BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page1of227
H.243
SHORTFORM
IntroducedbyRepresentativesMarcotteofCoventry,GraningofJericho,and
WhiteofBethel
ReferredtoCommitteeon
Date:
Subject:Corporations;partnershipsandassociations
Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestomake
technicalandstylisticchangestoVermont’slawsregulatingbusiness
organizationsinadditiontochangesaimedatreducingfraudulentbusiness
filingswiththeSecretaryofState.
Anactrelatingtotheregulationofbusinessorganizations
ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont:
(TEXTOMITTEDINSHORT-FORMBILLS)
***UpdatestoTitle3language***
Sec.1.3V.S.A.§ 102aisamendedtoread:
§ 102a.FACSIMILESIGNATUREOFSECRETARYOFSTATE
AfacsimileofthesignatureoftheSecretaryofStateimprintedbyorathis
orhertheSecretary’sdirectionuponanycertificationissuedunderTitle11or
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page2of227
11Apursuanttolaw,uponanyattestationrequiredoftheSecretarybylaw,or
uponanycertificationofofficialdocumentsorrecordsofwhichtheSecretary
iscustodian,shallhavethesamevalidityastheSecretaryofState’swritten
signature.
Sec.2.3V.S.A.§ 133isamendedtoread:
§ 133.BUSINESSREGISTRATION
Whenprofessionalservicesarerequiredbylawtobeperformedinorbya
businessentityregisteredwiththeOffice,thebusinessentityshall:
(1)registerwiththeCorporationsBusinessServicesDivisionofthe
OfficeoftheSecretaryofState,ifrequiredbylaw;and
***
***UpdatestoTitle11language***
Sec.3.11V.S.A.chapter7isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER7.COOPERATIVESGENERALCOOPERATIVE
CORPORATIONSANDCOOPERATIVEASSOCIATIONS
Subchapter1.ProvisionsRelatingtoCooperativesFormedUnderGeneral
CorporationLawGeneralCooperativeCorporations
§981.GENERALCOOPERATIVECORPORATION;USEOF
“COOPERATIVE”
AcorporationformedunderTitle11Ashallnothavetheword
“cooperative”oranyabbreviationthereofaspartofitsname,unlessthe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page3of227
corporationisaworkercooperativecorporationorganizedunderchapter8of
thistitle,acooperativehousingcorporationorganizedunderchapter14ofthis
title,ortheageneralcooperativecorporationthatincludesinitsarticlesof
incorporationcontainallofthefollowingprovisions:
***
Subchapter2.TheCooperativeMarketingAct;CooperativeAssociations
§991.DEFINITIONS
InAsusedinthissubchapter,unlessthecontextorsubjectmatterotherwise
requires:
(1)“Agriculturalproducts”includeshorticultural,viticultural,forestry,
dairy,livestock,poultry,bee,andanyfarmproducts.
(2)“Association”meansanycorporationnonprofitcooperative
associationorganizedunderthischapter.
(3)“Associations”organizedhereundermeansnonprofitcooperative
associations.
(4)“Consumers’cooperative”meansacorporationanassociation
organizedunderthischapterfortheacquisitionanddistributionforthebenefit
ofultimateconsumersofproperty,goods,commodities,orservices.
(5)“Handcraftproduct”meansanyproductfashionedprimarilyby
handwiththefinalformanditscharacteristicsshapedbyhandandproduced BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page4of227
inthehomeorasmallcraftcenterbytheartisanorcraftsmaninaskilledor
artisticprocessratherthaninanassemblylinetechnique.
(6)“Marketingcooperative”meansacorporationanassociation
organizedunderthischapterforthemarketingofagriculturalorhandcraft
products.
(7)“Member”includesactualmembersofassociationswithoutcapital
stockandholdersofcommonstockinassociationsorganizedwithcapital
stock.
(8)“Person”includesindividuals,firms,partnerships,corporations
andassociations.
(9)“Railroadcooperative”meansanycorporationassociation
organizedunderthischapterfortheorganization,acquisition,andoperation
ofageneraltransportationbusinessbyrailroad,includingtruck,bus,air,and
watertransportationsubsidiariesoftherailroad.
***
§994.POWERS
Eachassociationincorporatedunderthissubchaptershallhavethe
followingpowers:
(1)Inthecaseofamarketingcooperative,thepowertoengageinany
activityinconnectionwiththepurchasing,marketing,selling,preserving,
harvesting,drying,processing,manufacturing,canning,packing,grading, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page5of227
storing,handling,orutilizationofanyagriculturalorhandcraftproductsor
themanufacturingormarketingoftheby-productsbyproductsthereof,any
activityinconnectionwiththepurchase,hiring,orusebyitsmembersof
supplies,machineryorequipment,andinfinancinganyoftheaforementioned
activities.However,amarketingassociationshallnothandleagriculturalor
handcraftproductsofnonmemberstoanextentgreaterinvaluethanthe
productsofitsownmemberswhichthatithandles.Inthecaseofa
consumers’cooperative,thepowertoengageinanyoneormorelawfulmode
ormodesofacquiring,producing,building,operating,manufacturing,
furnishing,exchanging,ordistributinganytypeofproperty,commodities,
goods,orservicesfortheprimaryandmutualbenefitofthepatronsofthe
association,ortheirpatrons,ifany,asultimateconsumers.Inthecaseofa
railroadcooperative,toengageinanyactivityinconnectionwiththe
organization,acquisition,andoperationofasubsidiarytransportation
business,whetherbymeansofrailroad,truck,watercarrier,air,orother.
Suchacorporationformedunderthissubchaptershallhaveanyotherrights,
powers,andprivilegesgrantedbythelawsofthisStatetocorporationsina
likebusinessorganizedunderthegenerallawsofthisState.
***
§995.ARTICLES BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page6of227
Eachassociationformedunderthissubchaptershallprepareandfile
articlesofincorporationsettingforth:
(1)Thenameoftheassociation.
(2)Thepurposeforwhichitisformed.
(3)Theplacewhereitsprincipalbusinesswillbetransactedaddressof
itsprincipalofficeinthisState,andthename,email,andaddressinformation
ofanagentforserviceofprocesspursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
(4)Thenamesandbusinessaddressesofthedirectorsthereofwhoareto
serveuntiltheelectionandqualificationoftheirsuccessors.
(5)Thenameandresidencebusinessaddressoftheclerk,andofany
otherprincipaltheassociationprovides.
(6)Whenorganizedwithoutcapitalstock,whetherthepropertyrights
andinterestofthemembersareequal,and,ifunequal,thegeneralrules
applicabletoallmembersbywhichthepropertyrightsandinterest,
respectively,ofeachmembershallbedeterminedandfixed,andprovisionfor
theadmissionofnewmemberswhoshallbeentitledtoshareinthepropertyof
theassociationinaccordancewithsuchgeneralrules.Thisprovisionor
paragraphofthecertificateoforganizationarticlesofincorporationshallnot
bealtered,amended,orreplacedexceptbythewrittenconsentorvote
representingthree-fourthsofthemembers. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page7of227
(7)Whenorganizedwithcapitalstock,theamountofsuchstock,the
numberofsharesintowhichitisdivided,andtheparvaluethereof.
