall 14 hold a hearing, after notifying all parties to the proceeding 15 and any interested persons designated by the court, before 16 appointing a receiver or custodian. The court appointing a 17 receiver or custodian has jurisdiction over the corporation and 18 all of its property wherever located. 19 2. The court may appoint an individual or a domestic 20 or foreign corporation or eligible entity as a receiver or 21 custodian, which, if a foreign corporation or foreign eligible 22 entity, must be registered to do business in this state. The 23 court may require the receiver or custodian to post bond, with 24 or without sureties, in an amount the court directs. 25 3. The court shall describe the powers and duties of the 26 receiver or custodian in its appointing order, which may be 27 amended from time to time. Among other powers all of the 28 following apply: 29 a. The receiver may do any or all of the following: 30 (1) Dispose of all or any part of the assets of the 31 corporation wherever located, at a public or private sale. 32 (2) Sue and defend in the receiver’s own name as receiver of 33 the corporation in all courts of this state. 34 b. The custodian may exercise all of the powers of the 35 -215- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 215/ 269
H.F. 844 corporation, through or in place of its board of directors, to 1 the extent necessary to manage the affairs of the corporation 2 in the best interests of its shareholders and creditors. 3 c. The receiver or custodian shall have such other powers 4 and duties as the court may provide in the appointing order, 5 which may be amended from time to time. 6 4. The court during a receivership may redesignate the 7 receiver a custodian and during a custodianship may redesignate 8 the custodian a receiver. 9 5. The court from time to time during the receivership or 10 custodianship may order compensation paid and expenses paid or 11 reimbursed to the receiver or custodian from the assets of the 12 corporation or proceeds from the sale of the assets. 13 Sec. 185. Section 490.1434, Code 2021, is amended by 14 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 15 following: 16 490.1434 Election to purchase in lieu of dissolution. 17 1. In a proceeding under section 490.1430, subsection 1, 18 paragraph “b” , to dissolve a corporation, the corporation 19 may elect or, if it fails to elect, one or more shareholders 20 may elect to purchase all shares owned by the petitioning 21 shareholder at the fair value of the shares. An election 22 pursuant to this section shall be irrevocable unless the court 23 determines that it is equitable to set aside or modify the 24 election. 25 2. An election to purchase pursuant to this section may 26 be filed with the court at any time within ninety days after 27 the filing of the petition under section 490.1430, subsection 28 1, paragraph “b” , or at such later time as the court in its 29 discretion may allow. If the election to purchase is filed 30 by one or more shareholders, the corporation shall, within 31 ten days thereafter, give written notice to all shareholders, 32 other than the petitioner. The notice must state the name 33 and number of shares owned by the petitioner and the name and 34 number of shares owned by each electing shareholder and must 35 -216- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 216/ 269
H.F. 844 advise the recipients of their right to join in the election to 1 purchase shares in accordance with this section. Shareholders 2 who wish to participate shall file notice of their intention 3 to join in the purchase no later than thirty days after 4 the effectiveness of the notice to them. All shareholders 5 who have filed an election or notice of their intention to 6 participate in the election to purchase thereby become parties 7 to the proceeding and shall participate in the purchase in 8 proportion to their ownership of shares as of the date the 9 first election was filed, unless they otherwise agree or the 10 court otherwise directs. After an election has been filed by 11 the corporation or one or more shareholders, the proceeding 12 under section 490.1430, subsection 1, paragraph “b” , shall 13 not be discontinued or settled, nor shall the petitioning 14 shareholder sell or otherwise dispose of the shareholder’s 15 shares, unless the court determines that it would be equitable 16 to the corporation and the shareholders, other than the 17 petitioner, to permit such discontinuance, settlement, sale, or 18 other disposition. 19 3. If, within sixty days of the filing of the first 20 election, the parties reach agreement as to the fair value 21 and terms of purchase of the petitioner’s shares, the court 22 shall enter an order directing the purchase of the petitioner’s 23 shares upon the terms and conditions agreed to by the parties. 24 4. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement as 25 provided for in subsection 3, the court, upon application of 26 any party, shall stay the proceedings under section 490.1430, 27 subsection 1, paragraph “b” , and determine the fair value of 28 the petitioner’s shares as of the day before the date on which 29 the petition under section 490.1430, subsection 1, paragraph 30 “b” , was filed or as of such other date as the court deems 31 appropriate under the circumstances. 32 5. Upon determining the fair value of the shares, the 33 court shall enter an order directing the purchase upon such 34 terms and conditions as the court deems appropriate, which may 35 -217- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 217/ 269
H.F. 844 include payment of the purchase price in installments, where 1 necessary in the interests of equity, provision for security 2 to assure payment of the purchase price and any additional 3 expenses as may have been awarded, and, if the shares are to 4 be purchased by shareholders, the allocation of shares among 5 them. In allocating the petitioner’s shares among holders of 6 different classes or series of shares, the court should attempt 7 to preserve the existing distribution of voting rights among 8 holders of different classes or series insofar as practicable 9 and may direct that holders of a specific class or classes or 10 series shall not participate in the purchase. Interest may be 11 allowed at the rate and from the date determined by the court 12 to be equitable, but if the court finds that the refusal of 13 the petitioning shareholder to accept an offer of payment was 14 arbitrary or otherwise not in good faith, no interest shall be 15 allowed. If the court finds that the petitioning shareholder 16 had probable grounds for relief under section 490.1430, 17 subsection 1, paragraph “b” , subparagraph (2) or (4), it may 18 award expenses to the petitioning shareholder. 19 6. Upon entry of an order under subsection 3 or 5, the 20 court shall dismiss the petition to dissolve the corporation 21 under section 490.1430, subsection 1, paragraph “b” , and the 22 petitioning shareholder shall no longer have any rights or 23 status as a shareholder of the corporation, except the right 24 to receive the amounts awarded by the order of the court which 25 shall be enforceable in the same manner as any other judgment. 26 7. The purchase ordered pursuant to subsection 5 shall be 27 made within ten days after the date the order becomes final. 28 8. Any payment by the corporation pursuant to an order under 29 subsection 3 or 5, other than an award of expenses pursuant to 30 subsection 5, is subject to the provisions of section 490.640. 31 Sec. 186. Section 490.1440, Code 2021, is amended by 32 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 33 following: 34 490.1440 Deposit with state treasurer. 35 -218- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 218/ 269
H.F. 844 Assets of a dissolved corporation that should be transferred 1 to a creditor, claimant, or shareholder of the corporation who 2 cannot be found or who is not competent to receive them shall 3 be reduced to cash and deposited with the treasurer of state 4 or other appropriate state official for safekeeping. When the 5 creditor, claimant, or shareholder furnishes satisfactory proof 6 of entitlement to the amount deposited, the treasurer of state 7 or other appropriate state official shall pay such person, or 8 the representative of such person, that amount. 9 Sec. 187. Section 490.1501, Code 2021, is amended by 10 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 11 following: 12 490.1501 Governing law. 13 1. The law of the jurisdiction of formation of a foreign 14 corporation governs all of the following: 15 a. The internal affairs of the foreign corporation. 16 b. The interest holder liability of its shareholders. 17 2. A foreign corporation is not precluded from registering 18 to do business in this state because of any difference between 19 the law of the foreign corporation’s jurisdiction of formation 20 and the law of this state. 21 3. Registration of a foreign corporation to do business in 22 this state does not permit the foreign corporation to engage in 23 any business or affairs or exercise any power that a domestic 24 corporation cannot lawfully engage in or exercise in this 25 state. 26 Sec. 188. Section 490.1502, Code 2021, is amended by 27 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 28 following: 29 490.1502 Registration to do business in this state. 30 1. A foreign corporation shall not do business in this 31 state until it registers with the secretary of state under this 32 chapter. 33 2. A foreign corporation doing business in this state shall 34 not maintain a proceeding in any court of this state until it 35 -219- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 219/ 269
H.F. 844 is registered to do business in this state. 1 3. The failure of a foreign corporation to register to 2 do business in this state does not impair the validity of a 3 contract or act of the foreign corporation or preclude it from 4 defending a proceeding in this state. 5 4. A limitation on the liability of a shareholder or 6 director of a foreign corporation is not waived solely because 7 the foreign corporation does business in this state without 8 registering. 9 5. Section 490.1501, subsection 1, applies even if a foreign 10 corporation fails to register under this chapter. 11 Sec. 189. Section 490.1503, Code 2021, is amended by 12 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 13 following: 14 490.1503 Foreign registration statement. 15 1. To register to do business in this state, a foreign 16 corporation shall deliver a foreign registration statement to 17 the secretary of state for filing. The registration statement 18 must be signed by the foreign corporation and state all of the 19 following: 20 a. The corporate name of the foreign corporation and, if the 21 name does not comply with section 490.401, an alternate name as 22 required by section 490.1506. 23 b. The foreign corporation’s jurisdiction of formation. 24 c. The street and mailing addresses of the foreign 25 corporation’s principal office and, if the law of the foreign 26 corporation’s jurisdiction of formation requires the foreign 27 corporation to maintain an office in that jurisdiction, the 28 street and mailing addresses of that office. 29 d. The street and mailing addresses of the foreign 30 corporation’s registered office in this state and the name of 31 its registered agent at that office. 32 e. The names and business addresses of its directors and 33 principal officers. 34 2. The foreign corporation shall deliver the completed 35 -220- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 220/ 269
H.F. 844 foreign registration statement to the secretary of state, 1 and also deliver to the secretary of state a certificate of 2 existence or a document of similar import duly authenticated 3 by the secretary of state or other official having custody of 4 corporate records in the state or country under whose law it is 5 incorporated which is dated no earlier than ninety days prior 6 to the date the application is filed by the secretary of state. 7 Sec. 190. Section 490.1504, Code 2021, is amended by 8 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 9 following: 10 490.1504 Amendment of foreign registration statement. 11 A registered foreign corporation shall sign and deliver to 12 the secretary of state for filing an amendment to its foreign 13 registration statement if there is a change in any of the 14 following: 15 1. Its name or alternate name. 16 2. Its jurisdiction of formation, unless its registration 17 is deemed to have been withdrawn under section 490.1508 or 18 transferred under section 490.1510. 19 3. An address required by section 490.1503, subsection 1, 20 paragraph “c” . 21 Sec. 191. Section 490.1505, Code 2021, is amended by 22 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 23 following: 24 490.1505 Activities not constituting doing business. 25 1. Activities of a foreign corporation that do not 26 constitute doing business in this state for purposes of this 27 subchapter include all of the following: 28 a. Maintaining, defending, mediating, arbitrating, or 29 settling a proceeding. 30 b. Carrying on any activity concerning the internal affairs 31 of the foreign corporation, including holding meetings of its 32 shareholders or board of directors. 33 c. Maintaining accounts in financial institutions. 34 d. Maintaining offices or agencies for the transfer, 35 -221- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 221/ 269
