(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, an amendment to the articles does not affect a cause of action existing against or in favor of the nonprofit corporation, a proceeding to which the corporation is a party, or the existing rights of persons other than members of the corporation or persons referred to in the articles. An amendment changing a corporation’s name does not abate a proceeding brought by or against the corporation in its former name.

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Terms Used In Washington Code 24.03A.685

  • Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
  • Beneficiary: A person who is entitled to receive the benefits or proceeds of a will, trust, insurance policy, retirement plan, annuity, or other contract. Source: OCC
  • 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.
  • person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
  • Trustee: A person or institution holding and administering property in trust.
(2) No amendment to the articles shall modify any restriction imposed through any means upon property held for charitable purposes unless, before the delivery of the amendment to the secretary of state for filing, the restriction is modified:
(a) In the case of a restriction imposed pursuant to a trust instrument governed by chapter 11.110 RCW in which the nonprofit corporation is a trustee or a beneficiary, through an appropriate order of the court or the agreement of all interested parties, including the attorney general, under chapter 11.96A RCW; or
(b) In the case of any other restriction, pursuant to RCW 24.03A.190.
(3) A person who is a member or otherwise affiliated with a charitable corporation may not receive a direct or indirect financial benefit in connection with an amendment of the articles unless the person is itself a charitable corporation, the federal government, a state, a governmental subdivision, or an unincorporated entity that has charitable purposes. This subsection does not apply to the receipt of reasonable compensation for services rendered.

NOTES:

Effective date2021 c 176: See note following RCW 24.03A.005.