(8)Thecapitalstockmaybedividedintopreferredandoneormore
classesofcommonstock.Whensodivided,thecertificateoforganization
articlesofincorporationshallcontainastatementofthenumberofsharesof
stocktowhichpreferenceisgranted,thenumberofsharesofstocktowhichno
preferenceisgranted,andthenatureanddefiniteextentofthepreferenceand
privilegesgrantedtoeach.
(9)Thearticlesofincorporationofanyassociationorganizedunderthis
subchaptermayprovidethatthemembersorstockholdersthereofshallhave
therighttovoteinpersonorthroughanothermethodofcommunication,
includingthroughatelecommunicationsorelectronicmedium,butamember
orstockholdermaynotvotebyproxy.Thisprovisionorparagraphofthe
articlesofincorporationshallnotbealteredandshallnotbesubjectto
amendment.
(10)Inadditiontotheforegoing,thearticlesofincorporationofany
associationincorporatedhereundermaycontainanyprovisionconsistentwith
lawwithrespecttomanagement,regulation,government,financing,
indebtedness,membership,theestablishmentofvotingdistrictsandthe
electionofdelegatesforrepresentativepurposes,theissuance,retirement,and
transferofitsstock,ifformedwithcapitalstock,oranyprovisionsrelativeto BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page8of227
thewayormannerinwhichitshalloperateorwithrespecttoitsmembers,
officers,ordirectorsandanyotherprovisionsrelatingtoitsaffairs.
(11)Thecertificatearticlesofincorporationshallbesubscribedbythe
incorporatorsandshallbesworntobyoneormoreofthem;andshallbefiled
withtheSecretaryofState.Acertifiedcopyshallalsobefiledwiththe
SecretaryofAgriculture,FoodandMarkets.
(12)Whensofiled,thecertificateoforganizationarticlesof
incorporationoracertifiedcopythereofshallbereceivedinthecourtsofthis
Stateasprimafacieevidenceofthefactscontainedthereinandofthedue
incorporationofsuchassociation.
§996.AMENDMENTOFCERTIFICATEARTICLES;STATEMENTOF
CHANGE
(a)Thecertificateoforganizationarticlesofincorporationmaybealtered
oramendedexceptasotherwiseprovidedinthissubchapteratanyregular
meetingoranyspecialmeetingcalledforthatpurpose.Anamendmentmust
firstbeapprovedbytwo-thirdsofthedirectorsandadoptedbyavoteoftwo-
thirdsofthemembersordelegatespresentandvotingatsuchmeeting.
Amendmentstothecertificateoforganizationarticlesofincorporation,when
soadopted,shallbefiledinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsection995of
thistitle. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page9of227
(b)Notwithstandingsubsection(a)ofthissection,anassociationshall
amendthename,email,oraddressinformationofitsagentforserviceof
processbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchange
pursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
§997.FEE
Forfilingacertificateoforganization,anassociationshallpay$20.00to
theSecretaryofState,andforfilinganamendmentthereto,$10.00Aperson
whosubmitsadocumentforfilingpursuanttothischaptershallpaytothe
SecretaryofStatetheamountspecifiedinsection1651ofthistitle.
***
§1001.CONTENTSOFBYLAWS
Eachassociationmayprovideinitsbylawsforanyorallofthefollowing
matters:
***
(10)Inthecaseofaconsumer’sconsumers’orrailroadcooperative,the
methodofdistributingamongmembersorstockholdersandpatrons,both
membersandnonmembers,thenetsavingsderivedfromtheexcessoftotal
incomeoveroperatingexpenses.Provisionmaybemadefortheaccumulation
ofreservefundsoutofnetsavings.
***
§1013.OFFICERS BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page10of227
Thedirectorsshallelectfromtheirnumberapresidentandoneormorevice
presidents.Theyshallalsoelectasecretary,whoshallbetheclerkofthe
corporationassociation,andatreasurer,whoneednotbedirectorsor
membersoftheassociation.Thedirectorsmaycombinethetwolatteroffices
anddesignatethecombinedofficeasthatofsecretary-treasurer,oruniteboth
functionsandtitlesinoneperson.Thetreasurermaybeabankorany
depository,andassuch,shallnotbeconsideredasanofficer,butasafunction
oftheboardofdirectors,andinsuchcase,thesecretaryshallperformthe
usualaccountingdutiesofthetreasurer,exceptthatthefundsshallbe
depositedonlyasandwhereauthorizedbytheboardofdirectors.
***
§1023.OWNERSHIPORCONTROLOFOTHERCORPORATIONS
BUSINESSORGANIZATIONS
Anassociationmayorganize,form,operate,own,control,haveaninterest
in,ownstockof,orbeamemberof,anyothercorporationorcorporations,
withorwithoutcapitalstock,andbusinessorganizationengagedin
preserving,drying,processing,canning,packing,storing,handling,shipping,
utilizing,manufacturing,marketing,orsellingtheagriculturalproducts
handledbytheassociationorbyproductsthereof.
§1024.WAREHOUSERECEIPTS BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page11of227
Whensuchcorporationsarewarehousingcorporations,theyAnassociation
engagedinwarehousingmayissuenegotiableornonnegotiablewarehouse
receiptsoftheassociationagainstthecommoditiesdelivered,andsuch
warehousereceiptsshallbeconsideredasadequatecollateraltotheextentof
theusualandcurrentvalueofthecommodityrepresentedthereby.Incase
suchwarehouseislicensed,orlicensedandbonded,underthelawsofthisor
anyotherstateoftheUnitedStates,itswarehousereceiptdeliveredtothe
associationoncommoditiesoftheassociationoritsmembers,ordeliveredby
theassociationorbyitsmembers,shallnotbechallengedordiscriminated
againstbecauseofownershiporcontrol,whollyorinpart,bytheassociation.
***
Subchapter3.ConsolidationofCooperativeAssociations
§1061.PROCEDURE
Twoormorecooperativeassociationsorganizedunder,orwhichhave
adoptedtheprovisionsofsubchapter12ofthischapter,orsimilarlawsof
otherstates,whetherhavingornothavingcapitalstock,maymergeor
consolidateintoonecooperativeassociationwhichmaybeanewcooperative
associationoroneoftheconstituentcooperativesbycomplyingwiththe
followingrequirements:
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page12of227
(3)Ifthearticlesofmergerorconsolidationareadoptedbythe
affirmativevoteofnotlessthantwo-thirdsofthemembersattendingand
votingofeachconsolidatingcooperativevotingthereonatthemeetingcalled
toconsiderthesame,orbynotlessthanbyatwo-thirdsvoteofitsdelegatesif
qualifiedasprovidedinsubdivision(4)ofthissection,articlesofmergeror
consolidationintheformadoptedshallbeexecutedunderitssealand
acknowledgedonbehalfofeachconsolidatingcooperativebyitspresidentor
vice-president.Sucharticlesofmergerorconsolidationshallrecitethatthey
areexecutedpursuanttothissubchapterandshallstate:
(A)thenameofeachconsolidatingcooperativeandtheaddressofits
principaloffice;
(B)thenameofthenewcooperativeandtheaddressofitsprincipal
officeinthisState,orifnone,thename,email,andaddressofanagentfor
serviceofprocesspursuanttosection1655ofthistitle;
(C)astatementthateachconsolidatingcooperativeagreestothe
mergerorconsolidation;
(D)thenamesandbusinessaddressesofthedirectorsofthenew
cooperative,andofanyotherprincipaltheassociationprovides;and
(E)thetermsandconditionsofthemergerorconsolidationandthe
modeofcarryingthesameintoeffect,includingthemannerinwhichthe
membersoftheconsolidatingcooperativemayorshallbecomemembersofthe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page13of227
newcooperative;andmaycontainprovisions,notinconsistentwithlaworthis
subchapter,whicharedeemednecessaryoradvisablefortheconductofthe
businessofthenewcooperative.
