HF 3500

1st Unofficial Engrossment - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008)

Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00 a.m.

KEY: ~~stricken~~ = removed, old language.

underscored = added, new language.

Version List HF3500 Authors and Status

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Engrossments
Introduction PDF	Posted on 02/27/2008
1st Engrossment PDF	Posted on 03/11/2008
2nd Engrossment PDF	Posted on 04/01/2008
3rd Engrossment PDF	Posted on 04/21/2008

Unofficial Engrossments
1st Unofficial Engrossment	Posted on 04/09/2008

1.1A bill for an act 1.2relating to business organizations; proposing technical amendments to the 1.3Business Corporations Act, the Limited Liability Company Act, and the Uniform 1.4Limited Partnership Act of 2001; authorizing the formation of nonprofit limited 1.5liability companies;amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 290.01, 1.6subdivision 3b; 302A.011, subdivisions 17, 50; 302A.111, subdivisions 2, 3, 4; 1.7302A.231, subdivisions 2, 3; 302A.237; 302A.241, subdivision 1; 302A.255, 1.8subdivision 1; 302A.449, subdivision 3; 302A.471, subdivision 3; 302A.521, 1.9subdivision 1; 302A.553, subdivision 1; 302A.701; 302A.721; 321.1206; 1.10322B.03, subdivisions 20, 32, by adding a subdivision; 322B.10; 322B.11; 1.11322B.35, subdivision 3; 322B.363, subdivision 3; 322B.643, subdivisions 2, 3; 1.12322B.66, subdivision 1; 322B.666, subdivision 1; 322B.699, subdivision 1; 1.13322B.78; 322B.80, subdivision 1; 322B.806; 322B.90, subdivision 2; proposing 1.14coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 322B. 1.15BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.16ARTICLE 1 1.17TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT 1.18 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.011, subdivision 17, is amended to 1.19read: 1.20 Subd. 17. Notice. (a) "Notice" is given by a shareholder of a corporation to the 1.21corporation or an officer of the corporation when in writing and mailed or delivered to 1.22the corporation or the officer at the registered office or principal executive office of the 1.23corporation. 1.24(b) In all other cases, "notice" is given to a person when: 1.25(1) mailed to the person at an address designated by the person or at the last known 1.26address of the person, or when 1.27(2) deposited with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for overnight 1.28delivery or, if overnight delivery to the person is not available, for delivery as promptly 2.1as practicable, to the person at an address designated by the person or at the last known 2.2address of the person, or 2.3(3) communicated to the person orally, or when 2.4(4) handed to the person, or when 2.5(5) left at the office of the person with a clerk or other person in charge of the office, 2.6or if there is no one in charge, when left in a conspicuous place in the office, or if the 2.7office is closed or the person to be notified has no office, when left at the dwelling house 2.8or usual place of abode of the person with some person of suitable age and discretion 2.9then residing therein. 2.10(c) Notice is also given by a publicly held corporation to a shareholder if the notice 2.11is addressed to the shareholder or group of shareholders in a manner permitted by the rules 2.12and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, provided that the corporation 2.13has first received any affirmative written consent or implied consent required under those 2.14rules and regulations. 2.15(d) Notice by mail is given when deposited in the United States mail with sufficient 2.16postage affixed. Notice by deposit for delivery is given when deposited for delivery 2.17as provided in paragraph (b), clause (2), after having made sufficient arrangements for 2.18payment by the sender. 2.19(e) Notice is deemed received when it is given. 2.20 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.011, subdivision 50, is amended to read: 2.21 Subd. 50. Market value. "Market value," when used in reference to shares or other 2.22property of any corporation, means the following: 2.23(a) In the case of shares, the average closing sale price of a share during the 2.2430 trading days immediately preceding the date in question or, with respect to the 2.25references in section 302A.553, subdivision 3, if a person or persons selling the shares 2.26have commenced a tender offer or have announced an intention to seek control of the 2.27corporation, during the 30 trading days preceding the earlier of the commencement of the 2.28tender offer or the making of the announcement, in either case: 2.29(1) on the composite tape for New York Stock Exchange listed shares; or 2.30(2) if the shares are not quoted on the composite tape or not listed on the New York 2.31Stock Exchange, on the principal United States securities exchange registered under 2.32the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which may include the NASDAQ Stock Market, 2.33on which the shares are listed; or 2.34(3) if the shares are not listed on any such exchange, on the Nasdaq Stock Market; or 3.1(4) if the shares are not quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market, on any system then 3.2in use. 3.3If no quotation under clauses (1) through (4) (3) is available, then the market value 3.4is the fair market value on the date in question of the shares as determined in good faith 3.5by the board of the corporation. 3.6(b) In the case of property other than cash or shares, the fair market value of the 3.7property on the date in question as determined in good faith by the board of the corporation. 3.8 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.111, subdivision 2, is amended to read: 3.9 Subd. 2. Statutory provisions that may be modified only in articles or in a 3.10shareholder control agreement. The following provisions govern a corporation unless 3.11modified in the articles or in a shareholder control agreement under section 302A.457: 3.12(a) a corporation has general business purposes (section 302A.101); 3.13(b) a corporation has perpetual existence and certain powers (section 302A.161); 3.14(c) the power to adopt, amend, or repeal the bylaws is vested in the board (section 3.15302A.181); 3.16(d) a corporation must allow cumulative voting for directors (section 302A.215, 3.17subdivision 2) ; 3.18(e) the affirmative vote of a majority of directors present is required for an action 3.19of the board (section 302A.237); 3.20(f) a written action by the board taken without a meeting must be signed by all 3.21directors (section 302A.239); 3.22(g) the board may authorize the issuance of securities and rights to purchase 3.23securities (section 302A.401, subdivision 1); 3.24(h) all shares are common shares entitled to vote and are of one class and one series 3.25(section 302A.401, subdivision 2, clauses (a) and (b)); 3.26(i) all shares have equal rights and preferences in all matters not otherwise provided 3.27for by the board (section 302A.401, subdivision 2, clause (b)); 3.28(j) the par value of shares is fixed at one cent per share for certain purposes and 3.29may be fixed by the board for certain other purposes (section 302A.401, subdivision 3.302 , clause (c)); 3.31(k) the board or the shareholders may issue