South Carolina General Assembly
113th Session, 1999-2000

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Bill 3358


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Indicates New Matter


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Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

AMENDED

February 25, 1999

H. 3358

Introduced by Reps. Fleming, Lucas, Taylor, Wilder, Klauber, Harris and Hayes

S. Printed 2/25/99--H.

Read the first time January 26, 1999.

A BILL

TO AMEND TITLE 33, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO PARTNERSHIPS, CORPORATIONS, AND ASSOCIATIONS, BY ADDING CHAPTER 36 SO AS TO INCLUDE NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS FINANCED BY BOTH FEDERAL AND STATE LOANS, NOT ONLY BY FEDERAL LOANS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR INCORPORATION, MEMBERSHIP, SALE, CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, AND DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATIONS NOT-FOR-PROFIT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 33-20-103, AS AMENDED, AND 33-31-1708, RELATING TO EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS FROM THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH 20 AND CHAPTER 31 OF TITLE 33, SO AS TO EXEMPT NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS ORGANIZED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 36; TO REPEAL CHAPTER 35 OF TITLE 33 RELATING TO NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS FINANCED BY FEDERAL LOANS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 6-13-120, RELATING TO DISSOLUTION OF A WATER DISTRICT, SECTION 6-19-10, RELATING TO STATE AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS TO WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITIES OR DISTRICTS, SECTION 12-6-550, RELATING TO CORPORATIONS EXEMPT FROM STATE INCOME TAXES, SECTION 12-36-2120, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM SALES AND USE TAXES, AND SECTION 12-37-220, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO EXEMPTIONS FROM PROPERTY TAX, ALL SO AS TO CHANGE CROSS-REFERENCES TO REFLECT REPEAL OF CHAPTER 35 AND ADDITION OF CHAPTER 36.

Amend Title To Conform

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. (A)(1) This act must be construed liberally. The enumeration of any object, purposes, power, manner, method, or thing does not exclude like or similar objects, purposes, powers, manners, methods, or things.

(2) The provisions of this chapter may not be repealed by implication. If they conflict with other provisions of the 1976 Code, the provisions of this chapter prevail.

(3) The powers and authorities conferred by this chapter may be added to and supplemented by any other general law.

(B) The General Assembly finds that corporations not-for-profit established pursuant to this chapter have been authorized to provide the local governmental functions of water service or sewage treatment or a combination of both, fire protection service, ambulance service, and medical clinic facilities. Corporations not-for-profit exist for a public purpose, and the General Assembly declares that corporations not-for-profit must be treated like special purpose districts for purposes of Chapter 78 of Title 15, Chapter 56 of Title 12, and Sections 56-3-780 and 58-31-30(23) of the 1976 Code. Corporations not-for-profit may participate, under the same conditions as afforded special purpose districts, in the State Retirement System, the State Health Insurance System, state purchasing programs, and Sections 1-11-140 and 1-11-141 of the 1976 Code.

SECTION 2. Title 33 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"CHAPTER 36

Corporations Not-for-Profit Financed

by Federal or State Loans

Article 1

General Provisions

Section 33-36-10. As used in this chapter 'corporation not-for-profit' means a corporation which, upon its original organization, is financed in whole or in part by a loan made under the provisions of the Consolidated Farmers Home Administration Act of 1961, as amended by the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962, and acts amending it, and by the State Revolving Fund for Water or Sewer.

Section 33-36-20. A corporation incorporated pursuant to this chapter may not own or issue shares of stock representing ownership interests in the corporation itself. A corporation incorporated pursuant to this chapter may pay compensation in a reasonable amount to its members, board members, and officers for services rendered, and may confer benefits upon its members in conformity with its purposes. Upon dissolution or final liquidation of the corporation incorporated pursuant to this chapter, the residual assets must be disposed of in the manner required for organizations exempt from federal income tax as described in Section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Article 2

Incorporation

Section 33-36-210. (A) Corporations not-for-profit may be organized pursuant to this chapter by any three or more persons who make, subscribe, acknowledge, and file articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State, and obtain approval from the Secretary of State when the articles of incorporation comply with this chapter.

The written articles of incorporation must contain:

(1) the name of the proposed corporation, which must include the word 'Incorporated' or 'Inc.'. The name may not be the same as, or deceptively similar to, the name of another domestic corporation, or a foreign corporation authorized to do business in this State.