(4)Thepresidentorvicepresidentandtheclerkorsecretaryofeach
consolidatingcooperativeexecutingsucharticlesofmergerorconsolidation
shallmakeandannextheretoanaffidavitstatingthattheprovisionsofthis
sectioninrespecttosucharticlesweredulycompliedwithbysuch
cooperative.
(4)(5)Inthecaseofanyconsolidatingcooperativehavingadistrict
electionofdelegatesandadelegatesystemofvotingaspermittedby
subdivision995(10)ofthistitle,inwhich,underitsarticlesofincorporationor
bylaws,suchdelegateshavecompletevotingpoweronbehalfofthe
membershipforeverypurpose,exceptthatoftheirownelectionandthe
electionofdistrictdirectors,thevoteadoptingthemergerorconsolidation
requiredbysubdivision(3)ofthissectionshallbethatofnotlessthantwo-
thirdsofthedelegatesattendingandvotingatsuchmeeting.
***
§1063.FEE
Forfilingarticlesofmergerorconsolidationthenewcooperativeshallpay
$20.00totheSecretaryofState;andforfilinganamendmentthereof$10.00.
[Repealed.] BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page14of227
***
Sec.4.11V.S.A.chapter15isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER15.REGISTRATIONOFBUSINESSENTITIESASSUMED
BUSINESSNAMES,PARTNERSHIPS,ANDUNINCORPORATED
NONPROFITASSOCIATIONS;ADMINISTRATIVEAUTHORITY;
ADMINISTRATIVEPROVISIONS
Subchapter1.AssumedBusinessNames,Partnerships,andUnincorporated
NonprofitAssociations
§1621.REGISTRATIONOFASSUMEDBUSINESSNAMEBYPERSONS
NAMES,PARTNERSHIPS,ANDUNINCORPORATED
NONPROFITASSOCIATIONS
(a)ApersondoingbusinessinthisStateunderanynameotherthanhisor
herown,andeverycopartnershipAnindividualdoingbusinessunderan
assumedbusinessname,orapartnershiporunincorporatednonprofitor
associationofindividuals,exceptcorporationsandlimitedliabilitycompanies,
doingbusinessinthisState,residentornonresident,shallcausetoberecorded
withsubmittotheSecretaryofStateforfilingareturnsettingfortha
registrationthatprovides:
(1)thenameunderwhichsuchbusinessiscarriedon,thenameofthe
business; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page15of227
(2)thenameofthetownwhereinsuchplaceofbusinessislocated,the
addressofitsprincipaloffice;
(3)abriefdescriptionofthekindofbusinesstobetransactedunder
suchname,anditsbusinesspurpose;
(4)theindividualnamesandresidencesofallpersons,generalpartners,
ormemberssodoingbusinessthereunderthenameandbusinessaddressofthe
individualdoingbusinessundertheassumedname,asapartnerofthe
partnership,orasamemberoftheassociation,andofanyotherprincipalthe
registrantprovides;and
(5)foreachindividual,partner,ormemberwhoisnotaresidentofthis
State,orforwhomtheregistrantdoesnotprovideanaddressinthisStatefor
serviceofprocess,thename,email,andaddressinformationofanagentfor
serviceofprocesspursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
(b)SuchreturnsAregistrationshallbesubscribedandsworntobyoneor
moreofthepersonssodoingbusiness,andshallbeapersonwithauthorityto
actonbehalfoftheregistrantandfiledwiththeSecretaryofStatewithinnot
laterthan10daysaftercommencementofbusiness.
(c)TheSecretaryofStateshalldeclinetoregisteranybusinessname
unlessthenameisdistinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryofStatefrom
anyotherbusinessnameofanynameregisteredorreservedunderthischapter,
orthenameofanyotherentity,whetherdomesticorforeign,thatisreserved, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page16of227
registered,orgrantedbyorwiththeSecretaryofState,oranynamethat
wouldleadareasonablepersontoconcludethatthebusinessisatypeofentity
thatitisnot.
(d)TheSecretaryofStateshallestablishrulesandregulationsforthe
administrationofthissection.
(e)Priortoregisteringitsbusinessnameunderthissection,aperson
intendingtooperateapostsecondaryschool,asdefinedin16V.S.A.§§176
and176a,shallapplytotheStateBoardofEducationforacertificateof
approvalpursuanttothosesections.
§1621a.RESERVEDNAME
(a)Theexclusiverighttotheuseofabusinessnamemaybereservedby
anyperson,copartnership,orassociationintendingtoregisteritsnameunder
thissection.
(b)ThereservationshallbemadebyfilingwiththeSecretaryofStatean
applicationtoreserveaspecifiedbusinessname,executedbytheapplicant,its
agent,orattorney.IftheSecretaryofStatefindsthatthenameisavailablefor
use,heorsheshallreservethesamefortheexclusiveuseoftheapplicantfora
periodof120days.
(c)Therighttotheexclusiveuseofaspecifiedbusinessnamesoreserved
maybetransferredtoanyotherperson,copartnership,orassociationbyfiling
intheofficeoftheSecretaryofStateanoticeofsuchtransfer,executedbythe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page17of227
applicantforwhomthenamewasreserved,andspecifyingthenameand
addressofthetransferee.[Repealed.]
***
§1623.REGISTRATIONBYBUSINESSORGANIZATIONS
(a)AbusinessorganizationdoingbusinessinthisStateunderanyname
otherthanthatofthebusinessorganizationshallbesubjecttoallthe
provisionsofthischapter;andshallfilereturnssworntobysomeofficeror
directorofthecorporationormutualbenefitenterprise,orbysomedirectoror
managerofthelimitedliabilitycompany,orbysomepartnerofthe
partnershiporlimitedpartnership,settingforth:
(1)thenameandlocationoftheprincipalofficeofthebusiness
organization;
(2)thenameunderwhichtheorganizationwillconductbusiness;
(3)thetownortownswheretheorganizationconductsbusinessunder
thename;and
(4)abriefdescriptionofthekindofbusinesstheorganizationconducts
underthename.
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshalldeclinetoregisteranybusinessnameunless
thenameisdistinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryofStatefromany
otherbusinessnameofanynameregisteredorreservedunderthischapteror
thenameofanyotherentity,whetherdomesticorforeign,thatisreserved, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page18of227
registered,orgrantedbyorwiththeSecretaryofState,oranynamethat
wouldleadareasonablepersontoconcludethatthebusinessisatypeofentity
thatitisnot.[Repealed.]