shares for any consideration or for no 3.32consideration to effectuate share dividends, divisions, or combinations, and determine the 3.33value of nonmonetary consideration (section 302A.405, subdivision 1); 3.34(l) shares of a class or series must not be issued to holders of shares of another class 3.35or series to effectuate share dividends, divisions, or combinations, unless authorized by a 4.1majority of the voting power of the shares of the same class or series as the shares to be 4.2issued (section 302A.405, subdivision 1); 4.3(m) a corporation may issue rights to purchase securities whose terms, provisions, 4.4and conditions are fixed by the board (section 302A.409); 4.5(n) a shareholder has certain preemptive rights, unless otherwise provided by the 4.6board (section 302A.413); 4.7(o) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the 4.8shares present and entitled to vote at a duly held meeting is required for an action of the 4.9shareholders, except where this chapter requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the 4.10votes cast (section 302A.215, subdivision 1) or a majority of the voting power of all 4.11shares entitled to vote (section 302A.437, subdivision 1); 4.12(p) shares of a corporation acquired by the corporation may be reissued (section 4.13302A.553, subdivision 1) ; 4.14(q) each share has one vote unless otherwise provided in the terms of the share 4.15(section 302A.445, subdivision 3); 4.16(r) a corporation may issue shares for a consideration less than the par value, if any, 4.17of the shares (section 302A.405, subdivision 2); 4.18(s) the board may effect share dividends, divisions, and combinations under certain 4.19circumstances without shareholder approval (section 302A.402); and 4.20(t) a written action of shareholders must be signed by all shareholders (section 4.21302A.441). 4.22 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.111, subdivision 3, is amended to read: 4.23 Subd. 3. Statutory provisions that may be modified either in articles, in a 4.24shareholder control agreement, or in bylaws. The following provisions govern a 4.25corporation unless modified either in the articles, in a shareholder control agreement 4.26under section 302A.457, or in the bylaws: 4.27(a) directors serve for an indefinite term that expires at the next regular meeting of 4.28shareholders (section 302A.207); 4.29(b) the compensation of directors is fixed by the board (section 302A.211); 4.30(c) a certain method must be used for removal of directors (section 302A.223); 4.31(d) a certain method must be used for filling board vacancies (section 302A.225); 4.32(e) if the board fails to select a place for a board meeting, it must be held at the 4.33principal executive office (section 302A.231, subdivision 1); 4.34(f) the notice of a board meeting need not state the purpose of the meeting (section 4.35302A.231, subdivision 3) ; 5.1(g) a majority of the board is a quorum for a board meeting (section 302A.235); 5.2(h) a committee shall consist of one or more persons, who need not be directors, 5.3appointed by affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present (section 302A.241, 5.4subdivision 2), and a committee may create one or more subcommittees, each consisting 5.5of one or more members of the committee, and may delegate to a subcommittee any or all 5.6of the authority of the committee (section 302A.241, subdivision 2a) ; 5.7(i) the board may establish a special litigation committee (section 302A.241); 5.8(j) the chief executive officer and chief financial officer have specified duties, until 5.9the board determines otherwise (section 302A.305); 5.10(k) officers may delegate some or all of their duties and powers, if not prohibited by 5.11the board from doing so (section 302A.351); 5.12(l) the corporation may establish uncertificated shares (section 302A.417, 5.13subdivision 7) ; 5.14(m) regular meetings of shareholders need not be held, unless demanded by a 5.15shareholder under certain conditions (section 302A.431); 5.16(n) in all instances where a specific minimum notice period has not otherwise been 5.17fixed by law, not less than ten-days notice is required for a meeting of shareholders 5.18(section 302A.435, subdivision 2); 5.19(o) the number of shares required for a quorum at a shareholders' meeting is 5.20a majority of the voting power of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting (section 5.21302A.443 ); 5.22(p) the board may fix a date up to 60 days before the date of a shareholders' meeting 5.23as the date for the determination of the holders of shares entitled to notice of and entitled 5.24to vote at the meeting (section 302A.445, subdivision 1); 5.25(q) indemnification of certain persons is required (section 302A.521); and 5.26(r) the board may authorize, and the corporation may make, distributions not 5.27prohibited, limited, or restricted by an agreement (section 302A.551, subdivision 1). 5.28 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.111, subdivision 4, is amended to read: 5.29 Subd. 4. Optional provisions; specific subjects. The provisions in paragraphs (a), 5.30(g), (q), (r), and (u) may be included in the articles. 5.31The provisions in paragraphs (b) to (f), (h) to (p), (s), and (t) may be included either 5.32in the articles or the bylaws: 5.33(a) the members of the first board may be named in the articles (section 302A.201, 5.34subdivision 1) ; 6.1(b) a manner for increasing or decreasing the number of directors may be provided 6.2(section 302A.203); 6.3(c) additional qualifications for directors may be imposed (section 302A.205); 6.4(d) directors may be classified (section 302A.213); 6.5(e) the day or date, time, and place of board meetings may be fixed (section 6.6302A.231, subdivision 1) ; 6.7(f) absent directors may be permitted to give written consent or opposition to 6.8a proposal (section 302A.233); 6.9(g) a larger than majority vote may be required for board action (section 302A.237); 6.10(h) authority to sign and deliver certain documents may be delegated to an officer 6.11or agent of the corporation other than the chief executive officer (section 302A.305, 6.12subdivision 2) ; 6.13(i) additional officers may be designated (section 302A.311); 6.14(j) additional powers, rights, duties, and responsibilities may be given to officers 6.15(section 302A.311); 6.16(k) a method for filling vacant offices may be specified (section 302A.341, 6.17subdivision 3) ; 6.18(l) a certain officer or agent may be authorized to sign share certificates (section 6.19302A.417, subdivision 2) ; 6.20(m) the transfer or registration of transfer of securities may be restricted (section 6.21302A.429); 6.22(n) the day or date, time, and place of regular shareholder meetings may be fixed 6.23(section 302A.431, subdivision 3); 6.24(o) certain persons may be authorized to call special meetings of shareholders 6.25(section 302A.433, subdivision 1); 6.26(p) notices of shareholder meetings may be required to contain certain information 6.27(section 302A.435, subdivision 3); 6.28(q) a larger than majority vote may be required for shareholder action (section 6.29302A.437); 6.30(r) voting rights may be granted in or pursuant to the articles to persons who are not 6.31shareholders (section 302A.445, subdivision 4); 6.32(s) corporate actions giving rise to dissenter rights may be designated (section 6.33302A.471, subdivision 1 , clause (e)); 6.34(t) the rights and priorities of persons to receive distributions may be established 6.35(section 302A.551); and 7.1(u) a director's personal liability to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary 7.2damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director may be eliminated or limited in the 7.3articles (section 302A.251, subdivision 4). 