(2) the purpose for which the corporation is organized;

(3) the qualification of members and the manner of their admission;

(4) the term for which the corporation is to exist, which may be perpetual;

(5) by what officers the affairs of the corporation are to be managed, and the times at which they are to be elected or appointed;

(6) the names of the officers who are to serve until the first election or appointment pursuant to the articles of incorporation;

(7) the number of persons constituting the first governing board, which may not be less than three, and the names and addresses of the persons who are to serve as board members, managers, or officers until the first election;

(8) by whom the bylaws of the corporation are to be made, altered, or rescinded;

(9) by whom and in what manner amendments to the articles of incorporation may be proposed and adopted;

(10) the name and address of the corporation's registered agent for service of process;

(11) any provision which the incorporators choose to insert for the conduct of the affairs of the corporation and any provision creating, dividing, limiting, and regulating the powers of the corporation, the board members, managers, or officers not in conflict with this chapter, except that the articles of incorporation do not need to enumerate the powers in Sections 33-36-260 and 33-36-270; and

(12) the signatures of not less than three natural persons competent to contract and an acknowledgment by all of the subscribers before an officer authorized to take acknowledgments.

(B) The original articles of incorporation must be filed with the Secretary of State for approval by any method approved by the Secretary of State. A duplicate copy, signed and acknowledged, also may be filed.

Section 33-36-220. When the articles of incorporation conforming to Section 33-36-210 have been filed with the Secretary of State and the specified filing fee has been paid, the subscribers and their associates and successors constitute a corporation. A duplicate received with the original must be endorsed, certified, and returned to the person from whom it was received upon payment of the fee required for certified copies.

Section 33-36-230. Upon filing articles of incorporation or amendments, or other paper relating to the incorporation, merger, consolidation, or dissolution of a corporation not-for-profit with the Secretary of State, the following fees must be paid:

(1) a filing fee of ten dollars for the filing and approval of articles of incorporation;

(2) a fee of one dollar for the first page, fifty cents for each additional page, and two dollars for authentication for furnishing certified copies of articles of incorporation or other documents concerning a corporation not-for-profit;

(3) a fee of five dollars in each case for filing papers relating to dissolution or amendment of articles of incorporation.

Section 33-36-240. A corporation incorporated pursuant to this chapter may amend its charter as provided in its bylaws. The articles of incorporation may be amended and the amendment incorporated into the articles only if the amendment has been filed with the Secretary of State and all filing fees have been paid.

Section 33-36-250. The Secretary of State shall conform articles of incorporation supplied by his office for 'corporations not-for-profit' to the provisions of Sections 33-36-10 and 33-36-20. In addition, any other forms supplied by the Secretary of State which may be required of a corporation not-for-profit must be conformed to the provisions of this chapter.

Section 33-36-260. A corporation not-for-profit organized pursuant to this chapter, unless otherwise provided in its articles of incorporation or by law, has the power to:

(1) have succession by its corporate name for the period provided for in its articles of incorporation;

(2) sue and be sued and appear and defend in all actions and proceedings in its corporate name to the same extent as a natural person;

(3) adopt and use and alter a common corporate seal;

(4) elect or appoint officers and agents as its affairs require and allow them reasonable compensation;

(5) adopt, change, amend, and repeal bylaws, not inconsistent with law or its articles of incorporation, for the administration of the affairs of the corporation and the exercise of its corporate powers;

(6) increase, by vote of its members cast as the bylaws direct, the numbers of its board members, managers, or officers so that the number is not less than three;

(7) make contracts and incur liabilities, borrow money at the rates of interest the corporation determines, issue its notes, bonds, and other obligations, secure its obligations by mortgage, and pledge all or any of its property, franchises, or income;

(8) conduct its affairs, carry on its operations, and have offices and exercise the powers granted by this chapter in any state, territory, district, or possession of the United States or any foreign country;

(9) purchase, take, receive, lease, take by gift, devise or bequest, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use, or otherwise deal in and with real or personal property, or any interest in it, wherever situated.

