Z-0511.1                   _______________________________________________

 

                                                     SENATE BILL 5471

                              _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington                              53rd Legislature                             1993 Regular Session

 

By Senators A. Smith, Quigley, Nelson and Snyder; by request of Secretary of State

 

Read first time 01/29/93.  Referred to Committee on Law & Justice.

 

Changing provisions relating to nonprofit corporations.


          AN ACT Relating to nonprofit corporations; amending RCW 24.03.005, 24.03.017, 24.03.045, 24.03.046, 24.03.047, 24.03.048, 24.03.055, 24.03.240, 24.03.302, 24.03.345, 24.03.370, 24.03.386, 24.03.388, 24.03.395, 24.03.400, 24.03.405, 24.03.410, 24.06.046, 24.06.047, 24.06.048, 24.06.050, 24.06.055, 24.06.275, 24.06.290, 24.06.380, 24.06.415, 24.06.440, 24.06.445, 24.06.450, 24.06.465, and 24.06.520; adding a new section to chapter 24.06 RCW; repealing RCW 24.03.490, 24.03.500, 24.03.510, 24.03.520, 24.03.530, and 24.03.540; repealing 1989 c 291 s 1 (uncodified); providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

        Sec. 1.  RCW 24.03.005 and 1989 c 291 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

          As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the term:

          (1) "Corporation" or "domestic corporation" means a corporation not for profit subject to the provisions of this chapter, except a foreign corporation.

          (2) "Foreign corporation" means a corporation not for profit organized under laws other than the laws of this state.

          (3) "Not for profit corporation" or "nonprofit corporation" means a corporation no part of the income of which is distributable to its members, directors or officers.

          (4) "Articles of incorporation" and "articles" mean the original articles of incorporation and all amendments thereto, and includes articles of merger and restated articles.

          (5) "Bylaws" means the code or codes of rules adopted for the regulation or management of the affairs of the corporation irrespective of the name or names by which such rules are designated.

          (6) "Member" means an individual or entity having membership rights in a corporation in accordance with the provisions of its articles or incorporation or bylaws.

          (7) "Board of directors" means the group of persons vested with the management of the affairs of the corporation irrespective of the name by which such group is designated in the articles or bylaws.

          (8) "Insolvent" means inability of a corporation to pay debts as they become due in the usual course of its affairs.

          (9) "Duplicate originals" means two copies, original or otherwise, each with original signatures, or one original with original signatures and one copy thereof.

          (10) "Conforms to law" as used in connection with duties of the secretary of state in reviewing documents for filing under this chapter, means the secretary of state has determined that the document complies as to form with the applicable requirements of this chapter.

          (11) "Effective date" means, in connection with a document filing made by the secretary of state, the date which is shown by affixing a "filed" stamp on the documents.  When a document is received for filing by the secretary of state in a form which complies with the requirements of this chapter and which would entitle the document to be filed immediately upon receipt, but the secretary of state's approval action occurs subsequent to the date of receipt, the secretary of state's filing date shall relate back to the date on which the secretary of state first received the document in acceptable form.  An applicant may request a specific effective date no more than thirty days later than the receipt date which might otherwise be applied as the effective date.

          (12) "Executed by an officer of the corporation," or words of similar import, means that any document signed by such person shall be and is signed by that person under penalties of perjury and in an official and authorized capacity on behalf of the corporation or person making the document submission with the secretary of state.

          (13) "An officer of the corporation" means, in connection with the execution of documents submitted for filing with the secretary of state, the president, a vice president, the secretary, or the treasurer of the corporation.

          (((14) "Public benefit not for profit corporation" or "public benefit nonprofit corporation" means a corporation no part of the income of which is distributable to its members, directors, or officers and that holds a current tax exempt status as provided under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3) or is specifically exempted from the requirement to apply for its tax exempt status under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3).))

 

        Sec. 2.  RCW 24.03.017 and 1982 c 35 s 73 are each amended to read as follows:

          Any corporation organized under any act of the state of Washington for any one or more of the purposes for which a corporation may be organized under this chapter and for no purpose other than those permitted by this chapter, and to which this chapter does not otherwise apply, may elect to have this chapter and the provisions thereof apply to such corporation.  Such corporation may so elect by having a resolution to do so adopted by the governing body of such corporation and by delivering to the secretary of state a statement of election in accordance with this section.  Such statement of election shall be executed in duplicate by the corporation by an officer of the corporation, and shall set forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation;

          (2) The act which created the corporation or pursuant to which it was organized;

          (3) That the governing body of the corporation has elected to have this chapter and the provisions thereof apply to said corporation.

          Duplicate originals of such statement of election shall be delivered to the secretary of state.  If the secretary of state finds that the statement of election conforms to law, the secretary of state shall, when fees in ((the same amount as required by this chapter)) an amount established by the secretary by rule for filing articles of incorporation have been paid, endorse on each of such duplicates the word "filed" and the effective date of the filing thereof, shall file one of such duplicate originals, and shall issue a certificate of elective coverage to which the other duplicate original shall be affixed.

          The certificate of elective coverage together with the duplicate original affixed thereto by the secretary of state shall be returned to the corporation or its representative.  Upon the filing of the statement of elective coverage, the provisions of this chapter shall apply to said corporation which thereafter shall be subject to and shall have the benefits of this chapter and the provisions thereof as they exist on the date of filing such statement of election and as they may be amended from time to time thereafter, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the power to amend its charter or articles of incorporation, whether or not created by special act of the legislature, delete provisions therefrom and add provisions thereto in any manner and to any extent it may choose to do from time to time so long as its amended articles shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.

 

        Sec. 3.  RCW 24.03.045 and 1989 c 291 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

          The corporate name:

          (1) Shall not contain any word or phrase which indicates or implies that it is organized for any purpose other than one or more of the purposes contained in its articles of incorporation.