7.4Nothing in this subdivision limits the right of the board, by resolution, to take an 7.5action that may be included in the bylaws under this subdivision without including it in 7.6the bylaws, unless it is required to be included in the bylaws by another provision of this 7.7chapter. Nothing in this subdivision limits the permissible scope of a shareholder control 7.8agreement under section 302A.457. 7.9 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.231, subdivision 2, is amended to read: 7.10 Subd. 2. Meetings solely by means of remote communication. Any meeting 7.11among directors may be conducted solely by one or more means of remote communication 7.12through which all of the directors may participate with each other during the meeting, if 7.13the same notice is given of the meeting required by subdivision 4, and if the number of 7.14directors participating in the meeting is sufficient to constitute a quorum at a meeting. 7.15Participation in a meeting by that means constitutes presence in person at the meeting. 7.16 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.231, subdivision 3, is amended to read: 7.17 Subd. 3. Participation in meetings by means of remote communication. A 7.18director may participate in a board meeting by means of conference telephone or, if 7.19authorized by the board, by such other means of remote communication, in each case 7.20through which the director, other directors so participating, and all directors physically 7.21present at the meeting may participate with each other during the meeting. Participation in 7.22a meeting by that means constitutes presence in person at the meeting. 7.23 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.237, is amended to read: 7.24302A.237 ACT OF THE BOARD. 7.25 Subdivision 1. Majority required. The board shall take action by the affirmative 7.26vote of the greater of (1) a majority of directors present at a duly held meeting at the time 7.27the action is taken, or (2) a majority of the minimum proportion or number of directors 7.28that would constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting, except where 7.29this chapter or the articles require the affirmative vote of a larger proportion or number. If 7.30the articles require a larger proportion or number than is required by this chapter for a 7.31particular action, the articles shall control. 7.32 Subd. 2. Voting power. The articles of a domestic corporation that is not a publicly 7.33held corporation may confer upon one or more directors voting powers greater than or less 8.1than those of other directors. After the adoption of the initial articles, an amendment to the 8.2articles to confer upon one or more directors voting powers greater than or less than those 8.3of other directors requires the approval of all of the shareholders entitled to vote on the 8.4amendment. If the articles provide that any director has more or less than one vote on any 8.5matter, every reference in this chapter to a majority or other proportion of the directors 8.6shall refer to a majority or other proportion of the voting power of the directors. Unless 8.7otherwise provided in the articles, the bylaws, or the resolution establishing the committee 8.8or the subcommittee, any such provision conferring greater or lesser voting power applies 8.9to voting in a committee or subcommittee. 8.10 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.241, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 8.11 Subdivision 1. Generally. A resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a 8.12majority of the board directors currently holding office may establish committees having 8.13the authority of the board in the management of the business of the corporation only to the 8.14extent provided in the resolution. Committees may include a special litigation committee 8.15consisting of one or more independent directors or other independent persons to consider 8.16legal rights or remedies of the corporation and whether those rights and remedies should 8.17be pursued. Committees other than special litigation committees and committees formed 8.18pursuant to section 302A.673, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), are subject at all times to the 8.19direction and control of the board. 8.20 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.255, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 8.21 Subdivision 1. Conflict; procedure when conflict arises. A contract or other 8.22transaction between a corporation and one or more of its directors, or between a 8.23corporation and an organization in or of which one or more of its directors are directors, 8.24officers, or legal representatives or have a material financial interest, is not void or 8.25voidable because the director or directors or the other organizations are parties or because 8.26the director or directors are present at the meeting of the shareholders or the board or a 8.27committee at which the contract or transaction is authorized, approved, or ratified, if: 8.28(a) The contract or transaction was, and the person asserting the validity of the 8.29contract or transaction sustains the burden of establishing that the contract or transaction 8.30was, fair and reasonable as to the corporation at the time it was authorized, approved, 8.31or ratified; 8.32(b) The material facts as to the contract or transaction and as to the director's or 8.33directors' interest are fully disclosed or known to the holders of all outstanding shares, 8.34whether or not entitled to vote, and the contract or transaction is approved in good faith 9.1by (1) the holders of two-thirds of the voting power of the shares entitled to vote which 9.2are owned by persons other than the interested director or directors, or (2) the unanimous 9.3affirmative vote of the holders of all outstanding shares, whether or not entitled to vote; 9.4(c) The material facts as to the contract or transaction and as to the director's or 9.5directors' interest are fully disclosed or known to the board or a committee, and the board 9.6or committee authorizes, approves, or ratifies the contract or transaction in good faith by a 9.7majority of the board or committee directors or committee members currently holding 9.8office, but the interested director or directors shall not be counted in determining the 9.9presence of a quorum and shall not vote; or 9.10(d) The contract or transaction is a distribution described in section 302A.551, 9.11subdivision 1 , or a merger or exchange described in section 302A.601, subdivision 1 or 2. 9.12 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.449, subdivision 3, is amended to read: 9.13 Subd. 3. Termination. An appointment may be terminated at will, unless the 9.14appointment is coupled with an interest, in which case it shall not be terminated except in 9.15accordance with the terms of an agreement, if any, between the parties to the appointment. 