(10) acquire, enjoy, utilize, and dispose of patents, copyrights, and trademarks and licenses and other rights or interests in them;

(11) sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all or part of its property and assets;

(12) purchase, take, receive, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, vote, use, employ, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge, or otherwise dispose of and otherwise use and deal in and with shares and other interests in, or obligations of, other domestic or foreign corporations, whether for profit or not for profit, associations, partnerships, or individuals, or direct or indirect obligations of the United States, or other government, state, territory, governmental district, municipality, or an instrumentality of them;

(13) lend money for its corporate purposes, invest and reinvest its funds, and take and hold real and personal property as security for the payment of funds loaned or invested;

(14) make donations for the public welfare or for religious, charitable, scientific, educational, or other similar purposes;

(15) have and exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect the purposes for which the corporation is organized.

Section 33-36-270. (A) In addition to the general powers of nonprofit corporations contained within Section 33-36-260, nonprofit corporations created pursuant to this chapter may:

(1) engage in the business of supplying water or sewage disposal, or a combination of water and sewer services, and provide other services and facilities, including but not limited to fire protection services, ambulance services, and medical clinic facilities to individuals, corporations, and political subdivisions within the geographical area specified within the articles of incorporation, including water districts;

(2) exercise, in connection with water or sewage disposal business, the power of eminent domain as prescribed in Section 6-13-50(19);

(3) borrow funds and contract with municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions for the provision of services and facilities including, but not limited to, fire protection services, ambulance services, and medical clinic facilities in accordance with this chapter and the Rural Development Act of 1972.

(B) Counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions may contract with nonprofit corporations for those purposes, and water and sewer authorities also may make provision for fire protection. Before providing any of the services authorized in this section, a nonprofit corporation or a group intending to organize a nonprofit corporation must notify the governing body of the county or municipality in which the service is to be provided of its intention and the nature of the service. The governing body shall have a period of ninety days from the date of the notification to approve the request to provide the services or inform the person requesting permission to provide the service that the governing body intends to provide for the service as a public function of government. The notification of intent by the governing body must include a detailed description of the area to be served, the services to be provided, and the time schedule under which the service will be available from the county or municipality. Failure to notify the corporation within ninety days of the governing body's approval or intent to serve is considered approval.

Section 33-36-280. The rates charged for services furnished by a nonprofit corporation created for the purpose of providing water supply or sewage disposal, or a combination of those services, are not subject to supervision or regulation by a state board, commission, or agency or department or division of it.

Section 33-36-290. An irregularity in complying with the provisions of this chapter does not vitiate the incorporation until a direct proceeding to set aside and annul the charter is instituted by the proper authorities of the State. All acts done and contracts entered into have the same force and effect as if no irregularity had existed.

Section 33-36-300. The original bylaws of a corporation not-for-profit must be adopted by its incorporators. After that, bylaws must be adopted, amended, or repealed by the members, except that the corporation's governing body may enact emergency bylaws in the same manner as provided for nonprofit corporations in Section 33-31-207. The governing board also may adopt changes to the bylaws by a two-thirds vote when necessary to conform with state or federal laws governing the operation of the corporation or the services provided by the corporation. This power to amend the bylaws by the board may not be used to conform to permissive powers granted in state or federal legislation or to undertake services not already provided by the corporation.

Article 3

Members

Section 33-36-410. A person who is not an incorporator may not become a member of a corporation not-for-profit unless the person agrees to use the services furnished by the corporation when the service is available through its facilities. The bylaws of a corporation not-for-profit may provide that a person, including an incorporator, ceases to be a member if he fails or refuses to use the services made available by the corporation. The bylaws may prescribe additional qualifications and limitations in respect to membership.

Section 33-36-420. (A) An annual meeting of the membership of a corporation not-for-profit must be held at times provided in the bylaws. A special meeting of the membership may be called by a majority of its governing board, by not less than ten percent of the membership, or by the principal officer of its governing board.

(B) Meetings must be held at places provided in the bylaws, and in the absence of a provision, the principal office of the corporation is the location of all meetings.

(C) Except as otherwise provided, written or printed notice stating the time and place of each meeting of members and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose for which the meeting is called, must be given to each member, personally or by mail, not less than ten nor more than twenty-five days before the date of the meeting.

Section 33-36-430. A quorum must be provided in the bylaws, except that the number required by the bylaws may not be less than the number of the governing board who conduct the business of the corporation between meetings of the membership.

Section 33-36-440. Each member is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a membership meeting. Voting must be in person, unless the bylaws provide specifically for voting by proxy and the conditions under which proxy voting may be exercised.