          (2) Shall not be the same as, or deceptively similar to, the name of any corporation, whether for profit or not for profit, existing under any act of this state, or any foreign corporation, whether for profit or not for profit, authorized to transact business or conduct affairs in this state, any domestic or foreign limited partnership on file with the secretary, or a limited partnership existing under chapter 25.10 RCW, or a corporate name reserved or registered as permitted by the laws of this state.  This subsection shall not apply if the applicant files with the secretary of state either of the following:  (a) The written consent of the other corporation, limited partnership, or holder of a reserved name to use the same or deceptively similar name and one or more words are added or deleted to make the name distinguishable from the other name as determined by the secretary of state, or (b) a certified copy of a final decree of a court of competent jurisdiction establishing the prior right of the applicant to the use of the name in this state.

          (3) Shall be transliterated into letters of the English alphabet, if it is not in English.

          (4) Shall not include or end with "incorporated," "company," "corporation," "partnership," "limited partnership," or "Ltd.," or any abbreviation thereof, but may use "club," "league," "association," "services," "committee," "fund," "society," "foundation," ". . . . . ., a nonprofit corporation," or any name of like import.

          (((5) May only include the term "public benefit" or names of like import if the corporation has been designated as a public benefit nonprofit corporation by the secretary in accordance with this chapter.))

 

        Sec. 4.  RCW 24.03.046 and 1982 c 35 s 77 are each amended to read as follows:

          The exclusive right to the use of a corporate name may be reserved by:

          (1) Any person intending to organize a corporation under this title.

          (2) Any domestic corporation intending to change its name.

          (3) Any foreign corporation intending to make application for a certificate of authority to transact business in this state.

          (4) Any foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state and intending to change its name.

          (5) Any person intending to organize a foreign corporation and intending to have such corporation make application for a certificate of authority to transact business in this state.

          The reservation shall be made by filing with the secretary of state an application to reserve a specified corporate name, executed by or on behalf of the applicant.  If the secretary of state finds that the name is available for corporate use, the secretary of state shall reserve the same for the exclusive use of the applicant for a period of one hundred and eighty days.  Such reservation shall be limited to one filing ((and one renewal for a like period)).

          The right to the exclusive use of a specified corporate name so reserved may be transferred to any other person or corporation by filing in the office of the secretary of state, a notice of such transfer, executed by the applicant for whom the name was reserved, and specifying the name and address of the transferee.

 

        Sec. 5.  RCW 24.03.047 and 1987 c 55 s 40 are each amended to read as follows:

          Any corporation, organized and existing under the laws of any state or territory of the United States may register its corporate name under this title, provided its corporate name is not the same as, or deceptively similar to, the name of any domestic corporation existing under the laws of this state, the name of any foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state, the name of any limited partnership on file with the secretary, or any corporate name reserved or registered under this title.

          Such registration shall be made by:

          (1) Filing with the secretary of state:  (a) An application for registration executed by the corporation by an officer thereof, setting forth the name of the corporation, the state or ((territory)) country under the laws of which it is incorporated, the date of its incorporation, ((a statement that it is carrying on or doing business, and a brief statement of the business in which it is engaged,)) and (b) a certificate setting forth that such corporation is in good standing under the laws of the state or territory wherein it is organized, executed by the secretary of state of such state or ((territory)) country or by such other official as may have custody of the records pertaining to corporations, and

          (2) Paying to the secretary of state the applicable registration fee in an amount established by the secretary of state by rule.

          The registration shall be effective until the close of the calendar year in which the application for registration is filed.

 

        Sec. 6.  RCW 24.03.048 and 1986 c 240 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

          A corporation which has in effect a registration of its corporate name, may renew such registration from year to year by annually filing an application for renewal setting forth the facts required to be set forth in an original application for registration and a certificate of good standing as required for the original registration and by paying the applicable fee in an amount established by the secretary of state by rule.  A renewal application may be filed between the first day of October and the thirty-first day of December in each year, and shall extend the registration for the following calendar year.

 

        Sec. 7.  RCW 24.03.055 and 1986 c 240 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

          A corporation may change its registered office or change its registered agent, or both, upon filing in the office of the secretary of state in the form prescribed by the secretary of state a statement setting forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation.

          (2) If the ((address of its)) current registered office is to be changed, the street address to which the registered office is to be changed.

          (3) If ((its)) the current registered agent is to be changed, the name of ((its successor)) the new registered agent.

          (4) That the address of its registered office and the address of the office of its registered agent, as changed, will be identical.

          (((5) That such change was authorized by resolution duly adopted by its board of directors.))

          Such statement shall be executed by the corporation by an officer of the corporation, and delivered to the secretary of state, together with a written consent of the registered agent to his or its appointment, if applicable.  If the secretary of state finds that such statement conforms to the provisions of this chapter, the secretary of state shall endorse thereon the word "Filed," and the month, day, and year of the filing thereof, and file the statement.  The change of address of the registered office, or the appointment of a new registered agent, or both, as the case may be, shall become effective upon filing unless a later date is specified.

          Any registered agent of a corporation may resign as such agent upon filing a written notice thereof, executed in duplicate, with the secretary of state, who shall forthwith mail a copy thereof to the corporation in care of an officer, who is not the resigning registered agent, at the address of such officer as shown by the most recent annual report of the corporation.  The appointment of such agent shall terminate upon the expiration of thirty days after receipt of such notice by the secretary of state.

          If a registered agent changes the agent's business address to another place within the state, the agent may change such address and the address of the registered office of any corporation of which the agent is a registered agent, by filing a statement as required by this section except that it need be signed only by the registered agent, it need not be responsive to subsection (3) ((or (5))) of this section, and it must recite that a copy of the statement has been mailed to the secretary of the corporation.

 

        Sec. 8.  RCW 24.03.240 and 1982 c 35 s 93 are each amended to read as follows:

          If voluntary dissolution proceedings have not been revoked, then when all debts, liabilities and obligations of the corporation shall have been paid and discharged, or adequate provision shall have been made therefor, and all of the remaining property and assets of the corporation shall have been transferred, conveyed or distributed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, articles of dissolution shall be executed in duplicate by the corporation by an officer of the corporation and shall set forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation.