H.F. 844 exchange, and registration of securities of the foreign 1 corporation or maintaining trustees or depositories with 2 respect to those securities. 3 e. Selling through independent contractors. 4 f. Soliciting or obtaining orders by any means if the 5 orders require acceptance outside this state before they become 6 contracts. 7 g. Creating or acquiring indebtedness, mortgages, or 8 security interests in property. 9 h. Securing or collecting debts or enforcing mortgages or 10 security interests in property securing the debts, and holding, 11 protecting, or maintaining property so acquired. 12 i. Conducting an isolated transaction that is not in the 13 course of similar transactions. 14 j. Owning, protecting, and maintaining property. 15 k. Doing business in interstate commerce. 16 2. This section does not apply in determining the contacts 17 or activities that may subject a foreign corporation to service 18 of process, taxation, or regulation under the laws of this 19 state other than this chapter. 20 Sec. 192. Section 490.1506, Code 2021, is amended by 21 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 22 following: 23 490.1506 Noncomplying name of foreign corporation. 24 1. A foreign corporation whose name does not comply with 25 section 490.401 shall not register to do business in this state 26 until it adopts, for the purpose of doing business in this 27 state, an alternate name that complies with section 490.401 by 28 filing a foreign registration statement under section 490.1503, 29 or if applicable, a transfer of registration statement under 30 section 490.1510, setting forth that alternate name. After 31 registering to do business in this state with an alternate 32 name, a foreign corporation shall do business in this state 33 under any of the following: 34 a. The alternate name. 35 -222- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 222/ 269
H.F. 844 b. The foreign corporation’s name, with the addition of its 1 jurisdiction of formation. 2 2. If a registered foreign corporation changes its name 3 after registration to a name that does not comply with section 4 490.401, it shall not do business in this state until it 5 complies with subsection 1 by amending its registration 6 statement to adopt an alternate name that complies with section 7 490.401. 8 Sec. 193. Section 490.1507, Code 2021, is amended by 9 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 10 following: 11 490.1507 Withdrawal of registration of registered foreign 12 corporation. 13 1. A registered foreign corporation may withdraw its 14 registration by delivering a statement of withdrawal to the 15 secretary of state for filing. The statement of withdrawal 16 must be signed by the foreign corporation and state all of the 17 following: 18 a. The name of the foreign corporation and its jurisdiction 19 of formation. 20 b. That the foreign corporation is not doing business 21 in this state and that it withdraws its registration to do 22 business in this state. 23 c. That the foreign corporation revokes the authority of its 24 registered agent in this state. 25 d. An address to which process on the foreign corporation 26 may be sent by the secretary of state under section 490.504, 27 subsection 3. 28 2. After the withdrawal of the registration of a foreign 29 corporation, service of process in any proceeding based on 30 a cause of action arising during the time the entity was 31 registered to do business in this state may be made as provided 32 in section 490.504. 33 Sec. 194. Section 490.1508, Code 2021, is amended by 34 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 35 -223- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 223/ 269
H.F. 844 following: 1 490.1508 Deemed withdrawal upon domestication or conversion 2 to certain domestic entities. 3 A registered foreign corporation that domesticates to 4 a domestic business corporation or converts to a domestic 5 nonprofit corporation or any type of domestic filing entity or 6 to a domestic limited liability partnership is deemed to have 7 withdrawn its registration on the effectiveness of such event. 8 Sec. 195. Section 490.1509, Code 2021, is amended by 9 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 10 following: 11 490.1509 Withdrawal upon dissolution or conversion to certain 12 nonfiling entities. 13 1. A registered foreign corporation that has dissolved and 14 completed winding up or has converted to a domestic or foreign 15 nonfiling entity other than a limited liability partnership 16 shall deliver to the secretary of state for filing a statement 17 of withdrawal. The statement must be signed by the dissolved 18 corporation or the converted domestic or foreign nonfiling 19 entity and state: 20 a. In the case of a foreign corporation that has completed 21 winding up all of the following: 22 (1) Its name and jurisdiction of formation. 23 (2) That the foreign corporation withdraws its registration 24 to do business in this state and revokes the authority of its 25 registered agent to accept service on its behalf. 26 (3) An address to which process on the foreign corporation 27 may be sent by the secretary of state under section 490.504, 28 subsection 3. 29 b. In the case of a foreign corporation that has converted 30 to a domestic or foreign nonfiling entity other than a limited 31 liability partnership all of the following: 32 (1) The name of the converting foreign corporation and its 33 jurisdiction of formation. 34 (2) The type of the nonfiling entity to which it has 35 -224- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 224/ 269
H.F. 844 converted and its name and jurisdiction of formation. 1 (3) That it withdraws its registration to do business in 2 this state and revokes the authority of its registered agent to 3 accept service on its behalf. 4 (4) An address to which process on the foreign corporation 5 may be sent by the secretary of state under section 490.504, 6 subsection 3. 7 2. After the withdrawal of the registration of a foreign 8 corporation, service of process in any proceeding based on 9 a cause of action arising during the time the entity was 10 registered to do business in this state may be made as provided 11 in section 490.504. 12 Sec. 196. Section 490.1510, Code 2021, is amended by 13 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 14 following: 15 490.1510 Transfer of registration. 16 1. If a registered foreign corporation merges into a 17 nonregistered foreign corporation or converts to a foreign 18 corporation required to register with the secretary of state 19 to do business in this state, the foreign corporation shall 20 deliver to the secretary of state for filing a transfer 21 of registration statement. The transfer of registration 22 statement must be signed by the surviving or converted foreign 23 corporation and state all of the following: 24 a. The name of the registered foreign corporation and its 25 jurisdiction of formation before the merger or conversion. 26 b. The name of the surviving or converted foreign 27 corporation and its jurisdiction of formation after the 28 merger or conversion and, if the name does not comply with 29 section 490.401, an alternate name adopted pursuant to section 30 490.1506. 31 c. All of the following information regarding the 32 surviving or converted foreign corporation after the merger or 33 conversion: 34 (1) The street and mailing addresses of the principal 35 -225- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 225/ 269
H.F. 844 office of the foreign corporation and, if the law of the 1 foreign corporation’s jurisdiction of formation requires it to 2 maintain an office in that jurisdiction, the street and mailing 3 addresses of that office. 4 (2) The street and mailing addresses of the foreign 5 corporation’s registered office in this state and the name of 6 its registered agent at that office. 7 2. On the effective date of a transfer of registration 8 statement as determined in accordance with section 490.123, 9 the registration of the registered foreign corporation to do 10 business in this state is transferred without interruption to 11 the foreign corporation into which it has merged or to which 12 it has been converted. 13 Sec. 197. NEW SECTION . 490.1511 Administrative termination 14 of registration. 15 1. The secretary of state may terminate the registration 16 of a registered foreign corporation in the manner provided in 17 subsections 2 and 3, if any of the following applies: 18 a. The foreign corporation does not pay within sixty days 19 after they are due any fees, taxes, interest, or penalties 20 imposed by this chapter or other laws of this state. 21 b. The foreign corporation does not deliver its biennial 22 report to the secretary of state within sixty days after it is 23 due. 24 c. The foreign corporation is without a registered agent or 25 registered office in this state for sixty days or more. 26 d. The secretary of state has not been notified within 27 sixty days that the foreign corporation’s registered agent 28 or registered office has been changed, that its registered 29 agent has resigned, or that its registered office has been 30 discontinued. 31 2. The secretary of state may terminate the registration of 32 a registered foreign corporation by doing all of the following: 33 a. Filing a certificate of termination. 34 b. Delivering a copy of the certificate of termination to 35 -226- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 226/ 269
H.F. 844 the foreign corporation’s registered agent or, if the foreign 1 corporation does not have a registered agent, to the foreign 2 corporation’s principal office. 3 3. The certificate of termination must state all of the 4 following: 5 a. The effective date of the termination, which must be 6 not less than sixty days after the secretary of state delivers 7 the copy of the certificate of termination as prescribed in 8 subsection 2, paragraph “b” . 9 b. The grounds for termination under subsection 1. 10 4. The registration of a registered foreign corporation 11 to do business in this state ceases on the effective date 12 of the termination as set forth in the certificate of 13 termination, unless before that date the foreign corporation 14 cures each ground for termination stated in the certificate of 15 termination. If the foreign corporation cures each ground, the 16 secretary of state shall file a statement that the certificate 17 of termination is withdrawn. 18 5. After the effective date of the termination as set forth 19 in the certificate of termination, service of process in any 20 proceeding based on a cause of action arising during the time 21 the entity was registered to do business in this state may be 22 made as provided in section 490.504. 23 Sec. 198. NEW SECTION . 490.1512 Action by attorney general. 24 The attorney general may maintain an action to enjoin a 25 foreign corporation from doing business in this state in 26 violation of this chapter. 27 Sec. 199. Section 490.1601, Code 2021, is amended by 28 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 29 following: 30 490.1601 Corporate records. 31 1. A corporation shall maintain all of the following 32 records: 33 a. Its articles of incorporation as currently in effect. 34 b. Any notices to shareholders referred to in section 35 -227- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 227/ 269
H.F. 844 490.120, subsection 11, paragraph “e” , specifying facts 1 on which a filed document is dependent if those facts are 2 not included in the articles of incorporation or otherwise 3 available as specified in section 490.120, subsection 11, 4 paragraph “e” . 5 c. Its bylaws as currently in effect. 6 d. All written communications within the past three years to 7 shareholders generally. 8 e. Minutes of all meetings of, and records of all actions 9 taken without a meeting by, its shareholders, its board of 10 directors, and board committees established under section 11 490.825. 12 f. A list of the names and business addresses of its current 13 directors and officers. 14 g. Its most recent biennial report delivered to the 15 secretary of state under section 490.1622. 16 2. A corporation shall maintain all annual financial 17 statements prepared for the corporation for its last three 18 fiscal years, or such shorter period of existence, and 19 any audit or other reports with respect to such financial 20 statements. 21 3. A corporation shall maintain accounting records in a form 22 that permits preparation of its financial statements. 23 4. A corporation shall maintain a record of its current 24 shareholders in alphabetical order by class or series of shares 25 showing the address of, and the number and class or series of 26 shares held by, each shareholder. Nothing contained in this 27 subsection shall require the corporation to include in such 28 record the electronic mail address or other electronic contact 29 information of a shareholder. 30 5. A corporation shall maintain the records specified in 31 this section in a manner so that they may be made available for 32 inspection within a reasonable time. 33 Sec. 200. Section 490.1602, Code 2021, is amended by 34 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 35 -228- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 228/ 269