Section 33-36-450. (A) Notwithstanding another provision of this chapter, any proposition embodied in a petition signed by at least ten percent of the members of the corporation, except for dissolution or sale of a substantial portion of the assets of the corporation, must be submitted to the members of the corporation. The submission to the membership must occur at a special meeting of the membership held within forty-five days after the presentation of the petition unless the next annual meeting of members falls within ninety days after the presentation or unless the petition requests the issue be raised at the annual meeting.

(B) The approval of the board is not required for a proposition signed by ten percent of the membership, except for dissolution or the vote to sell a substantial portion of the assets of the corporation, to be submitted to the membership for vote and adopted at a regular or special meeting.

(C) The board must exercise its best efforts to carry out the directives of the membership which are adopted pursuant to a ten percent or greater membership petition, and failure by a board member to exercise his best efforts to carry out the directive is just cause for removal from the board.

Section 33-36-460. The private property of the members of a corporation not-for-profit is exempt from execution for the debts of the corporation, and a member is not liable or responsible for debts of the corporation.

Article 4

Governing Board

Section 33-36-610. (A) The business and affairs of the corporation must be managed by a board of not less than three persons, each of whom must be a member of the corporation or an agent of a corporation which is a member. If a husband and wife hold a joint membership in a corporation not-for-profit one, but not both, may be elected to the board.

(B) The board may exercise all the powers of a corporation not-for-profit except those powers conferred upon the members by this chapter, its articles of incorporation, or bylaws.

(C) The bylaws must prescribe the number of board members, their qualifications other than those provided for in this chapter, the manner of holding meetings of the board, and the filling of vacancies on the board. The bylaws also may provide for the removal of a board member from office and for the election of his successors.

Section 33-36-620. A majority of the board constitutes a quorum, unless otherwise specified in the bylaws.

Section 33-36-630. Unless limited by its articles of incorporation, a corporation not-for-profit must indemnify against reasonable expenses incurred by a board member who is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of a proceeding to which he is a party because of his board membership.

Section 33-36-640. General standards for board members are the same as those required of directors of nonprofit corporations under Section 33-31-830.

Section 33-36-650. The bylaws may provide for the division of the service area of the corporation into two or more districts for designating seats on its governing board. The bylaws also may provide that a district have two or more seats on its governing board. One or more members may be elected from each district to fill the seats designated for the district. The entire membership must vote on election of board members even though only members from certain geographic districts are qualified candidates for district board seats. The bylaws may provide, further, that board elections be staggered so that no less than one-third or more than one-half of all board members' terms expire each year.

Section 33-36-660. All board members of corporations not-for-profit are immune from suits arising from the conduct of the affairs of the corporation, unless conduct amounts to wilful, wanton, or gross negligence. Nothing in this article grants immunity to a corporation not-for-profit.

Section 33-36-670. A corporation not-for-profit has the officers described in its bylaws, and they are chosen by the board in accordance with the bylaws. A duly appointed officer may have one or more assistant officers if authorized by the bylaws. The bylaws of the corporation must delegate to one officer the customary responsibilities of an officer commonly known as 'president', to one officer the customary responsibilities of an officer known as 'secretary', and one officer the customary responsibilities of an officer commonly known as 'treasurer'. The responsibilities of secretary and treasurer may be held by the same person. An officer may be removed from office and his successor selected in the manner prescribed by the bylaws.

Article 5

Sale, Consolidation, and Mergers

Section 33-36-810. (A) A corporation not-for-profit may sell its assets. A 'sale' means a sale, lease, exchange, donation, or other disposition of assets, except a mortgage of or other security interest in the assets.

(B) A sale of all or substantially all the property and assets, with or without the goodwill of a corporation not-for-profit, may be made upon terms and conditions and for consideration, which may consist in whole or in part of money or property, real or personal, including shares of any other corporation, domestic or foreign, as are authorized, in the following manner:

(1) Two-thirds of the board must adopt a resolution recommending the sale and directing the submission of it to a vote at a special or annual meeting of members.

(2) Written or printed notice must be given to each member of record entitled to vote at the meeting, within the time and in the manner provided for the giving of notice of meetings of members, and must state that the purpose of the meeting is to consider the proposed sale.

(3) At the meeting the members may authorize the sale by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the members, and may fix, or authorize the board to fix, the terms and conditions of the sale and the consideration to be received by the corporation.