          (2) Where there are members having voting rights, (a) a statement setting forth the date of the meeting of members at which the resolution to dissolve was adopted, that a quorum was present at such meeting, and that such resolution received at least two-thirds of the votes which members present at such meeting or represented by proxy were entitled to cast, or (b) a statement that such resolution was adopted by a consent in writing signed by all members entitled to vote with respect thereto.

          (3) Where there are no members, or no members having voting rights, a statement of such fact, the date of the meeting of the board of directors at which the resolution to dissolve was adopted and a statement of the fact that such resolution received the vote of a majority of the directors in office.

          (4) That all debts, obligations, and liabilities of the corporation have been paid and discharged or that adequate provision has been made therefor.

          (5) ((If a copy of any revenue clearance form under chapter 82.32 RCW is issued, it shall be attached to the articles of dissolution)) A copy of a revenue clearance certificate issued pursuant to chapter 82.32 RCW.

          (6) That all the remaining property and assets of the corporation have been transferred, conveyed or distributed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

          (7) That there are no suits pending against the corporation in any court, or that adequate provision has been made for the satisfaction of any judgment, order or decree which may be entered against it in any pending suit.

 

        Sec. 9.  RCW 24.03.302 and 1987 c 117 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

          A corporation shall be administratively dissolved by the secretary of state upon the conditions prescribed in this section when the corporation:

          (1) Has failed to file or complete its annual report within the time required by law; or

          (2) Has failed for thirty days to appoint or maintain a registered agent in this state; or

          (3) Has failed for thirty days, after change of its registered agent or registered office, to file in the office of the secretary of state a statement of such change.

          A corporation shall not be dissolved under this section unless the secretary of state has given the corporation not less than ((forty-five)) sixty days' notice of its delinquency or omission, by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the registered office, or, if there is no registered office, to the last known address of any officer or director as shown by the records of the secretary of state, and unless the corporation has failed to correct the omission or delinquency before expiration of the ((forty-five)) sixty-day period.

          When a corporation has given cause for dissolution under this section, and has failed to correct the delinquency or omission as provided in this section, the secretary of the state shall dissolve the corporation by issuing a certificate of administrative dissolution containing a statement that the corporation has been dissolved and the date and reason for which it was dissolved.  The original certificate of administrative dissolution shall be filed in the records of the secretary of state, and a copy of the certificate shall forthwith be mailed to the corporation at its registered office or, if there is no registered office, to the last known address of the corporation or any officer, director, or incorporator of the corporation, as shown by the records of the secretary of state.  Upon the filing of the certificate of administrative dissolution, the existence of the corporation shall cease, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, and its name shall be available to and may be adopted by another corporation after the dissolution.

          Any notice provided by the secretary of state under this section shall be designed to clearly identify and warn the recipient of the contents thereof.  A delinquency notice shall provide a succinct and readable description of the delinquency or omission, the date on which dissolution will occur, and the action necessary to cure the delinquency or omission prior to dissolution.

          A corporation which has been dissolved by operation of this section may be reinstated within a period of ((three)) two years following its administrative dissolution if it ((shall)) completes and files ((all the)) a current annual report((s which would have been required for the years of the period of administrative dissolution including those)) for the reinstatement year or if it ((shall)) appoints or maintains a registered agent, or if it ((shall)) files with the secretary of state a required statement of change of registered agent or registered office and in addition, if it ((shall)) pays a reinstatement fee ((of twenty-five dollars plus any other fees that may be due and owing the secretary of state)) set by rule by the secretary of state.  The corporation shall pay the full amount of all annual fees that would have been assessed for the years of administrative dissolution had the corporation been in active status, including the reinstatement year.  If, during the period of dissolution, another person or corporation has reserved or adopted a corporate name which is identical to or deceptively similar to the dissolved corporation's name, the dissolved corporation seeking reinstatement shall be required to adopt another name consistent with the requirements of this chapter and to amend its articles of incorporation accordingly.  When a corporation has been dissolved by operation of this section, remedies available to or against it shall survive in the manner provided in RCW 24.03.300 and the directors of the corporation shall hold the title to the property of the corporation as trustees for the benefit of its creditors and members.

 

        Sec. 10.  RCW 24.03.345 and 1986 c 240 s 47 are each amended to read as follows:

          A foreign corporation authorized to conduct affairs in this state may change its registered office or change its registered agent, or both, upon filing in the office of the secretary of state in a form approved by the secretary of state a statement setting forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation.

          (2) If the ((address of its)) current registered office is to be changed, the street address to which the registered office is to be changed.

          (3) If ((its)) the current registered agent is to be changed, the name of ((its successor)) the new registered agent.

          (4) That the address of its registered office and the address of the office of its registered agent, as changed, will be identical.

          (((5) That such change was authorized by resolution duly adopted by its board of directors.))

          Such statement shall be executed by the corporation by an officer of the corporation, and delivered to the secretary of state, together with a written consent of the registered agent to  his or its appointment, if applicable.  If the secretary of state finds that such statement conforms to the provisions of this chapter, the secretary of state shall endorse thereon the word "Filed," and the month, day, and year of the filing thereof, and file the statement.  The change of address of the registered office, or the appointment of a new registered agent, or both, as the case may be, shall become effective upon filing unless a later date is specified.

          Any registered agent in this state appointed by a foreign corporation may resign as such agent upon filing a written notice thereof, executed in duplicate, with the secretary of state who shall forthwith mail a copy thereof to the secretary of the foreign corporation at its principal office as shown by its most recent annual report.  The appointment of such agent shall terminate upon the expiration of thirty days after receipt of such notice by the secretary of state.

          If a registered agent changes his business address to another place within the state, the registered agent may change such address and the address of the registered office of any corporation of which the registered agent is a registered agent by filing a statement as required by this section, except that it need be signed only by the registered agent, it need not be responsive to subsection (3) ((or (5))) of this section, and it must recite that a copy of the statement has been mailed to the corporation.

