West Virginia Nonprofit Corporation Act — Key Provisions

Document 41 of the Board Governance Binder

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West Virginia Nonprofit Corporation Act — Key Provisions

Document 41 REFERENCE

WV Code Chapter 31E governs the Corporation. This summary highlights key provisions. Consult full statute or legal counsel for authoritative guidance.

Formation and Governance

ProvisionSummary
§31E-3Nonprofit may be organized for any lawful purpose.
§31E-8-801All corporate powers exercised by or under authority of the board.
§31E-8-805Director terms specified in articles or bylaws. Staggering permitted.
§31E-8-808Directors may be removed with or without cause per articles/bylaws.

Meetings and Voting

ProvisionSummary
§31E-8-820Directors may participate by any means allowing simultaneous communication. Counts as in-person.
§31E-8-821Board may act without meeting if every director signs written consent.
§31E-8-824Majority of directors in office = quorum unless bylaws require more.

Officers, Standards, Indemnification, Dissolution

ProvisionSummary
§31E-8-830Directors must act in good faith, with reasonable care, in best interests of corporation.
§31E-8-831Conflict transactions not void if properly disclosed and approved.
§31E-8-851 to 8-859Corporation may indemnify directors/officers for good-faith performance.
§31E-14Board may propose dissolution. Assets to tax-exempt orgs with similar purposes.

Other Referenced Statutes

StatuteRelevance
WV UPMIFAPrudent management of invested funds (Investment Policy).
WV Code §46A-2A-101 et seq.Data breach notification (Data Governance Policy).
WV Human Rights ActDisability discrimination (ADA Policy).
IRC §501(c)(3)Federal tax-exempt status (Bylaws).
IRC §501(h)Optional lobbying expenditure test (Bylaws).
Sarbanes-Oxley (nonprofit)Whistleblower and document retention (Whistleblower Policy).
ADA of 1990Federal disability rights (ADA Policy).
WCAG 2.1 Level AADigital accessibility standard (ADA Policy).
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