§1624.FORMS
TheSecretaryofStateshallformulateformsforthereturnsandshall,on
request,furnishsuchformsbymailorotherwisetopersons,copartnerships,
associations,orcorporationssubjecttotheprovisionsofthischapter.
[Repealed.]
§1625.FEES
(a)Aperson,copartnership,association,limitedliabilitycompany,or
corporationrequiredbytheprovisionsofthischaptertofileareturnshall,at
thetimeoffilingasprovided,payaregistrationfeeof$70.00totheSecretary
ofState.
(b)Aperson,copartnership,association,limitedliabilitycompany,or
corporationrequiredbytheprovisionsofthischaptertofileacertificateof
cessationorchangeofbusinessstatusoranapplicationtoreserveabusiness
nameshall,atthetimeoffiling,payafeeof$35.00totheSecretaryofState.
(c)Statementofchangeofdesignatedagentordesignatedoffice,orboth:
$25.00,nottoexceed$1,000.00perfilerpercalendaryear.
(d)TheSecretaryshallcollect$25.00eachtimeprocessisservedonthe
Secretaryunderthischapter.Thepartytoaproceedingcausingserviceof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page19of227
processisentitledtorecoverthisfeeascostsifheorsheprevailsinthe
proceeding.Apersonwhosubmitsadocumentforfilingpursuanttothis
subchaptershallpaytotheSecretaryofStatetheamountspecifiedinsection
1651ofthistitle.
§1626.FAILURETOREGISTER;ENFORCINGCOMPLIANCE
(a)ApersontransactingbusinessinthisStatewhoisnotregisteredwith
theSecretaryofStateasrequiredunderthischaptersubchapterandany
successortothepersonorassigneeofacauseofactionarisingoutofthe
businessoftheperson,maynotmaintainanactionorproceedingorraisea
counterclaim,crossclaim,oraffirmativedefenseinthisStateuntiltheperson,
successor,orassigneeregisterswiththeSecretary.
(b)Thefailureofapersontoregisterasrequiredunderthischapter
subchapterdoesnotimpairthevalidityofacontractoractofthepersonor
precludeitfromdefendinganactionorproceedinginthisState.
(c)Anindividualdoesnotwaivealimitationonhisorherpersonal
liabilityaffordedbyotherlawsolelybytransactingbusinessinthisState
withoutregisteringwiththeSecretaryofStateasrequiredunderthischapter
subchapter.
(d)IfapersontransactsbusinessinthisStatewithoutregisteringwiththe
SecretaryofStateasrequiredunderthischaptersubchapter,theSecretaryis BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page20of227
itsagentforserviceofprocesswithrespecttoarightofactionarisingoutof
thetransactionofbusinessinthisState.
(e)ApersonthattransactsbusinessinthisStatewithoutregisteringwith
theSecretaryofStateasrequiredunderthischaptersubchaptershallbeliable
totheStatefor:
(1)acivilpenaltyof$50.00foreachday,nottoexceedatotalof
$10,000.00foreachyear,ittransactsbusinessinthisStatewithouta
registration;
(2)anamountequaltothefeesdueunderthischaptersubchapter
duringtheperiodittransactedbusinessinthisStatewithoutaregistration;
and
(3)otherpenaltiesimposedbylaw.
(f)TheAttorneyGeneralmaymaintainanactionintheCivilDivisionof
theSuperiorCourttocollectthepenaltiesimposedinsubsection(e)ofthis
sectionandtorestrainapersonfromtransactingbusinessinthisStatein
violationofthischaptersubchapter.
§1627.SERVICEOFPROCESS
Serviceofsuchcomplaintandprocessthereundermaybemadeby
deliveringwithinthisStateatrueandattestedcopythereoftoanypersonso
doingbusinessoranyservantoragentofsuchperson,copartnership,
association,limitedliabilitycompany,orcorporation,orinanymanner BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page21of227
otherwiseprovidedbylaw.Anamesoregisteredshallnotthereafterbeused
byaperson,copartnership,association,limitedliabilitycompany,or
corporation,unlessitislawfullyentitledtheretoatthedateofsuch
registration.[Repealed.]
§1628.CERTIFICATEOFCESSATIONOFBUSINESSORCHANGEOF
BUSINESSSTATUS;AMENDMENT
(a)Whenaperson,copartnership,association,limitedliabilitycompany,
orcorporationsubjecttotheprovisionsofthischaptershallceasetodo
businessinthisState,acertificatesettingforthsuchfactandthedatewhereon
itsoceasedshallbefiledwiththeSecretaryofStatewithin10daysafterthe
datesuchbusinessceases.Suchcertificatemaybesworntoandfiledbya
survivingpartner,memberofsuchassociation,officerofsuchcorporation,
memberormanagerofsuchlimitedliabilitycompany,orpersonsodoing
business,orhisorherexecutororadministratorAregistrantthatceasestodo
businessinthisStateshallsubmittotheSecretaryofStateforfilinga
certificateofcessationofbusinessnotlaterthan10daysafterthedateof
cessation.
(b)Wheneveranygeneralpartnerofsuchpartnership,ormemberofsuch
associationwithdrawsfromthebusiness,aremaininggeneralpartneror
membershallwithin30daysfileacertificatewiththeSecretaryofStatesigned
andswornbyaremaininggeneralpartnerormember,settingforththefactof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page22of227
suchwithdrawal,togetherwiththedateofthatwithdrawal.Filingofthis
certificateshallavoidanyinterruptionintheperiodofregistrationremaining
beforetheneedforrenewal,asifnopartnerormemberoftheassociationhad
withdrawnAregistrantthataddsorremovesanindividual,partner,ormember
namedinitsregistrationshallsubmittotheSecretaryofStateforfilingan
amendmenttoreflectthechangenotlaterthan30daysafterthedateofthe
change.
(c)Aregistrantmayamenditsagentinformationbyfilingastatementof
changepursuanttosection1655ofthistitleandmayamendanyother
informationinitsregistrationbysubmittinganamendmenttotheSecretaryof
Stateforfiling.
§1629.PENALTIES
Failuretofilesuchcertificateatthetimesorequiredbysection1628ofthis
titleshallworkaforfeitureof$10.00toberecoveredbytheSecretaryofState
inacivilactiononthisstatute,inhisorhername,againstanysurviving
partner,anymemberofsuchassociation,anyofficerofsuchcorporation,or
anypersonsodoingbusiness,orhisexecutororadministrator,andthesame
shallbepaidintotheTreasuryoftheState.[Repealed.]
§1630.PROCESSAGENT
EachnonresidentdoingbusinessinthisStateinhisorherindividual
capacity,orascopartnerormemberofacopartnershiporassociation BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page23of227
requiredbysections1621and1623ofthistitletofilethereturnstherein
specified,orunderanynameotherthanhisorherown,exceptasotherwise
provided,shallappointinwritingapersonhavinganofficeorplaceof
businessandresidinginthetownwhereintheprincipalofficeofsuch
nonresident,copartnership,orassociationislocated,uponwhomprocess
againstsuchnonresidentmaybeservedinanactionfoundeduponaliability
incurredinthisState.Suchappointmentshallcontinueinforceuntilrevoked
byalikeinstrumentappointinganotherpersonthereinresiding,andhaving
thereinanofficeorplaceofbusiness.Suchinstrumentshallberecordedwith
theSecretaryofState.Intheeventanonresidenthasnotappointedaprocess
agent,andhasnotfiledsuchappointment,assetforthinthissection,the
SecretaryofStateshallbesuchprocessagent.[Repealed.]