H.F. 844 following: 1 490.1602 Inspection rights of shareholders. 2 1. A shareholder of a corporation is entitled to inspect 3 and copy, during regular business hours at the corporation’s 4 principal office, any of the records of the corporation 5 described in section 490.1601, subsection 1, excluding minutes 6 of meetings of, and records of actions taken without a meeting 7 by, the corporation’s board of directors and board committees 8 established under section 490.825, if the shareholder gives 9 the corporation a signed written notice of the shareholder’s 10 demand at least five business days before the date on which the 11 shareholder wishes to inspect and copy. 12 2. A shareholder of a corporation is entitled to inspect and 13 copy, during regular business hours at a reasonable location 14 specified by the corporation, any of the following records of 15 the corporation if the shareholder meets the requirements of 16 subsection 3 and gives the corporation a signed written notice 17 of the shareholder’s demand at least five business days before 18 the date on which the shareholder wishes to inspect and copy 19 any of the following: 20 a. The financial statements of the corporation maintained in 21 accordance with section 490.1601, subsection 2. 22 b. Accounting records of the corporation. 23 c. Excerpts from minutes of any meeting of, or records of 24 any actions taken without a meeting by, the corporation’s board 25 of directors and board committees maintained in accordance with 26 section 490.1601, subsection 1. 27 d. The record of shareholders maintained in accordance with 28 section 490.1601, subsection 4. 29 3. A shareholder may inspect and copy the records described 30 in subsection 2 only if all of the following apply: 31 a. The shareholder’s demand is made in good faith and for 32 a proper purpose. 33 b. The shareholder’s demand describes with reasonable 34 particularity the shareholder’s purpose and the records the 35 -229- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 229/ 269
H.F. 844 shareholder desires to inspect. 1 c. The records are directly connected with the shareholder’s 2 purpose. 3 4. The corporation may impose reasonable restrictions on 4 the confidentiality, use, or distribution of records described 5 in subsection 2. 6 5. For any meeting of shareholders for which the record date 7 for determining shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting 8 is different from the record date for notice of the meeting, 9 any person who becomes a shareholder subsequent to the record 10 date for notice of the meeting and is entitled to vote at 11 the meeting is entitled to obtain from the corporation upon 12 request the notice and any other information provided by the 13 corporation to shareholders in connection with the meeting, 14 unless the corporation has made such information generally 15 available to shareholders by posting it on its internet site or 16 by other generally recognized means. Failure of a corporation 17 to provide such information does not affect the validity of 18 action taken at the meeting. 19 6. The right of inspection granted by this section shall 20 not be abolished or limited by a corporation’s articles of 21 incorporation or bylaws. 22 7. This section does not affect any of the following: 23 a. The right of a shareholder to inspect records under 24 section 490.720 or, if the shareholder is in litigation with 25 the corporation, to the same extent as any other litigant. 26 b. The power of a court, independently of this chapter, 27 to compel the production of corporate records for examination 28 and to impose reasonable restrictions as provided in section 29 490.1604, subsection 3, provided that, in the case of 30 production of records described in subsection 2, at the request 31 of a shareholder, the shareholder has met the requirements of 32 subsection 3. 33 8. As used in this section, “shareholder” means a record 34 shareholder, a beneficial shareholder, and an unrestricted 35 -230- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 230/ 269
H.F. 844 voting trust beneficial owner. 1 Sec. 201. Section 490.1603, Code 2021, is amended by 2 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 3 following: 4 490.1603 Scope of inspection right. 5 1. A shareholder may appoint an agent or attorney to 6 exercise the shareholder’s inspection and copying rights under 7 section 490.1602. 8 2. The corporation may, if reasonable, satisfy the right 9 of a shareholder to copy records under section 490.1602 by 10 furnishing to the shareholder copies by photocopy or other 11 means chosen by the corporation, including furnishing copies 12 through an electronic transmission. 13 3. The corporation may comply at its expense with a 14 shareholder’s demand to inspect the record of shareholders 15 under section 490.1602, subsection 2, paragraph “d” , by 16 providing the shareholder with a list of shareholders that was 17 compiled no earlier than the date of the shareholder’s demand. 18 4. The corporation may impose a reasonable charge to cover 19 the costs of providing copies of documents to the shareholder, 20 which may be based on an estimate of such costs. 21 Sec. 202. Section 490.1604, Code 2021, is amended by 22 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 23 following: 24 490.1604 Court-ordered inspection. 25 1. If a corporation does not allow a shareholder who 26 complies with section 490.1602, subsection 1, to inspect and 27 copy any records required by that section to be available 28 for inspection, the district court of the county where the 29 corporation’s principal office or, if none in this state, its 30 registered office, is located, may summarily order inspection 31 and copying of the records demanded at the corporation’s 32 expense upon application of the shareholder. 33 2. If a corporation does not within a reasonable time allow 34 a shareholder who complies with section 490.1602, subsection 35 -231- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 231/ 269
H.F. 844 2, to inspect and copy the records required by that section, 1 the shareholder who complies with section 490.1602, subsection 2 3, may apply to the district court in the county where the 3 corporation’s principal office or, if none in this state, its 4 registered office, is located for an order to permit inspection 5 and copying of the records demanded. The court shall dispose 6 of an application under this subsection on an expedited basis. 7 3. If the court orders inspection and copying of the 8 records demanded under section 490.1602, subsection 2, it 9 may impose reasonable restrictions on their confidentiality, 10 use, or distribution by the demanding shareholder and it 11 shall also order the corporation to pay the shareholder’s 12 expenses incurred to obtain the order, unless the corporation 13 establishes that it refused inspection in good faith because 14 of any of the following: 15 a. The corporation had a reasonable basis for doubt about 16 the right of the shareholder to inspect the records demanded. 17 b. The corporation required reasonable restrictions on the 18 confidentiality, use, or distribution of the records demanded 19 to which the demanding shareholder had been unwilling to agree. 20 Sec. 203. Section 490.1605, Code 2021, is amended by 21 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 22 following: 23 490.1605 Inspection of records by directors. 24 1. A director of a corporation is entitled to inspect and 25 copy the books, records, and documents of the corporation at 26 any reasonable time to the extent reasonably related to the 27 performance of the director’s duties as a director, including 28 duties as a member of a board committee, but not for any other 29 purpose or in any manner that would violate any duty to the 30 corporation. 31 2. The district court of the county where the corporation’s 32 principal office, or if none in this state, its registered 33 office, is located may order inspection and copying of the 34 books, records, and documents at the corporation’s expense, 35 -232- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 232/ 269
H.F. 844 upon application of a director who has been refused such 1 inspection rights, unless the corporation establishes that the 2 director is not entitled to such inspection rights. The court 3 shall dispose of an application under this subsection on an 4 expedited basis. 5 3. If an order is issued, the court may include provisions 6 protecting the corporation from undue burden or expense, and 7 prohibiting the director from using information obtained upon 8 exercise of the inspection rights in a manner that would 9 violate a duty to the corporation, and may also order the 10 corporation to reimburse the director for the director’s 11 expenses incurred in connection with the application. 12 Sec. 204. Section 490.1620, Code 2021, is amended by 13 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 14 following: 15 490.1620 Financial statements for shareholders. 16 1. Upon the written request of a shareholder, a corporation 17 shall deliver or make available to such requesting shareholder 18 by posting on its internet site or by other generally 19 recognized means annual financial statements for the most 20 recent fiscal year of the corporation for which annual 21 financial statements have been prepared for the corporation. 22 If financial statements have been prepared for the corporation 23 on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles 24 for such specified period, the corporation shall deliver or 25 make available such financial statements to the requesting 26 shareholder. If the annual financial statements to be 27 delivered or made available to the requesting shareholder are 28 audited or otherwise reported upon by a public accountant, 29 the report shall also be delivered or made available to the 30 requesting shareholder. 31 2. A corporation shall deliver, or make available and 32 provide written notice of availability of, the financial 33 statements required under subsection 1 to the requesting 34 shareholder within five business days of delivery of such 35 -233- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 233/ 269
H.F. 844 written request to the corporation. 1 3. A corporation may fulfill its responsibilities under 2 this section by delivering the specified financial statements, 3 or otherwise making them available, in any manner permitted by 4 the applicable rules and regulations of the federal securities 5 and exchange commission. 6 4. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections 1, 2, and 7 3, all of the following apply: 8 a. As a condition to delivering or making available 9 financial statements to a requesting shareholder, the 10 corporation may require the requesting shareholder to agree 11 to reasonable restrictions on the confidentiality, use, and 12 distribution of such financial statements. 13 b. The corporation may, if it reasonably determines that the 14 shareholder’s request is not made in good faith or for a proper 15 purpose, decline to deliver or make available such financial 16 statements to that shareholder. 17 5. If a corporation does not respond to a shareholder’s 18 request for annual financial statements pursuant to this 19 section in accordance with subsection 2 within five business 20 days of delivery of such request to the corporation all of the 21 following shall apply: 22 a. The requesting shareholder may apply to the district 23 court of the county where the corporation’s principal 24 office, or if none in this state, its registered office, is 25 located for an order requiring delivery of or access to the 26 requested financial statements. The court shall dispose of an 27 application under this subsection on an expedited basis. 28 b. If the court orders delivery or access to the requested 29 financial statements, it may impose reasonable restrictions on 30 their confidentiality, use, or distribution. 31 c. In such proceeding, if the corporation has declined to 32 deliver or make available such financial statements because 33 the shareholder had been unwilling to agree to restrictions 34 proposed by the corporation on the confidentiality, use, and 35 -234- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 234/ 269
H.F. 844 distribution of such financial statements, the corporation 1 shall have the burden of demonstrating that the restrictions 2 proposed by the corporation were reasonable. 3 d. In such proceeding, if the corporation has declined to 4 deliver or make available such financial statements pursuant 5 to subsection 4, paragraph “b” , the corporation shall have the 6 burden of demonstrating that it had reasonably determined that 7 the shareholder’s request was not made in good faith or for a 8 proper purpose. 9 e. If the court orders delivery or access to the requested 10 financial statements it shall order the corporation to pay the 11 shareholder’s expenses incurred to obtain such order unless 12 the corporation establishes that it had refused delivery or 13 access to the requested financial statements because the 14 shareholder had refused to agree to reasonable restrictions 15 on the confidentiality, use, or distribution of the financial 16 statements or that the corporation had reasonably determined 17 that the shareholder’s request was not made in good faith or 18 for a proper purpose. 19 Sec. 205. Section 490.1622, Code 2021, is amended by 20 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 21 following: 22 490.1622 Biennial report for secretary of state. 23 1. Each domestic corporation shall deliver to the secretary 24 of state for filing a biennial report that sets forth all of 25 the following: 26 a. The name of the corporation. 27 b. The street and mailing addresses of its registered office 28 and the name of its registered agent at that office in this 29 state. 30 c. The street and mailing addresses of its principal office. 31 d. The names and business addresses of the president, 32 secretary, treasurer, and one of the board of directors. 33 2. Each foreign corporation registered to do business in 34 this state shall deliver to the secretary of state for filing a 35 -235- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 235/ 269