Section 33-36-820. Two or more corporations not-for-profit, each of which is designated a 'consolidating corporation', may consolidate into a new corporation not-for-profit, designated the 'new corporation', by complying with the following requirements:

(1) The proposition for consolidating into a new corporation and proposed articles of consolidation must be approved first by the board of each consolidating corporation. The proposed articles of consolidation must recite in the caption that they are executed pursuant to this chapter and must state:

(a) the name of each consolidating corporation, the address of its principal office, and the date of the filing of its articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State;

(b) the name of the new corporation and the address of its principal office;

(c) the names and addresses of the persons who constitute the first board of the new corporation;

(d) the terms and conditions of the consolidation and the mode of effecting it, including the manner and basis of converting memberships in each consolidating corporation into memberships in the new corporation and the issuance of certificates of membership for the converted memberships; and

(e) any provisions not inconsistent with this chapter considered necessary or advisable for the conduct of the business and affairs of the new corporation.

(2) Upon approval by the board of each consolidating corporation, the proposition for consolidating and the proposed articles of consolidation must be submitted to a vote of the members of each consolidating corporation at an annual or special meeting, the notice of which must explain fully the proposed consolidation. The proposed consolidation and the proposed articles of consolidation are approved upon the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of those members of each consolidating corporation voting at the meeting.

(3)(a) Upon approval by the members of the respective consolidating corporations, articles of consolidation in the approved form must be executed and acknowledged on behalf of each consolidating corporation by the officers specified in their bylaws, and attested under seal by the officer specified in their bylaws.

(b) The chief officer of each consolidating corporation, by whatever name designated in the bylaws, must execute the articles of consolidation and make and attach to them an affidavit stating that the provisions of this section were duly complied with by the corporation not-for-profit.

(c) The articles of consolidation and affidavits must be submitted to the Secretary of State for filing as provided in this chapter.

Section 33-36-830. Any one or more corporations not-for-profit, each of which is designated a 'merging corporation', may merge into another corporation not-for-profit, designated the 'surviving corporation', by complying with the following requirements:

(1) The proposition for merging into a surviving corporation and proposed articles of merger must be approved first by the board of each merging corporation and by the board of the surviving corporation. The proposed articles of merger must recite in the caption that they are executed pursuant to this chapter and must state:

(a) the name of each merging corporation, the address of its principal office, and the date of the filing of its articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State;

(b) the name of the surviving corporation and the address of its principal office;

(c) a statement that each merging corporation elects to be merged into the surviving corporation;

(d) the terms and conditions of the merger and the mode of effecting it, including the manner and basis of converting the memberships in the merging corporation or corporations into memberships in the surviving corporation and the issuance of certificates of membership for the converted memberships; and

(e) any provisions not inconsistent with this chapter considered necessary or advisable for the conduct of the business and affairs of the surviving corporation.

(2) After approval by the boards of the respective parties to the proposed merger, the proposition for merging into a surviving corporation and the proposed articles of merger must be submitted to a vote of the members of each corporation at an annual or special meeting, the notice of which must explain fully the proposed merger. The proposed merger and the proposed articles of merger are approved upon the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of those members of each corporation voting at the meeting.

(3)(a) Upon approval by the members of the respective parties to the proposed merger, articles of merger in the approved form must be executed and acknowledged on behalf of each such corporation by its chief officer, by whatever name designated in its bylaws, and attested under seal by the officer specified in its bylaws.

(b) The chief officer of each corporation executing the articles of merger also must make and attach to them an affidavit stating that the provisions of this section were duly complied with by the corporation.

(c) The articles of merger and affidavits must be submitted to the Secretary of State for filing as provided in this chapter.

Section 33-36-840. The effect of consolidation or merger is as follows:

(1) The several parties to the consolidation or merger are a single corporation not-for-profit. In the case of a consolidation, it is the new corporation provided for in the articles of consolidation and, in the case of a merger, it is the surviving corporation. The separate existence of all corporate parties to the consolidation or merger, except the new or surviving corporation, ceases.

(2) The new or surviving corporation has all the rights, privileges, immunities, and powers and is subject to all the duties and liabilities of a corporation not-for-profit organized pursuant to this chapter, and possesses all the rights, privileges, immunities, and franchises of a public or private nature, and all property, real and personal, applications for membership, all debts due on whatever account, and all other choses in action of each of the consolidating or merging corporations. Every interest of, or belonging or due to, each of the consolidating or merging corporations are transferred to and vested in the new or surviving corporation without further act or deed. The title to real estate, or an interest in real estate, vested in a consolidating or merging corporation does not revert or is not impaired by reason of the consolidation or merger.