§1631.VACANCY
WhenanappointeediesorremovesfromtheState,anotherpersonresiding
insuchtownandhavingthereinanofficeorplaceofbusiness,within10days
fromthedateofsuchdeathorremoval,shallbeappointedinthemanner
hereinbeforespecified,uponwhomserviceofprocessmaybemadeasprovided
insection1630ofthistitle.Incaseofsuchdeathorremoval,orifapersonis
notappointedasaforesaid,processagainstsuchnonresidentpersonmaybe
servedbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateduplicatecopiesthereof,oneof
whichshallbefiledwiththeSecretaryofStateandtheothershallbe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page24of227
forwardedbymailprepaidbytheclerktothelastknownresidenceofsuch
person.[Repealed.]
§1632.EXCEPTIONS
Theprovisionsofsections1630and1631ofthistitleshallnotapplyto
foreigninvestmentcompanies,foreignbuildingandloanassociations,or
foreigncreamerycompanies.[Repealed.]
§1633.SECRETARYOFSTATEASPROCESSAGENT
Aforeigninsurance,express,shippingcar,telegraph,ortelephone
company,oraforeigncompanyunderanyothernameengagedinlike
business,shallnotdobusinessinthisStateasanunincorporatedassociation
orpartnership,untilithasfiledwiththeSecretaryofStateawrittenstipulation
containingtheassociationorfirmname,andthenamesandresidencesofthe
associatesorpartners,andappointingtheSecretaryofStateasitsprocess
agent.Suchstipulationshallbeinformandsubstancelikethatspecifiedin
subdivision692(3)ofthistitle,andshallhavethesamelegaleffect.The
provisionsof12V.S.A.§§851-853,shallapplytoserviceofprocessonsuch
companyandtoactsdonebypersonsoragentsinitsbehalf.[Repealed.]
§1634.EFFECTOFFAILUREANDNEGLECT
Aperson,copartnership,limitedliabilitycompany,orcorporationsubject
tothischaptershallnotinstituteanyproceedingsinthisStateforthe
enforcementofanyrightorobligationunlessitshall,priortotheissuanceof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page25of227
theoriginalreturnorcomplainttherein,havefiledthereturnsandpaidthe
registrationfeerequiredbythischapter;norshallalicenseorcertificatebe
grantedtoanonresidentindividual,copartnership,orunincorporated
associationtotransactabusinessspecifiedinTitles5and23orin6V.S.A.
chapter29untilsuchindividual,copartnership,orassociationhascomplied
withtheprovisionsofsection1630ofthistitle.[Repealed.]
§1635.REREGISTRATION
(a)Oneormorepersonsdoingbusinessunderaregisteredbusinessname
Aregistrantshallreregisterthenameeveryfiveyearsbyfilingareregistration
returnwiththeSecretaryofStatewithafeeof$65.00withinnotsoonerthan
60daysfollowingthedatefiveyearsafterthedatepriortotheexpirationof
theoriginalregistrationorofthelastreregistration.TheSecretaryofState
shallprepareandsupplythenecessaryforms.
(b)Whenreregistrationisnotaccomplishedasprovidedinsubsection(a)
ofthissection,abusinessnamemayberegisteredbythefirstapplicantmaking
applicationtotheSecretaryofStateforanoriginalregistrationasprovidedby
thischaptersubchapter.
Subchapter2.AdministrativeAuthority
§1636.TERMINATIONOFBUSINESSNAME;HEARING
(a)IftheSecretaryofStatedeclinestoregisterabusinessinaccordance
withtheprovisionsofsubsection1621(c)ofthistitlebecauseitisnot BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page26of227
distinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryfromanotherbusinessname,the
applicantmayrequestthattheSecretarydeterminewhetherthepersonto
whomthebusinessnameisregisteredisdoingbusinessortakingstepstodo
businessinthisState.
***
§1637.AUTHORITYTOTERMINATEANDAMENDREGISTRATION
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallhavetheauthorityto:
(1)terminatetheregistrationofapersonwho,pursuanttoan
administrativeorder,afinalcourtorder,oranassuranceofdiscontinuance,is
notauthorizedtoconductbusinessinthisState;and
(2)amendhisorhertheperson’srecordstoreflecttheterminationofa
registrationpursuanttosubdivision(1)ofthissubsection.
(b)(1)IftheSecretaryofStateterminatestheregistrationofaperson
pursuanttothissection,thepersonappointstheSecretaryashisorherthe
person’sagentforserviceofprocessinanyproceedingbasedonacauseof
actionthataroseduringthetimethepersonwasauthorizedtotransact,orwas
transactingwithoutauthorization,businessinthisState.
(2)Uponreceiptofprocess,theSecretaryofStateshalldeliverby
registeredmailacopyoftheprocesstothesecretaryoftheterminatedperson
atitsprincipalofficeshowninitsmostrecentannualreportorinany
subsequentcommunicationreceivedfromthepersonstatingthecurrent BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page27of227
mailingaddressofitsprincipaloffice,or,ifnoneisonfile,initsapplication
forregistration.
(c)(1)Ifacourtorotherpersonwithsufficientlegalauthorityreinstates
theabilityofaterminatedpersontoconductbusinessinthisState,the
terminatedpersonmayfilewiththeSecretaryofStateevidenceofthe
reinstatedauthorityandpaytotheSecretaryafeeof$25.00foreachyearthe
personisdelinquentsubmitanyfilingnecessarytoupdateitsregistration.
(2)Uponreceiptofafilingandpaymentpursuanttosubdivision(1)of
thissubsection,theSecretaryshallcanceltheterminationandpreparea
certificateofreinstatement,filetheoriginalofthecertificate,andserveacopy
ontheperson.
§ 1638.AUTHORITYTOREJECT,AMEND,ORTERMINATE
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallhavetheauthorityto:
(1)rejectarecordsubmittedforfilingthattheSecretaryreasonably
determinescontainsfalse,fraudulent,orclearlyerroneousinformation;and
(2)amendarecordorterminatetheregistrationofapersonwhothe
Secretarydetermines,afternoticeandopportunityforhearingpursuantto
3 V.S.A.chapter25,hassubmittedfalseorfraudulentinformationinarecord,
orhasattemptedorsubmittedarecordforfilinginbadfaith,withoutlawful
authority,ortocommitfraudorcauseinjury. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page28of227
(b)(1)IftheSecretaryterminatestheregistrationofapersonpursuantto
thissection,ortheSecretary’srejectionoramendmentofarecordresultsin
theperson’sfailuretodesignateormaintainanagentforserviceofprocess,
thenthepersonappointstheSecretaryastheperson’sagentforserviceof
process.
(2)Uponreceiptofprocess,theSecretaryofStateshalldeliverby
registeredmailacopyoftheprocesstotheperson’slastknownaddress.