 

        Sec. 11.  RCW 24.03.370 and 1982 c 35 s 104 are each amended to read as follows:

          A foreign corporation authorized to conduct affairs in this state may withdraw from this state upon procuring from the secretary of state a certificate of withdrawal.  In order to procure such certificate of withdrawal, such foreign corporation shall deliver to the secretary of state an application for withdrawal, which shall set forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation and the state or country under the laws of which it is incorporated.

          (2) That the corporation is not conducting affairs in this state.

          (3) That the corporation surrenders its authority to conduct affairs in this state.

          (4) That the corporation revokes the authority of its registered agent in this state to accept service of process and consents that service of process in any action, suit or proceeding based upon any cause of action arising in this state during the time the corporation was authorized to conduct affairs in this state may thereafter be made on such corporation by service thereof on the secretary of state.

          (5) ((If a copy of a revenue clearance form under chapter 82.32 RCW is issued, it shall be attached to the application for withdrawal)) A copy of a revenue clearance certificate issued pursuant to chapter 82.32 RCW.

          (6) A post office address to which the secretary of state may mail a copy of any process against the corporation that may be served on the secretary of state.

          The application for withdrawal shall be made on forms prescribed and furnished by the secretary of state and shall be executed by the corporation by an officer of the corporation, or, if the corporation is in the hands of a receiver or trustee, shall be executed on behalf of the corporation by such receiver or trustee.

 

        Sec. 12.  RCW 24.03.386 and 1987 c 117 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) A corporation revoked under RCW 24.03.380 may apply to the secretary of state for reinstatement within ((five)) two years after the effective date of revocation.  An application filed within such ((five-)) two-year period may be amended or supplemented and any such amendment or supplement shall be effective as of the date of original filing.  The application filed under this section shall be filed under and by authority of an officer of the corporation.

          (2) The application shall:

          (a) State the name of the corporation and, if applicable, the name the corporation had elected to use in this state at the time of revocation, and the effective date of its revocation;

          (b) Provide an explanation to show that the grounds for revocation either did not exist or have been eliminated;

          (c) State the name of the corporation at the time of reinstatement and, if applicable, the name the corporation elects to use in this state at the time of reinstatement which may be reserved under RCW 24.03.046;

          (d) Appoint a registered agent and state the registered office address under RCW 24.03.340; and

          (e) Be accompanied by payment of applicable fees and penalties.

          (3) If the secretary of state determines that the application conforms to law, and that all applicable fees have  been paid, the secretary of state shall cancel the certificate of revocation, prepare and file a certificate of reinstatement, and mail a copy of the certificate of reinstatement to the corporation.

          (4) Reinstatement under this section relates back to and takes effect as of the date of revocation.  The corporate authority shall be deemed to have continued without interruption from that date.

          (5) In the event the application for reinstatement states a corporate name which the secretary of state finds to be contrary to the requirements of RCW 24.03.046, the application, amended application, or supplemental application shall be amended to adopt another corporate name which is in compliance with RCW 24.03.046.  In the event the reinstatement application so adopts a new corporate name for use in Washington, the application for authority shall be deemed to have been amended to change the corporation's name to the name so adopted for use in Washington, effective as of the effective date of the certificate of reinstatement.

 

        Sec. 13.  RCW 24.03.388 and 1991 c 223 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) An application processing fee as provided in RCW 24.03.405 shall be charged for an application for reinstatement under RCW 24.03.386.

          (2) An application processing fee as provided in RCW 24.03.405 shall be charged for each amendment or supplement to an application for reinstatement.

          (3) The corporation seeking reinstatement shall file ((all)) a current annual report((s)) and pay the full amount of all annual corporation fees which would have been assessed for the years of the period of administrative revocation, had the corporation been in active status, including the reinstatement year.

 

        Sec. 14.  RCW 24.03.395 and 1989 c 291 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

          Each domestic corporation, and each foreign corporation authorized to conduct affairs in this state, shall file, within the time prescribed by this chapter, an annual report in the form prescribed by the secretary of state ((setting)).  The secretary may by rule provide that a biennial filing meets this requirement.  The report shall set forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation and the state or country under the laws of which it is incorporated;

          (2) The address of the registered office of the corporation in this state including street and number and the name of its registered agent in this state at such address, and, in the case of a foreign corporation, the address of its principal office;

          (3) A brief statement of the character of the affairs which the corporation is actually conducting, or, in the case of a foreign corporation, which the corporation is actually conducting in this state;

          (4) The names and respective addresses of the directors and officers of the corporation; and

          (5) ((An affirmative indication whether or not any change has been made in the corporation's purpose and if so, the nature and reason for the change along with accompanying documentation;

          (6) Whether the corporation has filed an internal revenue service form 990 with the internal revenue service, which if filed, shall be made available upon request to the secretary of state's office;

          (7) The gross revenue and any unrelated business income as required to be reported under federal law; and

          (8))) The corporation's unified business identifier number.

          The information shall be given as of the date of the execution of the report.  It shall be executed by the corporation by an officer of the corporation, or, if the corporation is in the hands of a receiver or trustee, it shall be executed on behalf of the corporation by such receiver or trustee.

          The secretary of state may provide that correction or updating of information appearing on previous annual or biennial filings is sufficient to constitute the current ((annual)) filing.

 

        Sec. 15.  RCW 24.03.400 and 1986 c 240 s 54 are each amended to read as follows:

          Not less than thirty days prior to a corporation's renewal date, or by December 1 of each year for a nonstaggered renewal, the secretary of state shall mail to each domestic and foreign corporation, by first class mail addressed to its registered office, a notice that its annual or biennial report must be filed as required by this chapter, and stating that if it fails to file its annual or biennial report it shall be dissolved or its certificate of authority revoked, as the case may be.  Failure of the secretary of state to mail any such notice shall not relieve a corporation from its obligation to file the annual or biennial reports required by this chapter.