H.F. 844 biennial report that sets forth all of the following: 1 a. The name of the foreign corporation and, if the name does 2 not comply with section 490.401, an alternate name as required 3 by section 490.1506. 4 b. The foreign corporation’s jurisdiction of formation. 5 c. The street and mailing addresses of the foreign 6 corporation’s principal office and, if the law of the foreign 7 corporation’s jurisdiction of formation requires the foreign 8 corporation to maintain an office in that jurisdiction, the 9 street and mailing addresses of that office. 10 d. The street and mailing addresses of the foreign 11 corporation’s registered office in this state and the name of 12 its registered agent at that office. 13 e. The names and business addresses of the president, 14 secretary, treasurer, and one of the board of directors. 15 3. Information in the biennial report must be current as 16 of the date the biennial report is signed on behalf of the 17 corporation. The report shall be executed on behalf of the 18 corporation and signed as provided in section 490.120 or by 19 any other person authorized by the board of directors of the 20 corporation. 21 4. The first biennial report shall be delivered to the 22 secretary of state between January 1 and April 1 of the first 23 even-numbered year following the calendar year in which a 24 domestic corporation was incorporated or a foreign corporation 25 was authorized to transact business. Subsequent biennial 26 reports must be delivered to the secretary of state between 27 January 1 and April 1 of the following even-numbered calendar 28 years. For purposes of this section, each biennial report 29 shall contain information related to the two-year period 30 immediately preceding the calendar year in which the report is 31 filed. 32 5. If a biennial report does not contain the information 33 required by this section, the secretary of state shall promptly 34 notify the reporting domestic or foreign corporation in writing 35 -236- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 236/ 269
H.F. 844 and return the report to it for correction. If the report is 1 corrected to contain the information required by this section 2 and delivered to the secretary of state within thirty days 3 after the notice from the secretary of state becomes effective 4 as determined in accordance with section 490.141, it is deemed 5 to be timely filed. 6 6. The secretary of state may provide for the change of 7 registered office or registered agent on the form prescribed by 8 the secretary of state for the biennial report, provided that 9 the form contains the information required in section 490.502. 10 If the secretary of state determines that a biennial report 11 does not contain the information required by this section but 12 otherwise meets the requirements of section 490.502 for the 13 purpose of changing the registered office or registered agent, 14 the secretary of state shall file the statement of change of 15 registered office or registered agent, effective as provided in 16 section 490.123, before returning the biennial report to the 17 corporation as provided in this section. A statement of change 18 of registered office or agent pursuant to this subsection shall 19 be executed by a person authorized to execute the biennial 20 report. 21 Sec. 206. Section 490.1701, Code 2021, is amended by 22 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 23 following: 24 490.1701 Application of subchapter —— definitions. 25 1. If a corporation elects to become a benefit corporation 26 under this subchapter in the manner prescribed in this 27 subchapter, it is subject in all respects to the provisions 28 of this chapter, except to the extent this subchapter imposes 29 additional or different requirements, in which case such 30 requirements apply. The inclusion of a provision in this 31 subchapter does not imply that a contrary or different rule of 32 law applies to a corporation that is not a benefit corporation. 33 This subchapter does not affect a statute or rule of law that 34 applies to a corporation that is not a benefit corporation. 35 -237- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 237/ 269
H.F. 844 2. As used in this subchapter: 1 a. “Benefit corporation” means a corporation that includes 2 in its articles of incorporation a statement that the 3 corporation is subject to this subchapter. 4 b. “Public benefit” means a positive effect, or reduction of 5 negative effects, on one or more communities or categories of 6 persons or entities, other than shareholders solely in their 7 capacity as shareholders, or on the environment, including 8 effects of an artistic, charitable, economic, educational, 9 cultural, literary, medical, religious, social, ecological, or 10 scientific nature. 11 c. “Public benefit provision” means a provision in the 12 articles of incorporation which states that the corporation 13 shall pursue one or more identified public benefits. 14 d. “Responsible and sustainable manner” means a manner that 15 does all of the following: 16 (1) Pursues through the business of the corporation the 17 creation of a positive effect on society and the environment, 18 taken as a whole, that is material taking into consideration 19 the corporation’s size and the nature of its business. 20 (2) Considers, in addition to the interests of 21 shareholders, the interests of stakeholders known to be 22 affected by the conduct of the business of the corporation. 23 Sec. 207. Section 490.1702, Code 2021, is amended by 24 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 25 following: 26 490.1702 Name —— share certificates. 27 1. The name of a benefit corporation may contain the 28 words “benefit corporation”, the abbreviation “B.C.”, or the 29 designation “BC”, any of which shall be deemed to satisfy the 30 requirements of section 490.401, subsection 1, paragraph “a” . 31 2. Any share certificate issued by a benefit corporation, 32 and any information statement delivered by a benefit 33 corporation pursuant to section 490.626, subsection 2, 34 must note conspicuously that the corporation is a benefit 35 -238- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 238/ 269
H.F. 844 corporation subject to this subchapter. 1 Sec. 208. Section 490.1703, Code 2021, is amended by 2 striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the 3 following: 4 490.1703 Certain amendments and transactions —— votes 5 required. 6 1. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws require 7 a greater vote, the approval of at least two-thirds of the 8 voting power of the outstanding shares of the corporation 9 entitled to vote thereon, and, if any class or series of shares 10 is entitled to vote as a separate group on any such amendment 11 or transaction, the approval of at least two-thirds of the 12 outstanding shares of each such separate voting group entitled 13 to vote thereon, shall be required for a corporation that is 14 not a benefit corporation to do any of the following: 15 a. Amend its articles of incorporation to include a 16 statement that it is subject to this subchapter. 17 b. Merge with or into, or enter into a share exchange with, 18 another entity, or effect a domestication or conversion, if, 19 as a result of the merger, share exchange, domestication, or 20 conversion, the shares of any voting group would become, or be 21 converted into or exchanged for the right to receive, shares 22 of a benefit corporation or shares or interests in an entity 23 subject to provisions of organic law analogous to those in 24 this subchapter; provided, however, that in the case of this 25 paragraph “b” , if the shares of one or more, but not all, 26 voting groups are so affected, then only the shares in the 27 voting groups so affected shall be entitled to vote under this 28 subsection. 29 2. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws require a 30 greater vote, the approval of at least two-thirds of the voting 31 power of the outstanding shares of the corporation entitled 32 to vote thereon and, if any class or series of shares is 33 entitled to vote as a separate group on any such amendment or 34 transaction, the approval of at least two-thirds of the voting 35 -239- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 239/ 269
H.F. 844 power of the outstanding shares of each such separate voting 1 group, shall be required for a benefit corporation to do any 2 of the following: 3 a. Amend its articles of incorporation to eliminate a 4 statement that the corporation is subject to this subchapter. 5 b. Merge with or into, or enter into a share exchange with, 6 another entity, or effect a domestication or conversion if, 7 as a result of the merger, share exchange, domestication, or 8 conversion, the shares of any voting group would become, or be 9 converted into or exchanged for the right to receive, shares or 10 interests in an entity that is neither a benefit corporation 11 nor an entity subject to provisions of organic law analogous to 12 those in this subchapter; provided, however, that in the case 13 of this paragraph “b” , if the shares of one or more, but not 14 all, voting groups are so affected, then only the shares in the 15 voting groups so affected shall be entitled to vote under this 16 subsection. 17 3. The vote required under subsections 1 and 2 is in 18 addition to any vote otherwise required under this chapter. 19 Sec. 209. NEW SECTION . 490.1704 Duties of directors. 20 1. Each member of the board of directors of a benefit 21 corporation, when discharging the duties of a director, shall 22 act according to all of the following: 23 a. In a responsible and sustainable manner. 24 b. In a manner that pursues the public benefit or benefits 25 identified in any public benefit provision. 26 2. In fulfilling the duties under subsection 1, a director 27 shall consider, to the extent affected, in addition to the 28 interests of shareholders generally, the separate interests 29 of stakeholders known to be affected by the business of the 30 corporation including all of the following: 31 a. The employees and workforces of the corporation, its 32 subsidiaries, and its suppliers. 33 b. Customers. 34 c. Communities or society, including those of each community 35 -240- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 240/ 269
H.F. 844 in which offices or facilities of the corporation, its 1 subsidiaries, or its suppliers are located. 2 d. The local and global environment. 3 3. A director of a benefit corporation shall not, by virtue 4 of the duties imposed by subsections 1 and 2, owe any duty to a 5 person other than the benefit corporation due to any interest 6 of the person in the status of the corporation as a benefit 7 corporation or in any public benefit provision. 8 4. Unless otherwise provided in the articles of 9 incorporation, the violation by a director of the duties 10 imposed by subsections 1 and 2 shall not constitute an 11 intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or the 12 shareholders for the purposes of sections 490.202, subsection 13 2, paragraphs “d” and “e” . 14 Sec. 210. NEW SECTION . 490.1705 Annual benefit report. 15 1. No less than annually, a benefit corporation shall 16 prepare a benefit report addressing the efforts of the 17 corporation during the preceding year to operate in a 18 responsible and sustainable manner, to pursue any public 19 benefit or benefits identified in any public benefit provision, 20 and to consider the interests described in section 490.1704, 21 subsection 2. The annual benefit report must include all of 22 the following: 23 a. The objectives that the board of directors has 24 established for the corporation to operate in a responsible and 25 sustainable manner, to pursue any public benefit or benefits 26 identified in any public benefit provision, and to consider the 27 interests described in section 490.1704, subsection 2. 28 b. The standards the board of directors has adopted 29 to measure the corporation’s progress in operating in a 30 responsible and sustainable manner, in pursuing the public 31 benefit or benefits identified in any public benefit provision, 32 and in considering the interests described in section 490.1704, 33 subsection 2. 34 c. If the articles of incorporation or bylaws require 35 -241- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 241/ 269