(c)ApersonaggrievedbyafinaldecisionoftheSecretaryunderthis
sectionmayappealtotheSuperiorCourtofWashingtonCounty,whichshall
considerthematterdenovo.
§1639.FORMS;PROCEDURES;RULES
TheSecretaryofStatemayadoptforms,procedures,andrulestoimplement
theprocessesandprovisionsofgoverningbusinessregistrationinthisState.
Subchapter3.AdministrativeProvisionsforBusinessOrganizations
§1651.FEES
TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectthefollowingfeesforservicesandfor
documentssubmittedforfilingpursuanttotheprovisionsofTitles11–11Cand
30V.S.A.chapter81:
(1)$150.00fortheinitialfilingofadomesticbusinessorganization,
including: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page29of227
(A)articlesofincorporationforanonprofitcooperativeassociation
pursuantto11V.S.A.chapter7;
(B)astatementofqualificationforalimitedliabilitypartnership
pursuantto11V.S.A.chapter22;
(C)acertificateoflimitedpartnershipforalimitedpartnership
pursuantto11V.S.A.chapter23;
(D)articlesoforganizationforalimitedliabilitycompanypursuant
to11V.S.A.chapter25;
(E)articlesofincorporationforabusinesscorporationpursuantto
Title11A;
(F)articlesofincorporationforanonprofitcorporationpursuantto
Title11B;
(G)articlesoforganizationforamutualbenefitenterprisepursuant
toTitle11C;and
(H)articlesofincorporationforautilitycooperativepursuantto
30 V.S.A.chapter81;
(2)$175.00fortheinitialfilingofaforeignbusinessorganization,
including:
(A)astatementofforeignqualificationforalimitedliability
partnershippursuantto11V.S.A.chapter22; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page30of227
(B)anapplicationforregistrationforalimitedpartnershippursuant
to11V.S.A.chapter23;
(C)anapplicationforacertificateofauthorityforalimitedliability
companypursuantto11V.S.A.chapter25;
(D)anapplicationforacertificateofauthorityforabusiness
corporationpursuanttoTitle11A;
(E)anapplicationforacertificateofauthorityforanonprofit
corporationpursuanttoTitle11B;and
(F)anapplicationforacertificateofauthorityofaforeign
enterprisepursuanttoTitle11C;
(3)$75.00foraregistrationorreregistrationofanassumedbusiness
name,partnership,orunincorporatednonprofitassociationpursuantto11
V.S.A.chapter15;
(4)$50.00fortheannualreportofadomesticbusinessorganization;
(5)$175.00fortheannualreportofaforeignbusinessorganization;
(6)$35.00forthebiennialreportofanonprofitcorporation,exceptthat
theSecretaryshallwaivethefeeforthebiennialreportofanonprofit
corporationthatinthepriorcalendaryeardidnotpaycompensationtoany
officer,director,oremployee;and
(7)$35.00forrecordinganyotherdocumentsubmittedforfilingandfor
anyrelatedfees,includingfeesforacertifiedcopy,forareturnedcheckor BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page31of227
chargeback,foreachyearareinstatementfeeisdue,andforserviceof
processontheSecretary.
§1652.RESERVEDNAME
(a)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofabusinessnameby
deliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplication
shallstatethenameandaddressoftheapplicantandthenametobereserved.
IftheSecretaryfindsthattheentitynameisavailable,theSecretaryshall
reservethenamefortheapplicant’sexclusiveusefor120days.
(b)Theownerofareservednamemaytransferthereservationtoanother
personbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateforfilinganoticeofthetransfer,
whichstatesthenameandaddressofthetransferee.
§1653.ASSUMEDBUSINESSNAMEOFBUSINESSORGANIZATION
AbusinessorganizationthatisauthorizedtodobusinessinthisStatemay
conductbusinessunderanassumednamebysubmittingtotheSecretaryof
Stateforfilingaregistrationthatidentifiestheauthorizedbusinessandthe
assumedname.
§1654.[Reserved]
§1655.DESIGNATIONOFAGENTFORSERVICEOFPROCESS;
CHANGE;RESIGNATION
(a)Dutytodesignateagentforserviceofprocess.Apersondoingbusiness
inthisStatethatisrequiredtodesignateandmaintainanagentforserviceof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page32of227
processshallprovidethename,email,andaddressinformationofan
individualresidentofthisStateorofabusinessorganizationthathasaplace
ofbusinessin,andisauthorizedtoconductbusinessin,thisState.
(b)Attestation.Apersonwhodesignatesanagentforserviceofprocess
atteststhattheagentconsentstotheappointment.
(c)Dutytomaintaincurrentagentinformation;statementofchange.
Exceptasprovidedinsubsection(d)ofthissection,apersonregisteredwith
theSecretaryofStatemaychangeitsagentforserviceofprocess,orthe
agent’semailoraddressinformation,solelybysubmittingtotheSecretaryof
Stateforfilingastatementofchangethatprovidesitscurrentagent
informationandspecifiesanychangestotheagentinformation.
(d)Bulkstatementofchangebyagent.
(1)Ifanagentforserviceofprocesschangesitsname,email,oraddress
informationintherecordsoftheSecretaryofState,theagentmaysubmitto
theSecretaryforfilingabulkstatementofchangethat:
(A)identifiesthebusinessesforwhichtheagentservesastheagent
forserviceofprocessandwhoserecordstheSecretaryshallupdatetoreflect
thechangetotheagent’sinformation;and
(B)atteststhattheagenthasorwillpromptlyprovidenoticetoeach
businesswhoserecordisupdatedpursuanttothebulkstatementofchange. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page33of227
(2)Forabulkstatementofchange,theSecretaryofStateshallcollect
fromtheagentaseparatefilingfeeforeachbusinesswhoserecordis
amended.
(e)Agentresignation;termination.
(1)Anagentforserviceofprocessmayresignasagentbysubmittingto
theSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofresignationanddeliveringa
copyofthestatementtotheaffectedbusiness.
(2)Anagencyforserviceofprocessterminatesontheearlierof:
(A)30daysaftertheSecretaryfilesastatementofresignation;or
(B)thedateonwhichastatementofchangedesignatinganewagent
takeseffect.
(3)TheSecretaryshallwaivethefilingfeeforastatementofresignation
iftheagentonrecordatteststhatitdidnotconsenttoserveasagentfor
serviceofprocess.
§1655.SECRETARYOFSTATEASAGENTFORSERVICEOF
PROCESS
(a)Anagentforserviceofprocessappointedbyapersonregisteredwith
theSecretaryofStateisanagentforserviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemand
requiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupontheperson.
(b)IfapersonregisteredwiththeSecretaryofStatefailstoappointor
maintainanagentforserviceofprocessinthisStateasrequiredbylaw,orthe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page34of227
agentforserviceofprocesscannotwithreasonablediligencebefoundatthe
agent’saddress,theSecretaryofStateisanagentofthepersonuponwhom
process,notice,ordemandmaybeserved.
(c)(1)Serviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemandontheSecretaryofState
maybemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwiththeSecretaryofStateduplicate
copiesoftheprocess,notice,ordemand.