9.16Termination may be made by filing written notice of the termination of the appointment 9.17with an officer of the corporation, or by filing a new written appointment of a proxy, 9.18signed by the shareholder, with an officer of the corporation, or by telephonic transmission 9.19or authenticated electronic communication, whether or not accompanied by written 9.20instructions of the shareholder, of a new appointment of a proxy with the corporation or 9.21the corporation's duly authorized agent. Termination in either any such manner revokes all 9.22prior proxy appointments and is effective when filed with an officer of the corporation or 9.23when the telephonic transmission or authenticated electronic communication is received 9.24by the corporation or the corporation's duly authorized agent. The telephonic transmission 9.25or authenticated electronic communication must set forth or be submitted with information 9.26from which it can be determined that the new appointment was authorized by the 9.27shareholder. 9.28 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.471, subdivision 3, is amended to read: 9.29 Subd. 3. Rights not to apply. (a) Unless the articles, the bylaws, or a resolution 9.30approved by the board otherwise provide, the right to obtain payment under this section 9.31does not apply to a shareholder of (1) the surviving corporation in a merger with respect 9.32to shares of the shareholder that are not entitled to be voted on the merger and are 9.33not canceled or exchanged in the merger or (2) the corporation whose shares will be 9.34acquired by the acquiring organization in a plan of exchange with respect to shares 10.1of the shareholder that are not entitled to be voted on the plan of exchange and are not 10.2exchanged in the plan of exchange. 10.3(b) If a date is fixed according to section 302A.445, subdivision 1, for the 10.4determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote on an action 10.5described in subdivision 1, only shareholders as of the date fixed, and beneficial owners 10.6as of the date fixed who hold through shareholders, as provided in subdivision 2, may 10.7exercise dissenters' rights. 10.8(c) Notwithstanding subdivision 1, the right to obtain payment under this section, 10.9other than in connection with a plan of merger adopted under section 302A.621, is limited 10.10in accordance with the following provisions: 10.11(1) The right to obtain payment under this section is not available for the holders of 10.12shares of any class or series of shares that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange or, 10.13the American Stock Exchange or designated as a national market security on, the Nasdaq 10.14Stock NASDAQ Global Market, or the NASDAQ Global Select Market. 10.15(2) The applicability of clause (1) is determined as of: 10.16(i) the record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of, 10.17and to vote at, the meeting of shareholders to act upon the corporate action described 10.18in subdivision 1; or 10.19(ii) the day before the effective date of corporate action described in subdivision 10.201 if there is no meeting of shareholders. 10.21(3) Clause (1) is not applicable, and the right to obtain payment under this section is 10.22available pursuant to subdivision 1, for the holders of any class or series of shares who are 10.23required by the terms of the corporate action described in subdivision 1 to accept for such 10.24shares anything other than shares, or cash in lieu of fractional shares, of any class or any 10.25series of shares of a domestic or foreign corporation, or any other ownership interest of 10.26any other organization, that satisfies the standards set forth in clause (1) at the time the 10.27corporate action becomes effective. 10.28 Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.521, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 10.29 Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this 10.30subdivision have the meanings given them. 10.31(b) "Corporation" includes a domestic or foreign corporation that was the 10.32predecessor of the corporation referred to in this section in a merger or other transaction in 10.33which the predecessor's existence ceased upon consummation of the transaction. 10.34(c) "Official capacity" means (1) with respect to a director, the position of director 10.35in a corporation, (2) with respect to a person other than a director, the elective or 11.1appointive office or position held by an officer, member of a committee of the board, or 11.2the employment relationship undertaken by an employee of the corporation, and (3) with 11.3respect to a director, officer, or employee of the corporation who, while a director, officer, 11.4or employee of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the corporation or whose 11.5duties in that position involve or involved service as a director, officer, partner, trustee, 11.6governor, manager, employee, or agent of another organization or employee benefit plan, 11.7the position of that person as a director, officer, partner, trustee, governor, manager, 11.8employee, or agent, as the case may be, of the other organization or employee benefit plan. 11.9(d) "Proceeding" means a threatened, pending, or completed civil, criminal, 11.10administrative, arbitration, or investigative proceeding, including a proceeding by or in the 11.11right of the corporation. 11.12(e) "Special legal counsel" means counsel who has not in the preceding five years 11.13(1) represented the corporation or a related organization in a capacity other than special 11.14legal counsel, or (2) represented a director, officer, member of a committee of the board, 11.15or employee, whose indemnification is in issue. 11.16 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.553, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 11.17 Subdivision 1. When permitted; status of shares. (a) A corporation may acquire 11.18its own shares, subject to section 302A.551 and subdivision 3. 11.19(b) If a corporation acquires its own shares, then any of the acquired shares that are 11.20not pledged by the corporation as security for the future payment of some or all of the 11.21purchase price for the shares constitute authorized but unissued shares of the corporation, 11.22unless the articles provide that they shall not be reissued. If the articles prohibit reissue, 11.23the number of authorized shares is reduced by the number of shares acquired. 11.24(c) If a corporation pledges acquired shares as security for future payment of all or 11.25part of the purchase price for the shares and reissues the pledged shares in its own name; 11.26then 11.27(1) the shares must continue to be issued and outstanding except for voting and 11.28determination of a quorum, and the shares are not considered to be present and entitled to 11.29vote at any meeting of shareholders; 11.30(2) the corporation may not vote or exercise any other rights of a shareholder with 11.31respect to the pledged shares, but the pledgee shall have any rights, other than the right to 11.32vote, with respect to the shares to which the pledgee is entitled to by contract; 11.33(3) if the pledge is foreclosed, the corporation shall reissue and deliver the pledged 11.34shares to or at the direction of the pledgee; and 11.35(4) shares which are released from a pledge have the status specified in paragraph (b). 