1. If a corporation elects to become a benefit corporation under this subchapter in the manner prescribed in this subchapter, it is subject in all respects to the provisions of this chapter, except to the extent this subchapter imposes additional or different requirements, in which case such requirements apply. The inclusion of a provision in this subchapter does not imply that a contrary or different rule of law applies to a corporation that is not a benefit corporation. This subchapter does not affect a statute or rule of law that applies to a corporation that is not a benefit corporation.

Terms Used In Iowa Code 490.1701

  • Articles of incorporation: means the articles of incorporation described in section 490. See Iowa Code 490.140
  • Benefit corporation: means a corporation that includes in its articles of incorporation a statement that the corporation is subject to this subchapter. See Iowa Code 490.1701
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute mean the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Rule: includes "regulation". See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
 2. As used in this subchapter:

 a. “Benefit corporation” means a corporation that includes in its articles of incorporation a statement that the corporation is subject to this subchapter.
 b. “Public benefit” means a positive effect, or reduction of negative effects, on one or more communities or categories of persons or entities, other than shareholders solely in their capacity as shareholders, or on the environment, including effects of an artistic, charitable, economic, educational, cultural, literary, medical, religious, social, ecological, or scientific nature.
 c. “Public benefit provision” means a provision in the articles of incorporation which states that the corporation shall pursue one or more identified public benefits.
 d. “Responsible and sustainable manner” means a manner that does all of the following:

 (1) Pursues through the business of the corporation the creation of a positive effect on society and the environment, taken as a whole, that is material taking into consideration the corporation’s size and the nature of its business.
 (2) Considers, in addition to the interests of shareholders, the interests of stakeholders known to be affected by the conduct of the business of the corporation.