(2)Iftheprocess,notice,ordemandisservedontheSecretaryofState,
theSecretaryofStateshallforwardoneofthecopiesbyregisteredorcertified
mail,returnreceiptrequested,tothecompanyatitsprincipalofficeorlast
knownaddress.
(d)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedpursuanttothissectionandrecordthetimeofandtheaction
takenregardingtheservice.
(e)Thissectionshallnotaffecttherighttoserveprocess,notice,or
demanduponapersoninanymannerotherwiseprovidedbylaw.
§ 1656.SECRETARYOFSTATEASAGENTFORSERVICEOF
PROCESS
(a)Anagentforserviceofprocessappointedbyapersonregisteredwith
theSecretaryofStateisanagentforserviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemand
requiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupontheperson. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page35of227
(b)IfapersonregisteredwiththeSecretaryofStatefailstoappointor
maintainanagentforserviceofprocessinthisStateasrequiredbylaw,orthe
agentforserviceofprocesscannotwithreasonablediligencebefoundatthe
agent’saddress,theSecretaryofStateisanagentofthepersonuponwhom
process,notice,ordemandmaybeserved.
(c)(1)Serviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemandontheSecretaryofState
maybemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwiththeSecretaryofStateduplicate
copiesoftheprocess,notice,ordemand.
(2)Iftheprocess,notice,ordemandisservedontheSecretaryofState,
theSecretaryofStateshallforwardoneofthecopiesbyregisteredorcertified
mail,returnreceiptrequested,tothecompanyatitsprincipalofficeorlast
knownaddress.
(d)Serviceiseffectiveontheearliestof:
(1)thedatethepersonreceivestheprocess,notice,ordemand;
(2)thedateshownonthereturnreceipt,ifsignedonbehalfofthe
person;or
(3)fivedaysaftertheprocess,notice,ordemandisdepositedbythe
SecretaryofStatefordeliverybytheU.S.PostalService,ifpostageisprepaid
totheaddressoftheprincipalofficeorlastknownaddressreflectedinthe
recordsoftheSecretaryofState. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page36of227
(e)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedpursuanttothissectionandrecordthetimeofandtheaction
takenregardingtheservice.
(f)Thissectionshallnotaffecttherighttoserveprocess,notice,ordemand
uponapersoninanymannerotherwiseprovidedbylaw.
Sec.5.11V.S.A.chapter22isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER22.PARTNERSHIPS
***
§3205.EXECUTION,FILING,ANDRECORDINGOFSTATEMENTS
***
(f)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectafeeforfilingorprovidinga
certifiedcopyofastatementassetforthinsection33101651ofthistitle.
***
§3291.STATEMENTOFQUALIFICATION
***
(c)Aftertheapprovalrequiredbysubsection(b)ofthissection,a
partnershipmayonlybecomealimitedliabilitypartnershipbyfilinga
statementofqualification.Thestatementmustcontain:
(1)thenameofthepartnership;
(2)thelocationoftheprincipalplaceofbusinessinthisState; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page37of227
(3)ifthepartnershipdoesnothaveaprincipalplaceofbusinessinthis
State,thename,email,andstreetaddressinformationofthepartnership’s
agentforserviceofprocesspursuanttosection1655ofthistitle;
(4)astatementthatthepartnershipelectstobealimitedliability
partnership;and
(5)adeferredeffectivedate,ifany.
(d)Theagentofalimitedliabilitypartnershipforserviceofprocessmust
beanindividualwhoisaresidentofthisStateorotherpersonauthorizedto
dobusinessinthisState.[Repealed.]
(e)Thestatusofapartnershipasalimitedliabilitypartnershipiseffective
onthelaterofthefilingofthestatementoradatespecifiedinthestatement.
Thestatusremainseffective,regardlessofchangesinthepartnership,untilitis
canceledpursuanttosubsection3205(d)ofthistitleorrevokedpursuantto
section3293ofthistitle.
***
§3293.ANNUALREPORT
(a)Alimitedliabilitypartnership,andaforeignlimitedliability
partnershipauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisState,shallfileanannual
reportintheOfficeoftheSecretaryofStatewhichthatcontains: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page38of227
(1)thenameofthelimitedliabilitypartnershipandthestateorother
jurisdictionunderwhoselawstheforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershipis
formed;
(2)thestreetaddressofthepartnership’sprincipalofficeand,if
different,thestreetaddressofanofficeinthisState,ifany;and
(3)ifthepartnershipdoesnothaveanofficeinthisState,thename,
email,andstreetaddressofthepartnership’sdesignatedagentforserviceof
process.
***
(f)Areinstatementundersubsection(e)ofthissectionrelatesbacktoand
takeseffectasoftheeffectivedateoftherevocation,andthepartnership’s
statusasalimitedliabilitypartnershipcontinuesasiftherevocationhadnever
occurred.
(g)TheSecretaryofStateshallamenditsrecordstoreflectachange,if
specifiedinthereport,tothebusiness’spurpose,email,address,orprincipal
information.
***
§3302.STATEMENTOFFOREIGNQUALIFICATION
(a)BeforetransactingbusinessinthisState,aforeignlimitedliability
partnershipmustfileastatementofforeignqualification.Thestatementmust
contain: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page39of227
***
(3)IfthereisnoofficeofthepartnershipinthisState,thename,email,
andstreetaddressinformationofthepartnership’sagentforserviceofprocess
pursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
(4)Adeferredeffectivedate,ifany.
(b)Theagentofaforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershipforserviceofprocess
mustbeanindividualwhoisaresidentofthisStateorotherpersonauthorized
todobusinessinthisState.[Repealed.]
(c)Thestatusofapartnershipasaforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershipis
effectiveonthelaterofthefilingofthestatementofforeignqualificationora
datespecifiedinthestatement.Thestatusremainseffective,regardlessof
changesinthepartnership,untilitiscanceledpursuanttosubsection3205(d)
orrevokedpursuanttosection3293ofthistitle.
(d)Anamendmentorcancellationofastatementofforeignqualificationis
effectivewhenitisfiledoronadeferredeffectivedatespecifiedinthe
amendmentorcancellation.
§3303.EFFECTOFFAILURETOQUALIFY
(a)(1)Aforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershiptransactingbusinessinthis
Statemaynotmaintainanactionorproceedingorraiseacounterclaim,
crossclaim,oraffirmativedefenseinthisStateunlessithasineffecta
statementofforeignqualification. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page40of227
(2)Thesuccessortoaforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershipthat
transactedbusinessinthisStatewithoutacertificateofauthoritystatementof
foreignqualificationineffectandtheassigneeofacauseofactionarisingout
ofthatbusinessmaynotmaintainaproceedingorraiseacounterclaim,
crossclaim,oraffirmativedefensebasedonthatcauseofactioninanycourtin
thisStateuntiltheforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershiporitssuccessoror
assigneeobtainsfilesacertificateofauthoritystatementofforeign
qualification.