(3) The new or surviving corporation is responsible and liable for all of the liabilities and obligations of each of the consolidating or merging corporations, and a claim existing or action or proceeding pending by or against any of the corporations may be prosecuted as if the consolidation or merger had not taken place, except that the new or surviving corporation may be substituted in its place.

(4) Neither the rights of creditors nor liens upon the property of consolidating or merging corporations are impaired by consolidation or merger.

(5) In the case of a consolidation, the articles of consolidation are the articles of incorporation of the new corporation, and in the case of a merger, the articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation are considered to be amended to the extent that the changes are provided for in the articles of merger.

Article 6

Dissolution

Section 33-36-1010. A corporation not-for-profit which has not commenced business may dissolve voluntarily by delivering to the Secretary of State for filing articles of dissolution, executed and acknowledged on behalf of the corporation, and stating:

(1) the name of the corporation;

(2) the address of its principal office;

(3) the date of its incorporation;

(4) that the corporation has not commenced business;

(5) that the amount, if any, actually paid in an amount of membership fees, less any part disbursed for necessary expenses, has been returned to those entitled to it;

(6) that no debt of the corporation remains unpaid; and

(7) that a majority of the incorporators elects that the corporation be dissolved.

Section 33-36-1020. A corporation not-for-profit which has commenced business may dissolve voluntarily and wind up its affairs in the following manner:

(1) Two-thirds of the board shall adopt a resolution recommending dissolution and directing the submission of the question to a vote at an annual or special meeting of members.

(2) Written or printed notice must be given to each member of record entitled to vote at the meeting within the time and in the manner provided for the giving of notice of meetings of members, and must state that the purpose of the meeting is to consider the dissolution.

(3) At the meeting the members may authorize the dissolution and may fix, or authorize the board to fix, its terms and conditions. Each member may vote and the authorization requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the members.

Section 33-36-1030. (A) Upon meeting the requirements of Section 33-36-1020, a certificate of election to dissolve must be executed and acknowledged on behalf of the corporation by its chief officer, by whatever name designated by the bylaws, and attested under seal by the officer specified in its bylaws.

(B) The certificate must state:

(1) the name of the corporation;

(2) the address of its principal office;

(3) the names and addresses of its board members; and

(4) the total number of members of the corporation, the number voting for dissolution, and the number voting against dissolution.

(C) The corporate officer executing the certificate of election to dissolve also must make, as an attachment to the certificate, an affidavit stating compliance with the provisions of Section 33-36-1020.

Section 33-36-1040. The certificate of dissolution and affidavit must be submitted to the Secretary of State for filing and the corporation not-for-profit must cease to carry on its business, except as is necessary for the winding up of its business. Its corporate existence continues until articles of dissolution have been filed by the Secretary of State.

Section 33-36-1050. The board has full power to wind up and settle the affairs of the corporation not-for-profit. It shall collect the debts owing to the corporation, sell and dispose of its property and assets, and pay, satisfy, and discharge its debts, obligations, and liabilities. After paying or adequately providing for the payment of all debts, obligations, and liabilities, the board shall dispose of the residual assets in accordance with the requirements of Section 501(c)(12) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Section 33-36-1060. Upon the filing of the certificate of dissolution by the Secretary of State, the board immediately shall cause notice of the winding up proceedings to be mailed to each known creditor and claimant and to be published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the principal office of the corporation is located.

Section 33-36-1070. (A) When all debts, liabilities, and obligations of the corporation have been paid and all remaining property and assets distributed, the board shall authorize the execution of articles of dissolution, executed and acknowledged on behalf of the corporation by its chief officer, by whatever name designated in its bylaws, and attested under seal by the officer specified in its bylaws.

(B) The articles of dissolution must recite in the caption that they are executed pursuant to this chapter and must state:

(1) the name of the corporation;

(2) the address of the principal office;

(3) that the corporation has delivered to the Secretary of State a certificate of election to dissolve and the date on which the certificate was filed by the Secretary of State in the records of his office;

(4) that all debts, obligations, and liabilities of the corporation have been paid and discharged or that adequate provisions have been made for payment or discharge;

(5) that all residual assets of the corporation have been distributed in accordance with Section 501(c)(12) of the 1986 Internal Revenue Code;

(6) that no actions or suits are pending against the corporation.