          Such ((annual)) report of a domestic or foreign corporation shall be delivered to the secretary of state between the first day of January and the first day of March of each year, or on an annual or biennial renewal date as the secretary of state may establish.  The secretary of state may adopt rules to establish biennial reporting dates and to stagger reporting dates.

          If the secretary of state finds that such report substantially conforms to the requirements of this chapter, the secretary of state shall file the same.

 

        Sec. 16.  RCW 24.03.405 and 1991 c 223 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

          The secretary of state shall ((charge and collect)) establish by rule, fees for:

          (1) Filing articles of incorporation or an application for reinstatement under RCW 24.03.386((, thirty dollars.));

          (2) Filing articles of amendment or restatement or an amendment or supplement to an application for reinstatement((, twenty dollars.));

          (3) Filing articles of merger or consolidation((, twenty dollars.));

          (4) Filing a statement of change of address of registered office or change of registered agent, or revocation, resignation, or any combination of these((, ten dollars)).  A separate fee for filing such statement shall not be charged if the statement appears in an amendment to articles of incorporation or in conjunction with the filing of the annual report((.));

          (5) Filing articles of dissolution((, no fee.));

          (6) Filing an application of a foreign corporation for a certificate of authority to conduct affairs in this state((, thirty dollars.));

          (7) Filing an application of a foreign corporation for an amended certificate of authority to conduct affairs in this state((, twenty dollars.));

          (8) Filing an application for withdrawal of a foreign corporation and issuing a certificate of withdrawal((, no fee.));

          (9) Filing a certificate by a foreign corporation of the appointment of a registered agent((, ten dollars)).  A separate fee for filing such certificate shall not be charged if the statement appears in conjunction with the filing of the annual report((.));

          (10) Filing a certificate of election adopting the provisions of chapter 24.03 RCW((, twenty dollars.));

          (11) Filing an application to reserve a corporate name((, twenty dollars.));

          (12) Filing a notice of transfer of a reserved corporate name((, twenty dollars.));

          (13) Filing a name registration((, twenty dollars per year, or part thereof.));

          (14) Filing an annual report of a domestic or foreign corporation((, ten dollars.));

          (15) Statement of election; and

          (16) Filing any other statement or report authorized for filing under this chapter((, ten dollars)).

 

        Sec. 17.  RCW 24.03.410 and 1982 c 35 s 111 are each amended to read as follows:

          The secretary of state shall ((charge and collect)) establish by rule, fees for the following:

          (1) For furnishing a certified copy of any charter document or any other document, instrument, or paper relating to a corporation((, five dollars for the certificate, plus twenty cents for each page copied.));

          (2) For furnishing a certificate, under seal, attesting to the status of a corporation; or any other certificate((, five dollars.));

          (3) For furnishing copies of any document, instrument, or paper relating to a corporation((, one dollar for the first page and twenty cents for each page copied thereafter.)); and

          (4) At the time of any service of process on ((him)) the secretary of state as registered agent of a corporation((, twenty-five dollars, which)).  This amount may be recovered as taxable costs by the party to the suit or action causing such service to be made if such party prevails in the suit or action.

 

        Sec. 18.  RCW 24.06.046 and 1982 c 35 s 122 are each amended to read as follows:

          The exclusive right to the use of a corporate name may be reserved by:

          (1) Any person intending to organize a corporation under this title.

          (2) Any domestic corporation intending to change its name.

          (3) Any foreign corporation intending to make application for a certificate of authority to transact business in this state.

          (4) Any foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state and intending to change its name.

          (5) Any person intending to organize a foreign corporation and intending to have such corporation make application for a certificate of authority to transact business in this state.

          The reservation shall be made by filing with the secretary of state an application to reserve a specified corporate name, executed by or on behalf of the applicant.  If the secretary of state finds that the name is available for corporate use, the secretary of state shall reserve the same for the exclusive use of the applicant for a period of one hundred and eighty days.  Such reservation shall be limited to one filing ((and one renewal for a like period)).

          The right to the exclusive use of a specified corporate name so reserved may be transferred to any other person or corporation by filing in the office of the secretary of state, a notice of such transfer, executed by the applicant for whom the name was reserved, and specifying the name and address of the transferee.

 

        Sec. 19.  RCW 24.06.047 and 1987 c 55 s 42 are each amended to read as follows:

          Any corporation, organized and existing under the laws of any state or territory of the United States may register its corporate name under this title, provided its corporate name is not the same as, or deceptively similar to, the name of any domestic corporation existing under the laws of this state, or the name of any foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state, the name of any domestic or foreign limited partnership on file with the secretary, or any corporate name reserved or registered under this title.

          Such registration shall be made by:

          (1) Filing with the secretary of state:  (a) An application for registration executed by the corporation by an officer thereof, setting forth the name of the corporation, the state or ((territory)) country under the laws of which it is incorporated, and the date of its incorporation, ((a statement that it is carrying on or doing business, and a brief statement of the business in which it is engaged,)) and (b) a certificate setting forth that such corporation is in good standing under the laws of the state or ((territory)) country wherein it is organized, executed by the secretary of state of such state or territory or by such other official as may have custody of the records pertaining to corporations, and

          (2) Paying to the secretary of state ((a registration fee in the amount of one dollar for each month, or fraction thereof, between the date of filing the application and December thirty-first of the calendar year in which the application is filed)) the applicable registration fee in an amount established by rule by the secretary of state.

          The registration shall be effective until the close of the calendar year in which the application for registration is filed.

 

        Sec. 20.  RCW 24.06.048 and 1982 c 35 s 124 are each amended to read as follows:

          A corporation which has in effect a registration of its corporate name, may renew such registration from year to year by annually filing an application for renewal setting forth the facts required to be set forth in an original application for registration and a certificate of good standing as required for the original registration and by paying ((a fee of ten dollars)) the applicable registration fee in an amount established by rule by the secretary of state.  A renewal application may be filed between the first day of October and the thirty-first day of December in each year, and shall extend the registration for the following calendar year.