H.F. 844 that the corporation use an independent third-party standard 1 in reporting on the corporation’s progress in operating in a 2 responsible and sustainable manner, in pursuing any public 3 benefit or benefits identified in any public benefit provision, 4 or in considering the interests described in section 490.1704, 5 subsection 2, or if the board of directors has chosen to use 6 such a standard, the applicable standard so required or chosen. 7 d. An assessment of the corporation’s success in meeting 8 the objectives and standards identified in paragraphs “a” and 9 “b” , and, if applicable, paragraph “c” , and the basis for that 10 assessment. 11 2. The benefit corporation shall deliver to each 12 shareholder, or make available and provide written notice to 13 each shareholder of the availability of, the annual benefit 14 report required by subsection 1 on or before the earlier of the 15 following: 16 a. One hundred twenty days following the end of the fiscal 17 year of the benefit corporation. 18 b. The time that the benefit corporation delivers any 19 other annual reports or annual financial statements to its 20 shareholders. 21 3. Any shareholder that has not received or been given 22 access to an annual benefit report within the time required by 23 subsection 2 may make a written request that the corporation 24 deliver or make available the annual benefit report to the 25 shareholder. If a benefit corporation does not deliver or make 26 available an annual benefit report to the shareholder within 27 five business days of receiving such request, the requesting 28 shareholder may apply to the district court of the county 29 where the corporation’s principal office or, if none in this 30 state, its registered office, is located for an order requiring 31 delivery of or access to the annual benefit report. The court 32 shall dispose of an action under this subsection 3 on an 33 expedited basis. 34 4. A benefit corporation shall post all of its annual 35 -242- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 242/ 269
H.F. 844 benefit reports on the public portion of its internet site, 1 if any. If a benefit corporation does not have an internet 2 site, the benefit corporation shall provide a copy of its most 3 recent annual benefit report, without charge, to any person 4 that requests a copy in writing. 5 Sec. 211. NEW SECTION . 490.1706 Rights of action. 6 1. Except in a proceeding authorized under section 7 490.1705, subsection 3, or this section, no person other 8 than the corporation, or a shareholder in the right of the 9 corporation pursuant to subsection 2, may bring an action 10 or assert a claim with respect to the violation of any duty 11 applicable to a benefit corporation or any of its directors 12 under this subchapter. 13 2. Except for a proceeding brought under section 490.1705, 14 subsection 3, a proceeding by a shareholder of a benefit 15 corporation claiming violation of any duty applicable to 16 a benefit corporation or any of its directors under this 17 subchapter is subject to all of the following: 18 a. The proceeding must be brought in a derivative proceeding 19 pursuant to subchapter VII, part 4. 20 b. The proceeding may be brought only by a shareholder 21 of the benefit corporation that at the time of the act or 22 omission complained of either individually, or together with 23 other shareholders bringing such action collectively, owned 24 directly or indirectly at least five percent of a class of 25 the corporation’s outstanding shares or, in the case of a 26 corporation with shares traded on an organized market as 27 described in section 490.1302, subsection 2, paragraph “a” , 28 subparagraph (2), either that percentage of shares or shares 29 with a market value of at least five million dollars at the 30 time the proceeding is commenced. 31 3. A suit under subsection 2 shall not be maintained if, 32 during the pendency of the suit, the shareholder individually 33 fails, or the shareholders collectively fail, to continue to 34 own directly or indirectly the lesser of the number of shares 35 -243- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 243/ 269
H.F. 844 owned at the time the proceeding is commenced or five percent 1 of a class of the corporation’s shares. 2 Sec. 212. NEW SECTION . 490.1801 Application to existing 3 domestic corporations. 4 1. This chapter applies to all domestic corporations in 5 existence on January 1, 2022, that were incorporated under any 6 general statute of this state providing for incorporation of 7 corporations for profit if power to amend or repeal the statute 8 under which the corporation was incorporated was reserved. 9 2. a. Unless otherwise provided, this chapter does not 10 apply to an entity subject to chapter 174, 497, 498, 499, 499A, 11 501, 501A, 524, or 533, or a corporation organized on the 12 mutual plan under chapter 491, or a telephone company organized 13 as a corporation under chapter 491 qualifying pursuant to 14 an internal revenue service letter ruling under Internal 15 Revenue Code §501(c)(12) as a nonprofit corporation entitled 16 to distribute profits in a manner similar to a chapter 499 17 corporation, unless such entity voluntarily elects to adopt 18 the provisions of this chapter and complies with the procedure 19 prescribed by subsection 3. 20 b. A corporation organized under chapter 496C may 21 voluntarily elect to adopt the provisions of this chapter by 22 complying with the provisions prescribed by subsection 3. 23 3. The procedure for the voluntary election referred to in 24 subsection 2 is as follows: 25 a. The corporation shall amend or restate its articles of 26 incorporation to indicate that the corporation adopts this 27 chapter and to designate the address of its initial registered 28 office and the name of its registered agent at that office 29 and, if the name of the corporation is not in compliance with 30 the requirements of this chapter, to change the name of the 31 corporation to one complying with the requirements of this 32 chapter. 33 b. (1) The instrument shall be delivered to the secretary 34 of state for filing and recording in the secretary of state’s 35 -244- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 244/ 269
H.F. 844 office. If the corporation was organized under chapter 524 1 or 533, the instrument shall also be filed and recorded in 2 the office of the county recorder. The corporation shall at 3 the time it files the instrument with the secretary of state 4 deliver also to the secretary of state for filing in the 5 secretary of state’s office any biennial report required by 6 section 490.1622 which is then due. 7 (2) If the county of the initial registered office as stated 8 in the instrument for a corporation organized under chapter 9 524 or 533 is one which is other than the county where the 10 principal place of business of the corporation, as designated 11 in its articles of incorporation, was located, the corporation 12 shall forward to the county recorder of the county in which the 13 principal place of business of the corporation was located a 14 copy of the instrument and the corporation shall forward to the 15 recorder of the county in which the initial registered office 16 of the corporation is located, in addition to a copy of the 17 original instrument, a copy of the articles of incorporation of 18 the corporation together with all amendments to them as then 19 on file in the secretary of state’s office. The corporation 20 shall, through an officer or director, certify to the secretary 21 of state that a copy has been sent to each applicable county 22 recorder, including the date each copy was sent. 23 c. Upon the filing of the instrument by a corporation all 24 of the following apply: 25 (1) All of the provisions of this chapter apply to the 26 corporation. 27 (2) The secretary of state shall issue a certificate as to 28 the filing of the instrument and deliver the certificate to the 29 corporation or its representative. 30 (3) The secretary of state shall not file the instrument 31 with respect to a corporation unless at the time of filing 32 the corporation is validly existing and in good standing in 33 that office under the chapter under which it is incorporated. 34 The corporation shall be considered validly existing and in 35 -245- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 245/ 269
H.F. 844 good standing for the purpose of this chapter for a period of 1 three months following the expiration date of the corporation, 2 provided all biennial reports due have been filed and all fees 3 due in connection with the biennial reports have been paid. 4 d. The provisions of this chapter becoming applicable to 5 a corporation voluntarily electing to be governed by this 6 chapter do not affect any right accrued or established, or any 7 liability or penalty incurred, under the chapter under which 8 it is incorporated prior to the filing by the secretary of 9 state in the secretary of state’s office of the instrument 10 manifesting the election by the corporation to adopt the 11 provisions of this chapter as provided in this subsection. 12 4. A corporation subject to this chapter is not subject to 13 chapter 491, 492, 493, or 495. 14 Sec. 213. NEW SECTION . 490.1802 Application to existing 15 foreign corporations. 16 A foreign corporation registered or authorized to do 17 business in this state on the effective date of this division 18 of this Act is subject to this chapter, is deemed to be 19 registered to do business in this state, and is not required to 20 file a foreign registration statement under this chapter. 21 Sec. 214. NEW SECTION . 490.1803 Savings provisions. 22 1. Except as to procedural provisions, this division of this 23 Act does not affect a pending action or proceeding or a right 24 accrued before the effective date of this division of this Act, 25 and a pending civil action or proceeding may be completed, and 26 a right accrued may be enforced, as if this division of this 27 Act had not become effective. 28 2. If a penalty or punishment for violation of a statute or 29 rule is reduced by this division of this Act, the penalty, if 30 not already imposed, shall be imposed in accordance with this 31 division of this Act. 32 3. In the event that any provision of this chapter is 33 deemed to modify, limit, or supersede the federal Electronic 34 Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. §7001 35 -246- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 246/ 269
H.F. 844 et seq., the provisions of this chapter shall control to the 1 maximum extent permitted by section 102(a)(2) of that federal 2 Act. 3 Sec. 215. NEW SECTION . 490.1804 Severability. 4 If any provision of this chapter or its application to any 5 person or circumstance is held invalid by a court of competent 6 jurisdiction, the invalidity does not affect other provisions 7 or applications of this chapter that can be given effect 8 without the invalid provision or application. 9 Sec. 216. CODE EDITOR DIRECTIVE. 10 1. The Code editor is directed to make the following 11 transfers: 12 a. Section 490.135, as amended by this division of this Act, 13 to section 490.130. 14 b. Section 490.833, as amended by this division of this Act, 15 to section 490.832. 16 c. Section 490.629 to section 490.628. 17 d. Section 490.901A, as enacted in this division of this 18 Act, to section 490.901. 19 e. Section 490.1622, as amended by this division of this 20 Act, to section 490.1621. 21 2. The Code editor shall correct internal references in the 22 Code and in any enacted legislation as necessary due to the 23 enactment of this section. 24 Sec. 217. REPEAL. Sections 490.624A, 490.628, 490.1111, 25 490.1112, 490.1113, 490.1114, 490.1520, 490.1523, 490.1530, 26 490.1531, 490.1532, and 490.1606, Code 2021, are repealed. 27 Sec. 218. DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE EDITOR. The Code editor 28 is directed to divide Code chapter 490 into subchapters and 29 subdivide certain subchapters into parts, including sections in 30 that chapter not amended in this division of this Act, sections 31 amended or enacted in this division of this Act, and sections 32 transferred in this division of this Act as follows: 33 1. Subchapter I, subdivided into part A, including sections 34 490.101 and 490.102; part B, including sections 490.120 through 35 -247- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 247/ 269
H.F. 844 490.129; part C, including section 490.130; part D, including 1 sections 490.140 through 490.144; and part E, including 2 sections 490.145 through 490.152. 3 2. Subchapter II, including sections 490.201 through 4 490.209. 5 3. Subchapter III, including sections 490.301 through 6 490.304. 7 4. Subchapter IV, including sections 490.401 through 8 490.403. 9 5. Subchapter V, including sections 490.501 through 10 490.504. 11 6. Subchapter VI, subdivided into part A, including 12 sections 490.601 through 490.604; part B, including sections 13 490.620 through 490.628; part C, including sections 490.630 and 14 490.631; and part D, including section 490.640. 15 7. Subchapter VII, subdivided into part A, including 16 sections 490.701 through 490.709; part B, including sections 17 490.720 through 490.729; part C, including sections 490.730 18 through 490.732; part D, including sections 490.740 through 19 490.747; and part E, including sections 490.748 and 490.749. 20 8. Subchapter VIII, subdivided into part A, including 21 sections 490.801 through 490.811; part B, including sections 22 490.820 through 490.826; part C, including sections 490.830 23 through 490.832; part D, including sections 490.840 through 24 490.844; part E, including sections 490.850 through 490.859; 25 part F, including sections 490.860 through 490.863; and part 26 G, including section 490.870. 27 9. Subchapter IX, subdivided into part A, including 28 sections 490.901 through 490.905; part B, including sections 29 490.920 through 490.924; and part C, including sections 490.930 30 through 490.935. 31 10. Subchapter X, subdivided into part A, including 32 sections 490.1001 through 490.1009; and part B, including 33 sections 490.1020 through 490.1022. 34 11. Subchapter XI, including sections 490.1101 through 35 -248- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 248/ 269