12.1 Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.701, is amended to read: 12.2302A.701 METHODS OF DISSOLUTION. 12.3A corporation may be dissolved: 12.4(a) by the incorporators before the issuance of shares, pursuant to section 302A.711; 12.5(b) by the shareholders after the issuance of shares, pursuant to sections 302A.721 12.6to 302A.7291; 12.7(c) by order of a court pursuant to sections 302A.741 to 302A.765; or 12.8(d) by the secretary of state according to section 302A.821. 12.9 Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.721, is amended to read: 12.10302A.721 VOLUNTARY DISSOLUTION BY SHAREHOLDERS AFTER 12.11THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES. 12.12 Subdivision 1. Manner. After the issuance of shares, a corporation may be dissolved 12.13by the shareholders when authorized in the manner set forth in this section. 12.14 Subd. 2. Notice; approval. (a) If the corporation has outstanding shares: 12.15(1) Written notice shall be given to each shareholder, whether or not entitled to 12.16vote at a meeting of shareholders, within the time and in the manner provided in section 12.17302A.435 for notice of meetings of shareholders and, whether the meeting is a regular 12.18or a special meeting, shall state that a purpose of the meeting is to consider dissolving 12.19the corporation. 12.20(b) (2) The proposed dissolution shall be submitted for approval at a meeting of 12.21shareholders. If the proposed dissolution is approved at a meeting by the affirmative 12.22vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote, the 12.23dissolution shall be commenced. 12.24(b) If the corporation no longer has any outstanding shares, then the directors may 12.25authorize and commence the dissolution. If the directors take that action, then the notice 12.26of dissolution filed under section 302A.723 shall so reflect and the directors shall have 12.27the right to revoke the dissolution proceedings in accordance with section 302A.731, 12.28subdivision 1. 12.29ARTICLE 2 12.30TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 12.31ACT AND THE UNIFORM LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ACT OF 2001 12.32 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 321.1206, is amended to read: 12.33321.1206 APPLICATION TO EXISTING RELATIONSHIPS. 13.1(a) Beginning January 1, 2005, no person may use chapter 322A to form an entity. 13.2(b) Before January 1, 2007, this chapter governs only: 13.3(1) a limited partnership formed on or after January 1, 2005; and 13.4(2) except as otherwise provided in subsection (d): 13.5(i) a limited partnership formed under chapter 322A which elects, in the manner 13.6provided in its partnership agreement or by law for amending the partnership agreement, 13.7to be subject to this chapter; and 13.8(ii) a limited partnership formed under chapter 322, if the limited partnership elects 13.9pursuant to subsection (f) to be subject to this chapter. 13.10(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), on and after January 1, 2007, 13.11this chapter governs: 13.12(1) any limited partnership formed under chapter 322A which has not previously 13.13elected to be governed by this chapter and is still in existence on January 1, 2007; and 13.14(2) all limited partnerships, except for limited partnerships formed under chapter 13.15322 that have not previously elected to become governed by this chapter or chapter 322A, 13.16including each limited partnership formed under chapter 322A which has previously 13.17elected to become governed by this chapter and each limited partnership formed under 13.18chapter 322 which has elected, previously or otherwise, to be governed by this chapter. 13.19(d) With respect to a limited partnership formed before January 1, 2005, the 13.20following rules apply except as the partners otherwise elect in the manner provided in the 13.21partnership agreement or by law for amending the partnership agreement: 13.22(1) section 321.0104(c) does not apply and the limited partnership has whatever 13.23duration it had under the law applicable immediately before the limited partnership 13.24became subject to this chapter; 13.25(2) the limited partnership is not required to amend its certificate of limited 13.26partnership to comply with section 321.0201(a)(4); 13.27(3) sections 321.0601 and 321.0602 do not apply and a limited partner has the same 13.28right and power to dissociate from the limited partnership, with the same consequences, as 13.29existed immediately before the limited partnership became subject to this chapter; 13.30(4) section 321.0603(4) does not apply; 13.31(5) section 321.0603(5) does not apply and a court has the same power to expel 13.32a general partner as the court had immediately before the limited partnership became 13.33subject to this chapter; and 13.34(6) section 321.0801(3) does not apply and the connection between a person's 13.35dissociation as a general partner and the dissolution of the limited partnership is the same 13.36as existed immediately before the limited partnership became subject to this chapter. 14.1(e) If subsection (c) causes a limited partnership that is a limited liability limited 14.2partnership under section 322A.88 to become subject to this chapter: 14.3(1) if immediately before the limited partnership that is a limited liability limited 14.4partnership under section 322A.88 became subject to this chapter its name complied with 14.5section 322A.02, the limited partnership may maintain its name even if the name does 14.6not comply with section 321.0108(c); and 14.7(2) the statement of qualification of the limited partnership that is a limited liability 14.8limited partnership under section 322A.88, on file with the secretary of state pursuant to 14.9section 322A.88(a)(2), is deemed to amend the limited partnership's certificate of limited 14.10partnership to state that the limited partnership is a limited liability limited partnership. 14.11(f) On or after January 1, 2005, a limited partnership formed under chapter 322 may 14.12become subject to this chapter if: 14.13(1) it elects, in the manner provided in its partnership agreement or by law for 14.14amending the partnership agreement, to be subject to this chapter; 14.15(2) neither its certificate of limited partnership nor its partnership agreement prohibit 14.16the election; 14.17(3) its certificate of limited partnership, on file with the county recorder, is amended 14.18to state the election and, as may be necessary, to comply with this chapter; and 14.19(4) a certified copy of the amended certificate of limited partnership, and of all 14.20other limited partnership documents previously filed with the county recorder, is filed 14.21with the secretary of state. 