 

        Sec. 21.  RCW 24.06.050 and 1982 c 35 s 125 are each amended to read as follows:

          Each domestic corporation and foreign corporation authorized to do business in this state shall have and continuously maintain in this state:

          (1) A registered office which may be, but need not be, the same as its principal office.  The registered office shall be at a specific geographic location in this state, and be identified by number, if any, and street, or building address or rural route, or, if a commonly known street or rural route address does not exist, by legal description.  A registered office may not be identified by post office box number or other nongeographic address.  For purposes of communicating by mail, the secretary of state may permit the use of a post office address in conjunction with the registered office address if the corporation also maintains on file the specific geographic address of the registered office where personal service of process may be made.

          (2) A registered agent, which agent may be either an individual resident in this state whose business office is identical with such registered office, or a domestic corporation existing under any act of this state or a foreign corporation authorized to transact business or conduct affairs in this state under any act of this state having an office identical with such registered office.  The resident agent and registered office shall be designated by duly adopted resolution of the board of directors; and a statement of such designation, executed by an officer of the corporation, ((together with a copy of the board of directors' designating resolution,)) shall be filed with the secretary of state.  A registered agent shall not be appointed without having given prior written consent to the appointment.  The written consent shall be filed with the secretary of state in such form as the secretary may prescribe.  The written consent shall be filed with or as a part of the document first appointing a registered agent.  In the event any individual or corporation has been appointed agent without consent, that person or corporation may file a notarized statement attesting to that fact, and the name shall forthwith be removed from the records of the secretary of state.

          No Washington corporation or foreign corporation authorized to transact business in this state may be permitted to maintain any action in any court in this state until the corporation complies with the requirements of this section.

 

        Sec. 22.  RCW 24.06.055 and 1982 c 35 s 126 are each amended to read as follows:

          A corporation may change its registered office or change its registered agent, or both, upon filing in the office of the secretary of state a statement in the form prescribed by the secretary of state setting forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation.

          (2) If the address of its registered office is to be changed, the address to which the registered office is to be changed, including street and number.

          (3) If ((its)) the current registered agent is to be changed, the name of its successor registered agent.

          (4) That the address of its registered office and the address of the office of its registered agent, as changed, will be identical.

          (((5) That such change was authorized by resolution duly adopted by its board of directors.))

          Such statement shall be executed by the corporation by an officer of the corporation, and delivered to the secretary of state, together with a written consent of the registered office to his or its appointment, if applicable.  If the secretary of state finds that such statement conforms to the provisions of this chapter, the secretary of state shall file such statement, and upon such filing, the change of address of the registered office, or the appointment of a new registered agent, or both, as the case may be, shall become effective.

          Any registered agent of a corporation may resign as such agent upon filing a written notice thereof, executed in duplicate, with the secretary of state, who shall forthwith mail a copy thereof to the corporation in care of an officer, who is not the resigning registered agent, at the address of such officer as shown by the most recent annual report of the corporation.  The appointment of such agent shall terminate upon the expiration of thirty days after receipt of such notice by the secretary of state.

 

        Sec. 23.  RCW 24.06.275 and 1982 c 35 s 138 are each amended to read as follows:

          If voluntary dissolution proceedings have not been revoked, then after all debts, liabilities and obligations of the corporation shall have been paid and discharged, or adequate provision shall have been made therefor, and all of the remaining property and assets of the corporation shall have been transferred, conveyed or distributed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, articles of dissolution shall be executed in duplicate by the corporation, by an officer of the corporation; and such statement shall set forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation.

          (2) The date of the meeting of members or shareholders at which the resolution to dissolve was adopted, certifying that:

          (a) A quorum was present at such meeting;

          (b) Such resolution received at least two-thirds of the votes which members and shareholders present in person or by mail at such meeting or represented by proxy were entitled to cast or was adopted by a consent in writing signed by all members and shareholders;

          (c) All debts, obligations, and liabilities of the corporation have been paid and discharged or that adequate provision has been made therefor;

          (d) All the remaining property and assets of the corporation have been transferred, conveyed or distributed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;

          (e) There are no suits pending against the corporation in any court or, if any suits are pending against it, that adequate provision has been made for the satisfaction of any judgment, order or decree which may be entered; and

          (f) ((If a copy of any revenue clearance form under chapter 82.32 RCW is issued, it shall be attached to the articles of dissolution)) A copy of a revenue clearance certificate issued pursuant to chapter 82.32 RCW.

 

        Sec. 24.  RCW 24.06.290 and 1982 c 35 s 141 are each amended to read as follows:

          Failure of the corporation to file its annual report within the time required shall not derogate from the rights of its creditors, or prevent the corporation from being sued and from defending lawsuits, nor shall it release the corporation from any of the duties or liabilities of a corporation under law.

          A corporation shall be dissolved by the secretary of state upon the conditions prescribed in this section when the corporation:

          (1) Has failed to file or complete its annual report within the time required by law;

          (2) Has failed for thirty days to appoint or maintain a registered agent in this state; or

          (3) Has failed for thirty days, after change of its registered agent or registered office, to file in the office of the secretary of state a statement of such change.

          A corporation shall not be dissolved under this section unless the secretary of state has given the corporation not less than ((forty-five)) sixty days' notice of its delinquency or omission, by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the registered office, or, if there is no registered office, to the last known address of any officer or director as shown by the records of the secretary of state, and unless the corporation has failed to correct the omission or delinquency before expiration of the ((forty-five)) sixty-day period.

          When a corporation has given cause for dissolution under this section, and has failed to correct the delinquency or omission as provided in this section, the secretary of state shall dissolve the corporation by issuing a certificate of involuntary dissolution containing a statement that the corporation has been dissolved and the date and reason for which it was dissolved.  The original certificate of involuntary dissolution shall be filed in the records of the secretary of state, and a copy of the certificate shall forthwith be mailed to the corporation at its registered office or, if there is no registered office, to the last known address of the corporation or any officer, director, or incorporator of the corporation, as shown by the records of the secretary of state.  Upon the filing of the certificate of involuntary dissolution, the existence of the corporation shall cease, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, and its name shall be available to and may be adopted by another corporation after the dissolution.