H.F. 844 490.1110. 1 12. Subchapter XII, including sections 490.1201 and 2 490.1202. 3 13. Subchapter XIII, subdivided into part A, including 4 sections 490.1301 through 490.1303; part B, including sections 5 490.1320 through 490.1326; subchapter C, including sections 6 490.1330 and 490.1331; and part D, including section 490.1340. 7 14. Subchapter XIV, subdivided into part A, including 8 sections 490.1401 through 490.1409; part B, including sections 9 490.1420 through 490.1423; part C, including sections 490.1430 10 through 490.1434; and part D, including section 490.1440. 11 15. Subchapter XV, including sections 490.1501 through 12 490.1512. 13 16. Subchapter XVI, subdivided into part A, including 14 sections 490.1601 through 490.1605; and part B, including 15 sections 490.1620 and 490.1621. 16 17. Subchapter XVII, including sections 490.1701 through 17 490.1706. 18 18. Subchapter XVIII, including sections 490.1801 through 19 490.1804. 20 PART B 21 CORRESPONDING PROVISIONS 22 Sec. 219. Section 249A.40, Code 2021, is amended to read as 23 follows: 24 249A.40 Involuntarily dissolved providers —— overpayments or 25 incorrect payments. 26 Medical assistance paid to a provider following involuntary 27 administrative dissolution of the provider pursuant to chapter 28 490, subchapter XIV, part B , shall be considered incorrectly 29 paid for the purposes of section 249A.53 and the provider 30 shall be considered to have received an overpayment for the 31 purposes of this subchapter . For the purposes of this section , 32 the overpayment shall not accrue until after a grace period 33 of ninety days following receipt of notice by the provider 34 of the dissolution from the department. Notwithstanding 35 -249- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 249/ 269
H.F. 844 section 490.1422 , or any other similar retroactive provision 1 for reinstatement, the director shall recoup any medical 2 assistance paid to a provider while the provider was dissolved 3 if the provider is not retroactively reinstated within the 4 ninety-day grace period. The principals of the provider shall 5 be personally liable for the incorrect payment or overpayment. 6 Sec. 220. Section 455B.397, Code 2021, is amended to read 7 as follows: 8 455B.397 Financial disclosure. 9 Immediately upon the incurrence of any liability to 10 the state under this part, the debtor shall submit to the 11 director a report consisting of documentation of the debtor’s 12 liabilities and assets, including if filed, a copy of the 13 annual biennial report submitted to the secretary of state 14 pursuant to chapter 490 section 490.1622 . A subsequent report 15 pursuant to this section shall be submitted annually on April 16 15 for the life of the debt. These reports shall be kept 17 confidential and shall not be available to the public. 18 Sec. 221. Section 455B.430, subsection 5, Code 2021, is 19 amended to read as follows: 20 5. Immediately upon the listing of real property in the 21 registry of hazardous waste or hazardous substance disposal 22 sites, a person liable for cleanup costs shall submit to 23 the director a report consisting of documentation of the 24 responsible person’s liabilities and assets, including if 25 filed, a copy of the annual biennial report submitted to the 26 secretary of state pursuant to chapter 490 section 490.1622 . A 27 subsequent report pursuant to this section shall be submitted 28 annually on April 15 for the period the site remains on the 29 registry. 30 Sec. 222. Section 496C.14, subsection 5, Code 2021, is 31 amended to read as follows: 32 5. Notwithstanding subsections 1 through 4 , purchase by 33 the corporation is not required upon the occurrence of any 34 event other than death of a shareholder if the corporation 35 -250- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 250/ 269
H.F. 844 is dissolved or voluntarily elects to adopt the provisions 1 of the Iowa business corporation Act, as provided in section 2 490.1701 490.1801 , subsection 2 , within sixty days after the 3 occurrence of the event. The articles of incorporation or 4 bylaws may provide that purchase is not required upon the death 5 of a shareholder if the corporation is dissolved within sixty 6 days after the death. Notwithstanding subsections 1 through 4 , 7 purchase by the corporation is not required upon the death of a 8 shareholder if the corporation voluntarily elects to adopt the 9 provisions of the Iowa business corporation Act, as provided 10 in section 490.1701 490.1801 , subsection 2 , within sixty days 11 after death. 12 Sec. 223. Section 496C.19, Code 2021, is amended to read as 13 follows: 14 496C.19 Dissolution or liquidation. 15 Violation of any provision of this chapter by a professional 16 corporation or any of its shareholders, directors, or officers 17 shall be cause for its involuntary dissolution, or liquidation 18 of its assets and business by the district court, as provided 19 in the Iowa business corporation Act, chapter 490 . Upon the 20 death of the last remaining shareholder of a professional 21 corporation, or whenever the last remaining shareholder is not 22 licensed or ceases to be licensed to practice in this state a 23 profession which the corporation is authorized to practice, 24 or whenever any person other than the shareholder of record 25 becomes entitled to have all shares of the last remaining 26 shareholder of the corporation transferred into that person’s 27 name or to exercise voting rights, except as a proxy, with 28 respect to such shares, the corporation shall not practice 29 any profession and it shall either be promptly dissolved or 30 shall promptly elect to adopt the provisions of the Iowa 31 business corporation Act, as provided in section 490.1701 32 490.1801 , subsection 2 . However, if prior to such dissolution 33 all outstanding shares of the corporation are acquired by 34 one or more persons licensed to practice in this state a 35 -251- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 251/ 269
H.F. 844 profession which the corporation is authorized to practice, 1 the corporation need not be dissolved and may practice the 2 profession as provided in this chapter . 3 Sec. 224. Section 499.69A, subsection 2, paragraph b, 4 subparagraph (2), Code 2021, is amended to read as follows: 5 (2) For a qualified corporation which is a party to the 6 proposed qualified merger, the qualified corporation shall 7 approve the plan as provided in chapter 490 , subchapter XI . 8 Sec. 225. Section 499.69A, subsections 5 and 6, Code 2021, 9 are amended to read as follows: 10 5. The effect of a qualified merger for a qualified survivor 11 which is a cooperative association shall be as provided for in 12 this chapter . The effect of a qualified merger for a qualified 13 survivor which is a qualified corporation shall be as provided 14 for corporations under chapter 490 , subchapter XI . 15 6. The provisions governing the right of a shareholder or 16 member of a cooperative association to object to a merger or 17 the right of a member to dissent and obtain payment of the 18 fair value of an interest in the cooperative association in 19 the case of a merger as provided in this chapter shall apply 20 to a qualified merger. The provisions governing the right 21 of a shareholder of a corporation to dissent from exercise 22 appraisal rights and obtain payment of the fair value of the 23 shareholder’s shares in the case of a merger as provided in 24 subchapter XIII of chapter 490 , subchapter XIII, shall apply 25 to a qualified merger. 26 Sec. 226. Section 508.12, subsection 1, Code 2021, is 27 amended to read as follows: 28 1. An insurer which is organized under the laws of any 29 state and has created or will create jobs in this state or 30 which is an affiliate or subsidiary of a domestic insurer, 31 and is admitted to do business in this state for the purpose 32 of writing insurance authorized by this chapter may become a 33 domestic insurer by complying with section 490.902 490.905 or 34 491.33 and with all of the requirements of law relative to the 35 -252- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 252/ 269
H.F. 844 organization and licensing of a domestic insurer of the same 1 type and by designating its principal place of business in this 2 state may become a domestic corporation and be entitled to like 3 certificates of its corporate existence and license to transact 4 business in this state, and be subject in all respects to the 5 authority and jurisdiction thereof. 6 Sec. 227. Section 515.78, subsection 1, Code 2021, is 7 amended to read as follows: 8 1. An insurer which is organized under the laws of any 9 state and has created or will create jobs in this state or 10 which is an affiliate or subsidiary of a domestic insurer, 11 and is admitted to do business in this state for the purpose 12 of writing insurance authorized by this chapter may become a 13 domestic insurer by complying with section 490.902 490.905 or 14 491.33 and with all of the requirements of law relative to the 15 organization and licensing of a domestic insurer of the same 16 type and by designating its principal place of business in this 17 state may become a domestic corporation and be entitled to like 18 certificates of its corporate existence and license to transact 19 business in this state, and be subject in all respects to the 20 authority and jurisdiction thereof. 21 Sec. 228. Section 515E.3A, subsection 1, paragraph a, Code 22 2021, is amended to read as follows: 23 a. Complying with section 490.902 490.905 . 24 Sec. 229. Section 515G.3, subsection 2, Code 2021, is 25 amended to read as follows: 26 2. A plan of conversion for an insurer organized on 27 the mutual plan under chapter 491 , shall also provide for 28 conversion to a stock company as follows: the insurer 29 organized on the mutual plan under chapter 491 shall amend 30 its articles pursuant to chapter 491 as necessary to become 31 a stock company, and shall immediately convert to a chapter 32 490 corporation as provided in section 490.1701 490.1801 upon 33 becoming a stock company. 34 PART C 35 -253- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 253/ 269
H.F. 844 EFFECTIVE DATES 1 Sec. 230. EFFECTIVE DATE. 2 1. Except as provided in subsection 2, this division of this 3 Act takes effect January 1, 2022. 4 2. The following sections of this division of this Act, 5 being deemed of immediate importance, take effect upon 6 enactment: 7 a. The section of this division of this Act amending section 8 490.701. 9 b. The section of this division of this Act amending section 10 490.702, subsections 1 through 4. 11 c. The section of this division of this Act amending section 12 490.709. 13 DIVISION II 14 REMOTE PARTICIPATION 15 PART A 16 FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS 17 Sec. 231. NEW SECTION . 491.17 Remote participation in 18 meetings of shareholders. 19 1. Shareholders of any class may participate in any meeting 20 of shareholders by means of remote communication to the 21 extent the board of directors authorizes such participation 22 for such class. Participation as a shareholder by means of 23 remote communication shall be subject to such guidelines and 24 procedures as the board of directors adopts, and shall be in 25 conformity with subsection 2. 26 2. Shareholders participating in a meeting of shareholders 27 by means of remote communication shall be deemed present and 28 may vote at such a meeting if the corporation has implemented 29 reasonable measures to do all of the following: 30 a. Verify that each person participating remotely as a 31 shareholder is a shareholder. 32 b. Provide such shareholders a reasonable opportunity to 33 participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to 34 the shareholders, including an opportunity to communicate, and 35 -254- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 254/ 269