14.22 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.03, subdivision 32, is amended to read: 14.23 Subd. 32. Notice. (a) "Notice" is given by a member of a limited liability company 14.24to the limited liability company or a manager of a limited liability company when in 14.25writing and mailed or delivered to the limited liability company or the manager at the 14.26registered office or principal executive office of the limited liability company. 14.27(b) In all other cases, "notice" is given to a person when: 14.28(1) mailed to the person at an address designated by the person or at the last known 14.29address of the person, or when; 14.30(2) deposited with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for overnight 14.31delivery or, if overnight delivery to the person is not available, for delivery as promptly 14.32as practicable to the person at an address designated by the person or at the last known 14.33address of the person; 14.34(3) communicated to the person orally, or when; 14.35(4) handed to the person,; or when 15.1(5) left at the office of the person with a clerk or other person in charge of the office, 15.2or if there is no one in charge, when left in a conspicuous place in the office, or if the 15.3office is closed or the person to be notified has no office, when left at the dwelling house 15.4or usual place of abode of the person with some person of suitable age and discretion 15.5who is then residing there therein. 15.6(c) Notice by mail is given when deposited in the United States mail with sufficient 15.7postage affixed. Notice is considered by deposit for delivery is given when deposited 15.8for delivery as provided in paragraph (b), clause (2), after having made sufficient 15.9arrangements for payment by the sender. 15.10(d) Notice is deemed received when it is given. 15.11 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.11, is amended to read: 15.12322B.11 MEMBER REQUIREMENT. 15.13Subject to the provisions of sections 322B.60 and 322B.80, subdivision 1, a limited 15.14liability company shall have one or more members. 15.15 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.35, subdivision 3, is amended to read: 15.16 Subd. 3. Notice and liability. When written action is permitted to be taken by less 15.17than all members, all members must be notified immediately of its text and effective 15.18date no later than five days after the effective time of the action. Failure to provide the 15.19notice does not invalidate the written action. A member who does not sign or consent to 15.20the written action has no liability for the action or actions taken by the written action. 15.21 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.363, subdivision 3, is amended to read: 15.22 Subd. 3. Termination. An appointment may be terminated at will, unless the 15.23appointment is coupled with an interest, in which case it shall not be terminated 15.24except in accordance with the terms of an agreement, if any, between the parties to the 15.25appointment. Termination may be made by filing written notice of the termination of the 15.26appointment with a manager of the limited liability company, or by filing a new written 15.27appointment of a proxy, signed by the member, with a manager of the limited liability 15.28company. Termination in either, or by telephonic transmission or authenticated electronic 15.29communication, whether or not accompanied by written instructions of the member, of 15.30a new appointment of a proxy with the limited liability company or the limited liability 15.31company's duly authorized agent. Termination in any such manner revokes all prior proxy 15.32appointments and is effective when filed with a manager of the limited liability company 15.33or when the telephonic transmission or authenticated electronic communication is received 16.1by the limited liability company or the limited liability company's duly authorized agent. 16.2The telephonic transmission or authenticated electronic communication must set forth or 16.3be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the new appointment 16.4was authorized by the member. 16.5 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.643, subdivision 2, is amended to read: 16.6 Subd. 2. Meetings solely by means of remote communication. Any 16.7meeting among governors may be conducted solely by one or more means of remote 16.8communication through which all of the governors may participate with each other 16.9during the meeting, if the same notice is given of the meeting as would be required by 16.10subdivision 4, and if the number of governors participating in the meeting would be 16.11sufficient to constitute a quorum. Participation in a meeting by that means constitutes 16.12presence in person at the meeting. 16.13 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.643, subdivision 3, is amended to read: 16.14 Subd. 3. Participation in meetings by means of remote communication. A 16.15governor may participate in a board of governors meeting by means of conference 16.16telephone or, if authorized by the board, by such other means of remote communication, in 16.17each case through which the governor, other governors so participating, and all governors 16.18physically present at the meeting may participate with each other during the meeting. 16.19Participation in a meeting by that means constitutes presence in person at the meeting. 16.20 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.66, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 16.21 Subdivision 1. Generally. A resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a 16.22majority of the board of governors then holding office may establish committees having 16.23the authority of the board in the management of the business of the limited liability 16.24company only to the extent provided in the resolution. Committees may include a special 16.25litigation committee consisting of one or more independent governors or other independent 16.26persons to consider legal rights or remedies of the limited liability company and whether 16.27those rights and remedies should be pursued. Committees other than special litigation 16.28committees are subject at all times to the direction and control of the board of governors. 16.29 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.666, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 16.30 Subdivision 1. Conflict and procedure when conflict arises. A contract or other 16.31transaction between a limited liability company and one or more of its governors, or 16.32between a limited liability company and an organization in or of which one or more of its 17.1governors are governors, directors, managers, officers, or legal representatives or have a 17.2material financial interest, is not void or voidable because the governor or governors or 17.3the other organizations are parties or because the governor or governors are present at the 17.4meeting of the members or the board of governors or a committee at which the contract or 17.5transaction is authorized, approved, or ratified, if: 17.6(1) the contract or transaction was, and the person asserting the validity of the 17.7contract or transaction sustains the burden of establishing that the contract or transaction 17.8was, fair and reasonable as to the limited liability company at the time it was authorized, 17.9approved, or ratified; 17.10(2) the material facts as to the contract or transaction and as to the