          A corporation which has been dissolved by operation of this section may be reinstated within a period of ((three)) two years following its dissolution if it shall file or complete ((its)) a current annual report, appoint and maintain a registered agent, or file a required statement of change of registered agent or registered office and in addition pay ((a)) the reinstatement fee ((of twenty-five dollars)) in an amount established by rule by the secretary of state plus any other fees that may be due or owing the secretary of state including the full amount of all annual fees that would have been assessed for the years of administrative dissolution had the corporation been in active status, including the reinstatement year.  If during the period of dissolution another person or corporation has reserved or adopted a corporate name which is identical or deceptively similar to the dissolved corporation's name, the dissolved corporation seeking reinstatement shall be required to adopt another name consistent with the requirements of this chapter and to amend its articles accordingly.  When a corporation has been dissolved by operation of this section, remedies available to or against it shall survive in the manner provided by RCW 24.06.335 and thereafter the directors of the corporation shall hold title to the property of the corporation as trustees for the benefit of its creditors and shareholders.

 

        Sec. 25.  RCW 24.06.380 and 1982 c 35 s 146 are each amended to read as follows:

          A foreign corporation authorized to conduct affairs in this state may change its registered office or change its registered agent, or both, upon filing in the office of the secretary of state in a form approved by the secretary of state a statement setting forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation.

          (2) If the address of ((its)) the current registered office is to be changed, such new address.

          (3) If ((its)) the current registered agent is to be changed, the name of ((its successor)) the new registered agent.

          (4) That the address of its registered office and the address of the office of its registered agent, as changed, will be identical.

          (((5) That such change was authorized by resolution duly adopted by its board of directors.))

          Such statement shall be executed by the corporation, by an officer of the corporation, and delivered to the secretary of state, together with a written consent of the registered agent to his or its appointment, if applicable.  If the secretary of state finds that such statement conforms to the provisions of this chapter, he or she shall file such statement in his or her office, and upon such filing the change of address of the registered office, or the appointment of a new registered agent, or both, as the case may be, shall become effective.

          If a registered agent changes his or her business address to another place within the state, the registered agent may change such address and the address of the registered office of any corporation of which the registered agent is registered agent by filing a statement as required by this section, except that it need be signed only by the registered agent, it need not be responsive to subsection (3) of this section, and it shall recite that a copy of the statement has been mailed to the corporation.

 

        Sec. 26.  RCW 24.06.415 and 1982 c 35 s 148 are each amended to read as follows:

          A foreign corporation authorized to conduct affairs in this state may withdraw from this state upon procuring from the secretary of state a certificate of withdrawal.  In order to procure such certificate of withdrawal, the foreign corporation shall deliver to the secretary of state an application for withdrawal, which shall set forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation and the state or country under whose laws it is incorporated.

          (2) A declaration that the corporation is not conducting affairs in this state.

          (3) A surrender of its authority to conduct affairs in this state.

          (4) A notice that the corporation revokes the authority of its registered agent in this state to accept service of process and consents that service of process in any action, suit or proceeding, based upon any cause of action arising in this state during the time the corporation was authorized to conduct affairs in this state, may thereafter be made upon such corporation by service thereof on the secretary of state.

          (5) ((If a copy of any revenue clearance form under chapter 82.32 RCW is issued, it shall be attached to the application for withdrawal)) A copy of the revenue clearance certificate issued pursuant to chapter 82.82 RCW.

          (6) A post office address to which the secretary of state may mail a copy of any process that may be served on the secretary of state as agent for the corporation.

          The application for withdrawal shall be made on forms prescribed and furnished by the secretary of state and shall be executed by the corporation, by one of the officers of the corporation, or, if the corporation is in the hands of a receiver or trustee, shall be executed on behalf of the corporation by such receiver or trustee.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 27.  A new section is added to chapter 24.06 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) A corporation revoked under RCW 24.06.425 may apply to the secretary of state for reinstatement within two years after the effective date of revocation.  An application filed within such two-year period may be amended or supplemented and any such amendment or supplement shall be effective as of the date of original filing.  The application filed under this section shall be filed under and by authority of an officer of the corporation.

          (2) The application shall:

          (a) State the name of the corporation and, if applicable, the name the corporation had elected to use in this state at the time of revocation, and the effective date of its revocation;

          (b) Provide an explanation to show that the grounds for revocation either did not exist or have been eliminated;

          (c) State the name of the corporation at the time of reinstatement and, if applicable, the name the corporation elects to use in this state at the time of reinstatement which may be reserved under RCW 24.06.046;

          (d) Appoint a registered agent and state the registered office address under RCW 24.06.375; and

          (e) Be accompanied by payment of applicable fees and penalties.

          (3) If the secretary of state determines that the application conforms to law, and that all applicable fees have  been paid, the secretary of state shall cancel the certificate of revocation, prepare and file a certificate of reinstatement, and mail a copy of the certificate of reinstatement to the corporation.

          (4) Reinstatement under this section relates back to and takes effect as of the date of revocation.  The corporate authority shall be deemed to have continued without interruption from that date.

          (5) In the event the application for reinstatement states a corporate name that the secretary of state finds to be contrary to the requirements of RCW 24.06.046, the application, amended application, or supplemental application shall be amended to adopt another corporate name that is in compliance with RCW 24.06.046.  In the event the reinstatement application so adopts a new corporate name for use in Washington, the application for authority shall be deemed to have been amended to change the corporation's name to the name so adopted for use in Washington, effective as of the effective date of the certificate of reinstatement.

 

        Sec. 28.  RCW 24.06.440 and 1982 c 35 s 152 are each amended to read as follows:

          Each domestic corporation, and each foreign corporation authorized to conduct affairs in this state, shall file, within the time prescribed by this chapter, an annual or biennial report, established by the secretary of state by rule, in the form prescribed by the secretary of state setting forth:

          (1) The name of the corporation and the state or country under whose laws it is incorporated.