H.F. 844 to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially 1 concurrently with such proceedings. 2 3. Unless the bylaws require the meeting of shareholders to 3 be held at a place, the board of directors may determine that 4 any meeting of shareholders shall not be held at any place and 5 shall instead be held solely by means of remote communication, 6 but only if the corporation implements the measures specified 7 in subsection 2. 8 Sec. 232. Section 491.104, Code 2021, is amended by adding 9 the following new unnumbered paragraph: 10 NEW UNNUMBERED PARAGRAPH . The board of directors may 11 hold the meeting solely by means of remote communication in 12 accordance with section 491.17 and in that case the notice 13 shall describe how shareholders may participate in the meeting. 14 PART B 15 INSURERS 16 Sec. 233. NEW SECTION . 515.25 Remote participation in 17 shareholders’, members’, or policyholders’ meetings. 18 1. Shareholders of any class or series of shares, 19 members, or policyholders may participate in any meeting of 20 shareholders, members, or policyholders by means of remote 21 communication to the extent the board of directors authorizes 22 such participation for such class or series. Participation 23 as a shareholder, member, or policyholder by means of remote 24 communication shall be subject to such guidelines and 25 procedures as the board of directors adopts, and shall be in 26 conformity with subsection 2. 27 2. Shareholders, members, or policyholders participating in 28 a shareholders’, members’, or policyholders’ meeting by means 29 of remote communication shall be deemed present and may vote 30 at such a meeting if the company has implemented reasonable 31 measures to do all of the following: 32 a. Verify that each person participating remotely as a 33 shareholder is a shareholder, that each person participating 34 remotely as a member is a member, or that each person 35 -255- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 255/ 269
H.F. 844 participating remotely as a policyholder is a policyholder. 1 b. Provide such shareholders, members, or policyholders a 2 reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to 3 vote on matters submitted to the shareholders, members, or 4 policyholders, including an opportunity to communicate, and 5 to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially 6 concurrently with such proceedings. 7 3. Unless the bylaws require the meeting of shareholders, 8 members, or policyholders to be held at a place, the board 9 of directors may determine that any meeting of shareholders, 10 members, or policyholders shall not be held at any place and 11 shall instead be held solely by means of remote communication, 12 but only if the company implements the measures specified in 13 subsection 2. 14 Sec. 234. NEW SECTION . 518.6A Remote participation in 15 meetings of members. 16 1. Members of any class may participate in any meeting 17 of the members by means of remote communication to the 18 extent the board of directors authorizes such participation 19 for such class. Participation as a member by means of 20 remote communication shall be subject to such guidelines and 21 procedures as the board of directors adopts, and shall be in 22 conformity with subsection 2. 23 2. Members participating in a meeting of the members by 24 means of remote communication shall be deemed present and may 25 vote at such a meeting if the association has implemented 26 reasonable measures to do all of the following: 27 a. Verify that each person participating remotely as a 28 member is a member. 29 b. Provide such members a reasonable opportunity to 30 participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted 31 to the members, including an opportunity to communicate, and 32 to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially 33 concurrently with such proceedings. 34 3. Unless the bylaws require the meeting of the members to 35 -256- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 256/ 269
H.F. 844 be held at a place, the board of directors may determine that 1 any meeting of the members shall not be held at any place and 2 shall instead be held solely by means of remote communication, 3 but only if the association implements the measures specified 4 in subsection 2. 5 Sec. 235. NEW SECTION . 518A.3A Remote participation in 6 meetings of members. 7 1. Members of any class may participate in any meeting 8 of members by means of remote communication to the extent 9 the board of directors authorizes such participation for 10 such class. Participation as a member by means of remote 11 communication shall be subject to such guidelines and 12 procedures as the board of directors adopts, and shall be in 13 conformity with subsection 2. 14 2. Members participating in a meeting of the members by 15 means of remote communication shall be deemed present and may 16 vote at such a meeting if the association has implemented 17 reasonable measures to do all of the following: 18 a. Verify that each person participating remotely as a 19 member is a member. 20 b. Provide such members a reasonable opportunity to 21 participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted 22 to the members, including an opportunity to communicate, and 23 to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially 24 concurrently with such proceedings. 25 3. Unless the bylaws require the meeting of the members to 26 be held at a place, the board of directors may determine that 27 any meeting of the members shall not be held at any place and 28 shall instead be held solely by means of remote communication, 29 but only if the association implements the measures specified 30 in subsection 2. 31 PART C 32 COOPERATIVE ENTITIES 33 Sec. 236. Section 499.27, Code 2021, is amended by adding 34 the following new subsection: 35 -257- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 257/ 269
H.F. 844 NEW SUBSECTION . 4. The board of directors may hold the 1 meeting solely by means of remote communication in accordance 2 with section 499.27A and in that case the notice shall describe 3 how members may participate in the meeting. 4 Sec. 237. NEW SECTION . 499.27A Remote participation in 5 meetings of members. 6 1. Members of any class may participate in any meeting 7 of members by means of remote communication to the extent 8 the board of directors authorizes such participation for 9 such class. Participation as a member by means of remote 10 communication shall be subject to such guidelines and 11 procedures as the board of directors adopts, and shall be in 12 conformity with subsection 2. 13 2. Members participating in a meeting of members by means of 14 remote communication shall be deemed present and may vote at 15 such a meeting if the association has implemented reasonable 16 measures to do all of the following: 17 a. Verify that each person participating remotely as a 18 member is a member. 19 b. Provide such members a reasonable opportunity to 20 participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted 21 to the members, including an opportunity to communicate, and 22 to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially 23 concurrently with such proceedings. 24 3. Unless the bylaws require the meeting of members to be 25 held at a place, the board of directors may determine that any 26 meeting of members shall not be held at any place and shall 27 instead be held solely by means of remote communication, but 28 only if the association implements the measures specified in 29 subsection 2. 30 Sec. 238. Section 499.64, Code 2021, is amended by adding 31 the following new subsection: 32 NEW SUBSECTION . 1A. The board of directors may hold the 33 meeting solely by means of remote communication in accordance 34 with section 499.27A and in that case the notice shall describe 35 -258- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 258/ 269
H.F. 844 how members may participate in the meeting. 1 Sec. 239. Section 501.303, Code 2021, is amended by adding 2 the following new subsection: 3 NEW SUBSECTION . 3. The board may hold the meeting solely 4 by means of remote communication in accordance with section 5 501.303A and in that case the notice shall describe how members 6 may participate in the meeting. 7 Sec. 240. NEW SECTION . 501.303A Remote participation in 8 meetings of members. 9 1. Members of any class or series may participate in 10 any meeting of members by means of remote communication to 11 the extent the board authorizes such participation for such 12 class or series. Participation as a member by means of 13 remote communication shall be subject to such guidelines and 14 procedures as the board adopts, and shall be in conformity with 15 subsection 2. 16 2. Members participating in a meeting of members by means of 17 remote communication shall be deemed present and may vote at 18 such a meeting if the cooperative has implemented reasonable 19 measures to do all of the following: 20 a. Verify that each person participating remotely as a 21 member is a member. 22 b. Provide such members a reasonable opportunity to 23 participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted 24 to the members, including an opportunity to communicate, and 25 to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially 26 concurrently with such proceedings. 27 3. Unless the bylaws require the meeting of members to be 28 held at a place, the board may determine that any meeting of 29 members shall not be held at any place and shall instead be 30 held solely by means of remote communication, but only if the 31 cooperative implements the measures specified in subsection 2. 32 Sec. 241. Section 501A.807, subsections 2 and 3, Code 2021, 33 are amended to read as follows: 34 2. Members’ meetings held solely by means of remote 35 -259- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 259/ 269
H.F. 844 communication. To the extent authorized in the articles, a 1 member control agreement, or the bylaws , or a board resolution, 2 and determined by the board, a regular or special meeting of 3 members may be held solely by any combination of means of 4 remote communication through which the members may participate 5 in the meeting, if notice of the meeting is given to every 6 owner of membership interests entitled to vote as would be 7 required by this chapter for a meeting, and if the membership 8 interests held by the members participating in the meeting 9 would be sufficient to constitute a quorum at a meeting. 10 Participation by a member by that means constitutes presence at 11 the meeting in person or by proxy if all the other requirements 12 of this chapter for the meeting are met. 13 3. Participation in members’ meetings by means of remote 14 communication. To the extent authorized in the articles , or 15 the bylaws , or a board resolution, and determined by the board, 16 a member not physically present in person or by proxy at a 17 regular or special meeting of members may, by means of remote 18 communication, participate in a meeting of members held at a 19 designated place. Participation by a member by that means 20 constitutes presence at the meeting in person or by proxy if 21 all the other requirements of this chapter for the meeting are 22 met. 23 PART D 24 NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS 25 Sec. 242. Section 504.701, Code 2021, is amended by adding 26 the following new subsection: 27 NEW SUBSECTION . 3A. The board may hold an annual or 28 a regular membership meeting solely by means of remote 29 communication in accordance with section 504.702A and in that 30 case the notice shall describe how members may participate in 31 the meeting. 32 Sec. 243. Section 504.701, subsection 7, Code 2021, is 33 amended by striking the subsection. 34 Sec. 244. Section 504.702, Code 2021, is amended by adding 35 -260- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 260/ 269
H.F. 844 the following new subsection: 1 NEW SUBSECTION . 4A. The board may hold a special meeting 2 for members solely by means of remote communication in 3 accordance with section 504.702A and in that case the notice 4 shall describe how members may participate in the meeting. 5 Sec. 245. Section 504.702, subsection 6, Code 2021, is 6 amended by striking the subsection. 7 Sec. 246. NEW SECTION . 504.702A Remote participation in 8 meetings of members. 9 1. Members of any class, unit, or grouping may participate 10 in any meeting of members by means of remote communication to 11 the extent the board of directors authorizes such participation 12 for such class, unit, or grouping. Participation as a member 13 by means of remote communication shall be subject to such 14 guidelines and procedures as the board adopts, and shall be in 15 conformity with subsection 2. 16 2. Members participating in a meeting of members by means of 17 remote communication shall be deemed present and may vote at 18 such a meeting if the corporation has implemented reasonable 19 measures to do all of the following: 20 a. Verify that each person participating remotely as a 21 member is a member. 22 b. Provide such members a reasonable opportunity to 23 participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted 24 to the members, including an opportunity to communicate, and 25 to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially 26 concurrently with such proceedings. 27 3. Unless the bylaws require the meeting of members to be 28 held at a place, the board may determine that any meeting of 29 members shall not be held at any place and shall instead be 30 held solely by means of remote communication, but only if the 31 corporation implements the measures specified in subsection 2. 32 Sec. 247. Section 504.705, Code 2021, is amended by adding 33 the following new subsection: 34 NEW SUBSECTION . 4A. The board may hold a meeting for 35 -261- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 261/ 269