governor's or 17.11governors' interest are fully disclosed or known to the members, whether or not entitled 17.12to vote, and the contract or transaction is approved in good faith by (i) the owners of 17.13two-thirds of the voting power of the membership interests entitled to vote that are 17.14owned by persons other than the interested governor or governors, or (ii) the unanimous 17.15affirmative vote of all members, whether or not entitled to vote; 17.16(3) the material facts as to the contract or transaction and as to the governor's or 17.17governors' interest are fully disclosed or known to the board of governors or a committee, 17.18and the board of governors or committee authorizes, approves, or ratifies the contract or 17.19transaction in good faith by a majority of the board of governors or committee members 17.20currently holding office, but the interested governor or governors are shall not be counted 17.21in determining the presence of a quorum and must shall not vote; or 17.22(4) the contract or transaction is a distribution described in section 322B.54, 17.23subdivision 1 , or a merger or exchange described in section 322B.70, subdivision 1 or 2. 17.24 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.699, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 17.25 Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this 17.26subdivision have the meanings given them. 17.27(b) "Limited liability company" includes a domestic or foreign limited liability 17.28company that was the predecessor of the limited liability company referred to in this 17.29section in a merger or other transaction in which the predecessor's existence ceased upon 17.30consummation of the transaction. 17.31(c) "Official capacity" means (1) with respect to a governor, the position of governor 17.32in a limited liability company, (2) with respect to a person other than a governor, the 17.33elective or appointive office or position held by a manager, member of a committee of 17.34the board of governors, the employment relationship undertaken by an employee of the 17.35limited liability company, or the scope of the services provided by members of the limited 18.1liability company who provide services to the limited liability company, and (3) with 18.2respect to a governor, manager, member, or employee of the limited liability company 18.3who, while a member, governor, manager, or employee of the limited liability company, 18.4is or was serving at the request of the limited liability company or whose duties in that 18.5position involve or involved service as a governor, director, manager, officer, member, 18.6partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another organization or employee benefit plan, the 18.7position of that person as a governor, director, manager, officer, member, partner, trustee, 18.8employee, or agent, as the case may be, of the other organization or employee benefit plan. 18.9(d) "Proceeding" means a threatened, pending, or completed civil, criminal, 18.10administrative, arbitration, or investigative proceeding, including a proceeding by or in 18.11the right of the limited liability company. 18.12(e) "Special legal counsel" means counsel who has not in the preceding five years (1) 18.13represented the limited liability company or a related organization, or in a capacity other 18.14than special legal counsel, or (2) represented a governor, manager, member of a committee 18.15of the board of governors, or employee, whose indemnification is in issue. 18.16 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.80, subdivision 1, is amended to read: 18.17 Subdivision 1. Dissolution events. A limited liability company dissolves upon the 18.18occurrence of any of the following events: 18.19(1) when the period, if any, fixed in the articles of organization for the duration of 18.20the limited liability company expires, or if the limited liability company's term expires 18.21pursuant to section 322B.20, subdivision 2, paragraph (a); 18.22(2) by order of a court pursuant to sections 322B.833 and 322B.843; 18.23(3) by action of the organizers prior to accepting contributions pursuant to section 18.24322B.803 ; 18.25(4) by action of the members after accepting contributions pursuant to section 18.26322B.806 ; 18.27(5)(i) for limited liability companies whose existence begins before August 1, 1999, 18.28except as otherwise provided in the articles or a member control agreement, upon the 18.29occurrence of an event that terminates the continued membership of a member in the 18.30limited liability company, but the limited liability company is not dissolved and is not 18.31required to be wound up by reason of any event that terminates the continued membership 18.32of a member if (A) there is at least one remaining member and the existence and business 18.33of the limited liability company is continued by the consent of all the remaining members 18.34obtained no later than 90 days after the termination of the continued membership, or (B) if 19.1the membership of the last or sole member terminates and the legal representative of that 19.2last or sole member causes the limited liability company to admit at least one member; 19.3(ii) for limited liability companies whose existence begins on or after August 1, 19.41999, upon the occurrence of an event that terminates the continued membership of a 19.5member in the limited liability company, but only if: (A) the articles of organization or a 19.6member control agreement specifically provide that the termination causes dissolution 19.7and in that event only as provided in the articles or member control agreement; or (B) if 19.8the membership of the last or sole member terminates and the legal representative of that 19.9last or sole member does not cause the limited liability company to admit at least one 19.10member within 180 days after the termination; 19.11(6) a merger in which the limited liability company is not the surviving organization; 19.12or 19.13(7) when terminated by the secretary of state according to section 322B.960. 19.14 Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.806, is amended to read: 19.15322B.806 NONJUDICIAL DISSOLUTION BY MEMBERS AFTER 19.16ACCEPTING CONTRIBUTIONS. 19.17 Subdivision 1. Manner. A limited liability company may be dissolved by the 19.18members after accepting contributions when authorized in the manner set forth in this 19.19section. 19.20 Subd. 2. Notice and approval. (a) If the limited liability company has members: 19.21(1) written notice shall be given to each member, whether or not entitled to vote at a 19.22meeting of members, within the time and in the manner provided in section 322B.34 for 19.23notice of meetings of members and, whether the meeting is a regular or a special meeting, 19.24must state that a purpose of the meeting is to consider dissolving the limited liability 19.25company and that dissolution must be followed by the winding up and termination of the 19.26limited liability company.; and 19.27(b) (2) the proposed dissolution must be submitted for approval at a meeting of 19.28members. If the proposed dissolution is approved at a meeting by the affirmative vote of 19.29the owners of a majority of the voting power of all membership interests entitled to vote, 19.30the limited liability company is dissolved. 