          (2) The address of the registered office of the corporation in this state, including street and number, the name of its registered agent in this state at such address, and, in the case of a foreign corporation, the address of its principal office in the state or country under whose laws it is incorporated.

          (3) A brief statement of the character of the affairs in which the corporation is engaged, or, in the case of a foreign corporation, engaged in this state.

          (4) The names and respective addresses of the directors and officers of the corporation.

          (5) The corporation's unified business identifier number.

          The information shall be given as of the date of the execution of the report.  It shall be executed by the corporation by an officer of the corporation, or, if the corporation is in the hands of a receiver or trustee, it shall be executed on behalf of the corporation by such receiver or trustee.

          The secretary of state may by rule adopted under chapter 34.05 RCW provide that correction or updating of information appearing on previous annual or biennial filings is sufficient to constitute the current ((annual)) filing.

 

        Sec. 29.  RCW 24.06.445 and 1982 c 35 s 153 are each amended to read as follows:

          An annual or biennial report of each domestic or foreign corporation shall be delivered to the secretary of state between the first day of January and the first day of March of each year or on such annual or biennial renewal date as the secretary of state may establish.  The secretary of state may adopt rules to establish biennial reporting dates and to stagger reporting dates.  Proof to the satisfaction of the secretary of state that the report was deposited in the United States mails, in a sealed envelope, properly addressed to the secretary of state, with postage prepaid thereon, prior to the corporation's annual or biennial renewal date, shall be deemed compliance with this requirement.

          If the secretary of state finds that a report substantially conforms to the requirements of this chapter, the secretary of state shall file the same.

          Failure of the secretary of state to mail any such notice shall not relieve a corporation from its obligation to file the annual reports required by this chapter.

 

        Sec. 30.  RCW 24.06.450 and 1991 c 223 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

          The secretary of state shall ((charge and collect)) establish by rule, fees for:

          (1) Filing articles of incorporation((, thirty dollars.));

          (2) Filing articles of amendment or restatement((, twenty dollars.));

          (3) Filing articles of merger or consolidation((, twenty dollars.));

          (4) Filing a statement of change of address of registered office or change of registered agent, or revocation, resignation, or any combination of these((, ten dollars)).  A separate fee for filing such statement shall not be charged if the statement appears in an amendment to the articles of incorporation or in conjunction with the annual report((.));

          (5) Filing articles of dissolution((, no fee.));

          (6) Filing an application of a foreign corporation for a certificate of authority to conduct affairs in this state((, thirty dollars.));

          (7) Filing an application of a foreign corporation for an amended certificate of authority to conduct affairs in this state((, twenty dollars.));

          (8) Filing a copy of an amendment to the articles of incorporation of a foreign corporation holding a certificate of authority to conduct affairs in this state((, twenty dollars.));

          (9) Filing a copy of articles of merger of a foreign corporation holding a certificate of authority to conduct affairs in this state((, twenty dollars.));

          (10) Filing an application for withdrawal of a foreign corporation and issuing a certificate of withdrawal((, no fee.));

          (11) Filing a certificate by a foreign corporation of the appointment of a registered agent((, ten dollars)).  A separate fee for filing such certificate shall not be charged if the statement appears in an amendment to the articles of incorporation or in conjunction with the annual report((.));

          (12) Filing a certificate by a foreign corporation of the revocation of the appointment of a registered agent((, ten dollars)).  A separate fee for filing such certificate shall not be charged if the statement appears in an amendment to the articles of incorporation or in conjunction with the annual report((.));

          (13) Filing an application to reserve a corporate name((, twenty dollars.));

          (14) Filing a notice of transfer of a reserved corporate name((, twenty dollars.));

          (15) Filing any other statement or report, including an annual report, of a domestic or foreign corporation((, ten dollars)).

 

        Sec. 31.  RCW 24.06.465 and 1969 ex.s. c 120 s 93 are each amended to read as follows:

          ((Each corporation, domestic or foreign, which fails or refuses to file its annual report for any year within the time prescribed by this chapter shall be subject to a penalty of five dollars to be assessed by the secretary of state.))

          Each corporation, domestic or foreign, which fails or refuses to answer truthfully and fully within the time prescribed by this chapter any interrogatories propounded by the secretary of state in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, shall be deemed to be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars on each count.

 

        Sec. 32.  RCW 24.06.520 and 1982 c 35 s 162 are each amended to read as follows:

          If the term of existence of a corporation which was organized under this chapter, or which has availed itself of the privileges thereby provided expires, such corporation shall have the right to renew within two years of the expiration of its term of existence.  The corporation may renew the term of its existence for a definite period or perpetually and be reinstated under any name not then in use by or reserved for a domestic corporation organized under any act of this state or a foreign corporation authorized under any act of this state to transact business or conduct affairs in this state.  To do so the directors, members and officers shall adopt amended articles of incorporation containing a certification that the purpose thereof is a reinstatement and renewal of the corporate existence.  They shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter for the adoption and filing of amendments to articles of incorporation.  Thereupon such corporation shall be reinstated and its corporate existence renewed as of the date on which its previous term of existence expired and all things done or omitted by it or by its officers, directors, agents and members before such reinstatement shall be as valid and have the same legal effect as if its previous term of existence had not expired.

          A corporation reinstating under this section shall pay to the state all fees and penalties which would have been due if the corporate charter had not expired, plus a reinstatement fee ((of twenty-five dollars)) established by rule by the secretary of state.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 33.  The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

          (1) 1989 c 291 s 1 (uncodified);

          (2) RCW 24.03.490 and 1989 c 291 s 4;

          (3) RCW 24.03.500 and 1989 c 291 s 5;

          (4) RCW 24.03.510 and 1989 c 291 s 6;

          (5) RCW 24.03.520 and 1989 c 291 s 7;

          (6) RCW 24.03.530 and 1989 c 291 s 8; and

          (7) RCW 24.03.540 and 1989 c 291 s 9.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 34.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1993.

 


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