H.F. 844 members solely by means of remote communication in accordance 1 with section 504.702A and in that case the notice shall 2 describe how members may participate in the meeting. 3 PART E 4 EFFECTIVE DATE 5 Sec. 248. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being 6 deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment. 7 DIVISION III 8 SECRETARY OF STATE —— EXTRA SERVICES 9 PART A 10 FILING REQUIREMENTS AND FEES 11 Sec. 249. NEW SECTION . 9.11 Definitions. 12 As used in this subchapter unless the context otherwise 13 requires: 14 1. “Document” means a document for filing by the secretary 15 as provided in the relevant filing statute as follows: 16 a. Chapter 486A, including as provided in section 486A.105, 17 and as stated in section 486A.1202 or as otherwise described in 18 sections 486A.1212 and 486A.1213. 19 b. Chapter 488, including as provided in section 488.206, 20 and as stated in section 488.117A or as otherwise described in 21 sections 488.116, 488.202, 488.210, 488.306, 488.810, 488.904, 22 488.906, 488.907, 488.1104, and 488.1108. 23 c. Chapter 489, including as provided in section 489.205, 24 and as stated in section 489.117 or as otherwise described in 25 sections 489.112, 489.302, 489.702, 489.1008, 489.1012, and 26 489.14502. 27 d. Chapter 490, including as provided in section 490.120, 28 and as stated in section 490.122. 29 e. Chapter 491, including as described in sections 491.5, 30 491.13, 491.15, 491.20, 491.23, 491.25, 491.27, 491.28, 31 491.107, 491.111, and 491.112. 32 f. Chapter 499, including as provided in section 499.44, 33 and as stated in section 499.45 or as otherwise described 34 in sections 499.4, 499.5, 499.41, 499.42, 499.43A, 499.43B, 35 -262- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 262/ 269
H.F. 844 499.47, 499.49, 499.54, 499.67, 499.69, 499.73, 499.73A, and 1 499.74. 2 g. Chapter 501, including as provided in section 501.105, 3 and as otherwise described in sections 501.106, 501.617, 4 501.713, 501.801, 501.803, 501.804, and 501.813. 5 h. Chapter 501A, including as provided in section 501A.201A, 6 and as stated in section 501A.205 or as otherwise described in 7 sections 501A.231, 501A.302, 501A.1101, and 501A.1104. 8 i. Chapter 504, including as provided in section 504.111, 9 and as stated in section 504.113 or as described in sections 10 504.115, 504.1508, and 504.1521. 11 2. “Extra filing service” means a preclearance filing 12 service as provided in section 9.14 or expedited filing service 13 as provided in section 9.15. 14 3. “Preclearance filing service” or “service” means an 15 advanced review by the secretary of the proposed filing of a 16 document to determine the sufficiency of the actual filing of 17 the document to meet all applicable statutory requirements as 18 required in section 9.14. 19 4. “Secretary” means the secretary of state. 20 Sec. 250. NEW SECTION . 9.12 Rules. 21 The secretary shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A 22 necessary or desirable to administer this subchapter, including 23 by offering and performing extra filing services upon request 24 by filers. The rules may increase the amount of a surcharge 25 implemented, assessed, and collected, or modify the period of 26 service as provided under this subchapter. 27 Sec. 251. NEW SECTION . 9.13 Business administration fund. 28 1. A business administration fund is created in the 29 state treasury under the control of the secretary. The fund 30 is composed of moneys collected in surcharges implemented, 31 assessed, and collected by the secretary pursuant to sections 32 9.14 and 9.15. 33 2. Moneys in the business administration fund are 34 appropriated to the office of the secretary of state for the 35 -263- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 263/ 269
H.F. 844 exclusive purpose of supporting the administration of Title 1 XII. 2 3. Section 8.33 shall not apply to moneys in the fund. 3 Notwithstanding section 12C.7, moneys earned as income, 4 including as interest, from the fund shall remain in the fund 5 until expended as provided in this section. 6 Sec. 252. NEW SECTION . 9.14 Preclearance filing service 7 —— surcharge. 8 1. Upon the request of the filer of a document not yet 9 actually filed, the secretary shall provide a preclearance 10 filing service to determine if the proposed filing of the 11 document would be actually filed by the secretary under the 12 relevant filing statute. The secretary shall report to the 13 filer whether the proposed filing of the document is approved 14 or disapproved. 15 2. If the secretary reports the approval of a proposed 16 filing of the document, the secretary shall return the proposed 17 filing’s document stamped with the approval date. If an 18 inaccuracy or defect was present in an approved proposed filing 19 of a document, but that inaccuracy or defect prevents the 20 actual filing of the document by the secretary, the filer may 21 timely submit a corrected document. The corrected document 22 is effective retroactively as of the effective date that the 23 actual filing of the document was submitted to the secretary. 24 3. a. If the secretary reports the approval of a proposed 25 filing of the document, and the document is actually filed 26 within six months from the date of the proposed filing’s 27 approval date, the actual filing of a document is presumed 28 valid. 29 b. This section does not affect the operation of filing 30 a statement of correction as provided in section 486A.1204, 31 488.207, or 489.206; articles of correction as provided in 32 section 490.124, 499.44, 501.105, 501A.204, or 504.115; or an 33 application for the issuance of a new certificate as provided 34 in section 491.29. 35 -264- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 264/ 269
H.F. 844 4. a. The secretary shall implement, assess, and collect a 1 surcharge for providing the preclearance filing service based 2 on the period of service as follows: 3 (1) For same-day service, the surcharge shall be two hundred 4 fifty dollars. 5 (2) For two-day service, the surcharge shall be twice the 6 amount of the filing fee. 7 (3) For three-day service, the surcharge shall be the same 8 amount as the filing fee. 9 b. The secretary of state is not required to provide a 10 four-day or more period of service. 11 c. The surcharge shall be added to the amount of the fee 12 implemented, assessed, and collected for the actual filing of 13 the document. 14 d. The secretary shall provide a preclearance filing service 15 without charge to approve or disapprove a proposed corrected 16 actual filing of a document, if an inaccuracy or defect was 17 present in a proposed filing of the document, the proposed 18 filing of the document was approved, and the inaccuracy or 19 defect prevented the actual filing of the document. 20 5. Any moneys collected by the secretary under this section 21 shall be deposited in the business administration fund created 22 in section 9.13. 23 Sec. 253. NEW SECTION . 9.15 Expedited filing service —— 24 surcharge. 25 1. Upon the request of the filer of a document, the 26 secretary shall provide an expedited filing service. As part 27 of the service, the secretary shall file a document submitted 28 by a filer on an expedited basis. 29 2. The secretary shall implement, assess, and collect a 30 surcharge for providing the expedited filing service based on 31 the period of service as follows: 32 a. For a two-day service, the surcharge shall be fifty 33 dollars. 34 b. For a five-day service, the surcharge shall be fifteen 35 -265- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 265/ 269
H.F. 844 dollars. 1 3. The surcharge shall be added to the amount of the fee 2 implemented, assessed, and collected for the actual filing of 3 the document. 4 4. Any moneys collected by the secretary under this section 5 shall be deposited in the business administration fund created 6 in section 9.13. 7 PART B 8 COORDINATING PROVISIONS 9 Sec. 254. NEW SECTION . 486A.105A Secretary of state —— 10 extra services —— surcharge. 11 Upon the request of a filer of a document under this chapter, 12 the secretary of state shall provide an extra filing service 13 and assess a surcharge as provided in chapter 9, subchapter II. 14 Sec. 255. NEW SECTION . 488.206A Secretary of state —— extra 15 services —— surcharge. 16 Upon the request of a filer of a document under this chapter, 17 the secretary of state shall provide an extra filing service 18 and assess a surcharge as provided in chapter 9, subchapter II. 19 Sec. 256. NEW SECTION . 489.205A Secretary of state —— extra 20 services —— surcharge. 21 Upon the request of a filer of a document under this chapter, 22 the secretary of state shall provide an extra filing service 23 and assess a surcharge as provided in chapter 9, subchapter II. 24 Sec. 257. NEW SECTION . 490.120A Secretary of state —— extra 25 services —— surcharge. 26 Upon the request of a filer of a document under this chapter, 27 the secretary of state shall provide an extra filing service 28 and assess a surcharge as provided in chapter 9, subchapter II. 29 Sec. 258. NEW SECTION . 491.5A Secretary of state —— extra 30 services —— surcharge. 31 Upon the request of a filer of a document under this chapter, 32 the secretary of state shall provide an extra filing service 33 and assess a surcharge as provided in chapter 9, subchapter II. 34 Sec. 259. NEW SECTION . 499.44A Secretary of state —— extra 35 -266- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 266/ 269
H.F. 844 services —— surcharge. 1 Upon the request of a filer of a document under this chapter, 2 the secretary of state shall provide an extra filing service 3 and assess a surcharge as provided in chapter 9, subchapter II. 4 Sec. 260. NEW SECTION . 501.105A Secretary of state —— extra 5 services —— surcharge. 6 Upon the request of a filer of a document under this chapter, 7 the secretary of state shall provide an extra filing service 8 and assess a surcharge as provided in chapter 9, subchapter II. 9 Sec. 261. NEW SECTION . 501A.201A Secretary of state —— 10 extra services —— surcharge. 11 Upon the request of a filer of a document under this chapter, 12 the secretary of state shall provide an extra filing service 13 and assess a surcharge as provided in chapter 9, subchapter II. 14 Sec. 262. NEW SECTION . 504.111A Secretary of state —— extra 15 services —— surcharge. 16 Upon the request of a filer of a document under this chapter, 17 the secretary of state shall provide an extra filing service 18 and assess a surcharge as provided in chapter 9, subchapter II. 19 DIVISION IV 20 FOREIGN-TRADE ZONE CORPORATIONS 21 Sec. 263. Section 490.901, Code 2021, is amended to read as 22 follows: 23 490.901 Foreign-trade zone corporation. 24 1. A domestic corporation may be incorporated or organized 25 under the laws of this state , and a foreign corporation may be 26 authorized or registered to transact business in this state, 27 for the purpose of establishing, operating, and maintaining 28 a foreign-trade zone as defined in 19 U.S.C. §81(a). The 29 domestic or foreign corporation must maintain its principal 30 place of business in this state. A The domestic or foreign 31 corporation organized for the purposes set forth in this 32 section described in this section has all powers necessary or 33 convenient for applying for a grant of authority to establish, 34 operate, and maintain a foreign-trade zone under 19 U.S.C. 35 -267- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 267/ 269
H.F. 844 §81(a) et seq., and regulations promulgated under that law, and 1 for establishing, operating, and maintaining a foreign-trade 2 zone pursuant to that grant of authority. 3 2. This section is repealed on January 1, 2022. 4 Sec. 264. Section 491.36, Code 2021, is amended to read as 5 follows: 6 491.36 Foreign-trade zone corporation. 7 A domestic corporation may be incorporated or organized 8 under the laws of this state , and a foreign corporation may be 9 authorized or registered to transact business in this state, 10 for the purpose of establishing, operating, and maintaining a 11 foreign-trade zone as defined in 19 U.S.C. §81a. The domestic 12 or foreign corporation must maintain its principal place of 13 business in this state. A The domestic or foreign corporation 14 organized for the purposes set forth in this section described 15 in this section has all powers necessary or convenient for 16 applying for a grant of authority to establish, operate, and 17 maintain a foreign-trade zone under the provisions of 19 18 U.S.C. §81a, et seq., and rules promulgated thereunder under 19 that law , and for establishing, operating, and maintaining a 20 foreign-trade zone pursuant to that grant of authority. 21 Sec. 265. NEW SECTION . 504.208 Foreign-trade zone 22 corporation. 23 A domestic corporation may be incorporated or organized 24 under the laws of this state, and a foreign corporation may be 25 authorized or registered to transact business in this state, 26 for the purpose of establishing, operating, and maintaining 27 a foreign-trade zone as defined in 19 U.S.C. §81(a). The 28 domestic or foreign corporation must maintain its principal 29 place of business in this state. The domestic or foreign 30 corporation described in this section has all powers necessary 31 or convenient for applying for a grant of authority to 32 establish, operate, and maintain a foreign-trade zone under 33 19 U.S.C. §81(a) et seq., and regulations promulgated under 34 that law, and for establishing, operating, and maintaining a 35 -268- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 268/ 269
H.F. 844 foreign-trade zone pursuant to that grant of authority. 1 Sec. 266. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being 2 deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment. 3 -269- HF 844 (2) 89 da/jh/md 269/ 269