(C) The officer executing the articles of dissolution also shall make and attach to them an affidavit stating that the provisions of this article have been duly complied with. The articles of dissolution and affidavit, accompanied by proof of the publication required in Section 33-36-1060, must be submitted to the Secretary of State for filing.

Article 7

Miscellaneous

Section 33-36-1210. A domestic corporation organized and governed pursuant to Chapter 35 of Title 33 before the effective date of this chapter is deemed to have been organized pursuant to this chapter as of its effective date and must be governed by the provisions of this chapter."

SECTION 3. Section 33-20-103 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 384 of 1994, is further amended to read:

"Section 33-20-103. Except for corporations organized under or transacting business pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 49 of this title, except for corporations organized under or transacting business pursuant to Chapter 45 of this title or any other provision of law in this title relating to telephone cooperatives, except for corporations not-for-profit organized or operating pursuant to Chapter 36 of this title, and except for those nonprofit corporations which are governed exclusively by the provisions of Chapter 31 of this title, Chapters 1 through 20 of this title apply to every domestic nonprofit corporation and to any other foreign nonprofit corporation which is authorized to or transacts business in this State except as otherwise provided in Chapters 1 through 20 of this title or by the law regulating the organization, qualification, or governance of the nonprofit corporation."

SECTION 4. Section 33-31-1708 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 384 of 1994, is amended to read:

"Section 33-31-1708. Other sections of this chapter notwithstanding, cooperative nonprofit membership corporations organized under or transacting business pursuant to Chapter 49 of this title, and telephone cooperatives organized under or transacting business pursuant to Chapter 45 or any other provision of law in this title, and corporations not-for-profit organized under and operating pursuant to Chapter 36 of this title are not subject to the provisions of this chapter and no provision of this chapter shall repeal repeals or amend amends any provision of Chapter 49 of this title, or any provision of Chapter 45 of this title or any other provision of law in this title relating to telephone cooperatives, or any provisions of Chapter 36 of this title."

SECTION 5. Chapter 35 of Title 33 of the 1976 Code is repealed.

SECTION 6. A. Section 6-13-120(A) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 6 of 1993, is amended to read:

"(A) For purposes of this section, 'assuming service provider' includes, but is not limited to, a county, municipality, special purpose district as defined by Section 6-11-810(d), or corporation not for profit as defined by Section 33-35-10 33-36-10."

B. Section 6-19-10 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 6-19-10. The State may make grants in aid in the financing of any public water supply authorities or districts, any sewer authorities or districts, any water and sewer authority, any rural community water or sewer system legally organized in the State, any nonprofit corporation organized pursuant to Sections 33-35-10 to 33-35-170 Chapter 36 of Title 33, any general purpose local government, water or sewer system; or any municipal water or sewer system in any city, town, or village of less than one thousand five hundred population in accordance with the most recent studies conducted by the United States Bureau of the Census."

C. Section 12-6-550(4) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 76 of 1995, is amended to read:

"(4) nonprofit corporations organized pursuant to Sections 33-35-10 through 33-35-170 Chapter 36 of Title 33 for the purpose of providing water supply and sewerage disposal or a combination of those services;"

D. Section 12-36-2120(12) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 361 of 1992, is amended to read:

"(12) water sold by public utilities, if rates and charges are of the kind determined by the Public Service Commission, or water sold by nonprofit corporations organized pursuant to Sections 33-35-10 to 33-35-170 Chapter 36 to Title 33;"

E. Section 12-37-220(B)(4) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(4) All property of any kind of a nonprofit corporation created for the purpose of providing water supply or sewage disposal, or a combination of such services, organized pursuant to Sections 33-35-10 and 33-35-170 Chapter 36 of Title 33."

SECTION 7. Any charter of a corporation not-for-profit filed with the Secretary of State before the effective date of this act is not repealed or nullified by this act. If any article, sector, or paragraph of an existing charter is inconsistent with a provision of this act, the article, sector, or paragraph is automatically modified to the extent necessary to conform with this act.

SECTION 8. If a company subject to the provisions of this act fails to have a registered agent for service of process on the effective date of this act, the Secretary of State must notify the corporation not-for-profit, which has sixty days to appoint for the record an agent or be subject to a fine of five hundred dollars.

SECTION 9. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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This web page was last updated on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 2:58 P.M.