19.31(b) If the limited liability company no longer has any members, the governors may 19.32authorize and commence the dissolution. If the governors take that action, the notice of 19.33dissolution filed under section 322B.81 shall so reflect this fact and the governors shall 19.34have the right to revoke the dissolution proceedings in accordance with section 322B.823, 19.35subdivision 1. 20.1ARTICLE 3 20.2NONPROFIT LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES 20.3 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 290.01, subdivision 3b, is amended to read: 20.4 Subd. 3b. Limited liability company. For purposes of this chapter and chapter 20.5289A, a limited liability company, including a nonprofit limited liability company under 20.6section 322B.975, that is formed under either the laws of this state or under similar laws 20.7of another state, will be treated as an entity similar to its treatment for federal income 20.8tax purposes. 20.9 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.03, subdivision 20, is amended to read: 20.10 Subd. 20. Foreign limited liability company. "Foreign limited liability company" 20.11means a limited liability company organized for profit that is organized under or governed 20.12by laws other than the laws of this state for a purpose or purposes for which a limited 20.13liability company may be organized under this chapter. 20.14 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.03, is amended by adding a subdivision 20.15to read: 20.16 Subd. 31a. Nonprofit limited liability company. "Nonprofit limited liability 20.17company" means a limited liability company that is a nonprofit limited liability company 20.18under section 322B.975. 20.19 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.10, is amended to read: 20.20322B.10 PURPOSES. 20.21A limited liability company may be organized under this chapter for any business 20.22lawful purpose or purposes, unless some other statute of this state requires organization 20.23for any of those purposes under a different law. Unless otherwise provided in its articles of 20.24organization, a limited liability company has general business purposes. 20.25 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.78, is amended to read: 20.26322B.78 CONVERSION. 20.27A domestic limited liability company that is not a nonprofit limited liability company 20.28may convert to a domestic corporation pursuant to sections 302A.681 to 302A.691. 20.29 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 322B.90, subdivision 2, is amended to read: 21.1 Subd. 2. Limitations. A foreign limited liability company holding a valid certificate 21.2of authority in this state has no greater rights and privileges than a domestic limited 21.3liability company A certificate of authority does not authorize a foreign limited liability 21.4company to engage in any business or exercise any power that a limited lability company 21.5may not engage in or exercise in this state. The certificate of authority does not authorize 21.6the foreign limited liability company to exercise any of its powers or purposes that a 21.7domestic limited liability company is forbidden by law to exercise in this state. 21.8 Sec. 7. [322B.975] NONPROFIT LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES. 21.9 Subdivision 1. Status as nonprofit limited liability company. A limited liability 21.10company is a nonprofit limited liability company if it is organized under or governed by 21.11this chapter and its articles of organization state that it is a nonprofit limited liability 21.12company governed by this section. The status of a nonprofit limited liability company 21.13under this chapter is not determinative of its tax treatment. 21.14 Subd. 2. Limitations on pecuniary gain and distributions to members. A 21.15nonprofit limited liability company may not: 21.16(1) be formed for a purpose involving pecuniary gain to its members, other than to 21.17members that are nonprofit organizations or subdivisions, units, or agencies of the United 21.18States or a state or local government; or 21.19(2) pay dividends, make distributions, or pay other pecuniary remuneration, directly 21.20or indirectly, to its members, other than to members that are nonprofit organizations or 21.21subdivisions, units, or agencies of the United States or a state or local government. 21.22 Subd. 3. Limitations on persons who may be members. A natural person may not 21.23be a member of, or own any financial rights or governance rights in, a nonprofit limited 21.24liability company. 21.25 Subd. 4. Purposes; conduct. (a) Subject to subdivision 2: 21.26(1) a nonprofit limited liability company may be organized under this chapter for 21.27any lawful purpose, unless another statute requires incorporation or organization for a 21.28purpose under a different law; and 21.29(2) a nonprofit limited liability company has a general purpose of engaging in any 21.30lawful activity unless otherwise limited in its articles of organization. 21.31(b) A nonprofit limited liability company engaging in conduct that is regulated by 21.32another statute is subject to the limitations of the other statute. 21.33 Subd. 5. Provisions of chapter 317A applicable to nonprofit limited liability 21.34companies. (a) Section 317A.161, subdivision 11, applies to a nonprofit limited liability 21.35company as if it were a nonprofit corporation governed by chapter 317A. Section 22.1317A.251 applies to a governor as if the governor were a director of a nonprofit 22.2corporation, and section 322B.663 does not apply. 22.3(b) Section 317A.255 applies to, and with regard to, a governor as if the governor 22.4were a director of a nonprofit corporation, and section 322B.666 does not apply. 22.5(c) Section 317A.257 applies to a person who serves without compensation as a 22.6governor, manager, member, or agent of a nonprofit limited liability company as if such 22.7person were serving without compensation as a director, officer, member, or agent of 22.8a nonprofit corporation. 22.9(d) Section 317A.671 regarding the diversion of certain assets applies to a nonprofit 22.10limited liability company as if it were a nonprofit corporation governed by chapter 317A. 22.11(e) Section 317A.735 regarding the distribution of assets on dissolution applies to 22.12a nonprofit limited liability company as if it were a nonprofit corporation governed by 22.13chapter 317A. 22.14(f) Section 317A.751 regarding judicial intervention applies to a nonprofit limited 22.15liability company as if it were a nonprofit corporation governed by chapter 317A. 22.16 Subd. 6. Notice to and authority of attorney general. The attorney general has 22.17the same authority and powers with regard to a nonprofit limited liability company as the 22.18attorney general has with regard to a corporation governed by chapter 317A, including but 22.19not limited to sections 317A.811 and 317A.813. 22.20 Sec. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE. 22.21 This article is effective for limited liability companies formed on or after January 22.221, 2009.

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HF 3500

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