***
§3310.FEES
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectthefollowingfeeswhenadocument
describedinthissectionisdeliveredtotheOfficeoftheSecretaryofStatefor
filing:
(1)Statementofauthority $155.00
(2)Statementofdenial $25.00
(3)Statementofdissociation $20.00
(4)Statementofdissolution $20.00
(5)Statementofmerger $85.00
(6)Statementofqualification $130.00
(7)Statementofforeignqualification $170.00
(8)Amendment $45.00 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page41of227
(9)Cancellation $10.00
(10)Annualreportofdomesticlimited
liabilitypartnership $30.00
(11)Annualreportofforeignlimited
liabilitypartnership $170.00
(12)Reinstatement $45.00
(13)Statementofchangeofdesignated
agentordesignatedoffice,orboth $35.00
notto
exceed
$1,000.00
per
filer
per
calendar
year
(14)Applicationforcertificateofgoodstanding $45.00
(15)Anyotherdocumentpermittedorrequiredto
befiledbythischapter $20.00
(16)Amendment–Foreign $35.00
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectthefollowingfees: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page42of227
(1)$25.00eachtimeprocessisservedontheSecretaryunderthis
chapter.Thepartytoaproceedingcausingserviceofprocessisentitledto
recoverthisfeeascostsifheorsheprevailsintheproceeding.
(2)$25.00forthecertificatecertifyingthecopyofanyfileddocumentrelated
toapartnership,limitedliabilitypartnership,oraforeignlimitedliability
partnershipApersonwhosubmitsadocumentforfilingpursuanttothis
chaptershallpaytotheSecretaryofStatetheamountspecifiedinsection1651
ofthistitle.
***
Sec.6.11V.S.A.chapter23isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER23.LIMITEDPARTNERSHIPS
***
§3403.RESERVATIONOFNAME
(a)Theexclusiverighttotheuseofanamemaybereservedby:
(1)anypersonintendingtoorganizealimitedpartnershipunderthis
chapterandtoadoptthatname;
(2)anydomesticlimitedpartnershiporanyforeignlimitedpartnership
registeredinthisStatewhich,ineithercase,intendstoadoptthatname;
(3)anyforeignlimitedpartnershipintendingtoregisterinthisStateand
adoptthatname;and BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page43of227
(4)anypersonintendingtoorganizeaforeignlimitedpartnershipand
intendingtohaveitregisteredinthisStateandtoadoptthatname.
(b)ThereservationshallbemadebyfilingwiththeSecretaryofStatean
application,executedbytheapplicant,toreserveaspecifiedname.Ifthe
SecretaryofStatefindsthatthenameisavailableforusebyadomesticor
foreignlimitedpartnership,heorsheshallreservethenamefortheexclusive
useoftheapplicantforaperiodof120days.Theownerofanamereserved
underthissectionmayrenewthereservationfortwosuccessiveperiodsof120
dayseach.Therighttotheexclusiveuseofareservednamemaybe
transferredtoanyotherpersonbyfilingintheOfficeoftheSecretaryofState
anoticeofthetransfer,executedbytheapplicantforwhomthenamewas
reservedandspecifyingthenameandaddressofthetransfereeApersonmay
reservetheexclusiveuseofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingpursuanttosection1652ofthistitle.
§3404.SPECIFIEDOFFICEANDAGENT
EachlimitedpartnershipshallcontinuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)anoffice,whichmaybutneednotbeaplaceofitsbusinessinthis
State,atwhichshallbekepttherecordsrequiredbysection3405ofthistitleto
bemaintained;and
(2)anagentforserviceofprocessonthelimitedpartnership,which
agentmustbeanindividualresidentofthisState,adomesticcorporation, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page44of227
partnership,limitedliabilitycompany,oraforeigncorporation,partnership,
orlimitedliabilitycompanyauthorizedtodobusinessinthisStatepursuantto
section1655ofthistitle.
***
§3411.CERTIFICATEOFLIMITEDPARTNERSHIP
(a)Inordertoformalimitedpartnership,acertificateoflimited
partnershipmustbeexecutedandfiledintheOfficeoftheSecretaryofState.
Thecertificateshallsetforth:
(1)thenameofthelimitedpartnership;
(2)theaddressoftheofficeandthename,email,andaddress
informationoftheagentforserviceofprocessrequiredtobemaintainedby
section3404ofthistitle;
(3)thenameandthebusinessaddressofeachgeneralpartner,andof
anyotherprincipalthelimitedpartnershipprovides;
(4)thenameandplaceofresidencethebusinessaddressofeachlimited
partnerandtheamountofcashandadescriptionofandtheagreedvalueof
otherpropertycontributedbyeachlimitedpartner;
***
§3420.FEES BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page45of227
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectthefollowingfeeswhenadocument
describedinthissectionisdeliveredtotheOfficeoftheSecretaryofStatefor
filing:
(1)CertificateofLimitedPartnership $130.00
(2)RegistrationofForeignLimitedPartnership $155.00
(3)Amendment–Domestic $35.00
(4)Cancellation $25.00
(5)Merger $65.00
(6)Statementofchange
ofdesignatedagent
ordesignatedoffice,orboth $35.00
notto
exceed
$1,000.00
per
filer
per
calendaryear
(7)Applicationforcertificateofgoodstanding $35.00
(8)Anyotherdocumentpermittedorrequiredto
befiledbythischapter $20.00 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page46of227
(9)Amendment–Foreign $35.00.
(10)Namereservation,application $20.00.
(11)Namereservation,transfer $20.00.
(12)Restatedcertificateoflimitedpartnership $20.00.
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectthefollowingfees:
(1)$25.00eachtimeprocessisservedontheSecretaryunderthis
chapter.Thepartytoaproceedingcausingserviceofprocessisentitledto
recoverthisfeeascostsifheorsheprevailsintheproceeding.
(2)$25.00forthecertificatecertifyingthecopyofanyfileddocument
relatedtoapartnership,limitedliabilitypartnership,oraforeignlimited
liabilitypartnershipApersonwhosubmitsadocumentforfilingpursuantto
thischaptershallpaytotheSecretaryofStatetheamountspecifiedinsection
1651ofthistitle.
***
§3482.REGISTRATION
BeforetransactingbusinessinthisState,aforeignlimitedpartnershipshall
registerwiththeSecretaryofState.Inordertoregister,aforeignlimited
partnershipshallsubmittotheSecretaryofState,induplicate,anapplication
forregistrationasaforeignlimitedpartnership,signedandsworntobya
generalpartnerandsettingforth: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page47of227
(1)thenameoftheforeignlimitedpartnershipand,ifdifferent,the
nameunderwhichitproposestoregisterandtransactbusinessinthisState;
(2)thestateanddateofitsformation;
(3)thename,email,andaddressinformationofanyagentforserviceof
processontheforeignlimitedpartnershipwhomtheforeignlimited
partnershipelectstoappoint;theagentmustbeanindividualresidentofthis
State,adomesticcorporation,oraforeigncorporationhavingaplaceof
businessin,andauthorizedtodobusinessin,thisStatepursuanttosection
1655ofthistitle;
(4)astatementthattheSecretaryofStateisappointedtheagentofthe
foreignlimitedpartnershipforserviceofprocessifnoagenthasbeen
appointedundersubdivision(3)ofthissectionor,ifappointed,theagent’s
authorityhasbeenrevokedoriftheagentcannotbefoundorservedwiththe
exerciseofreasonablediligence;
(5)theaddressoftheofficerequiredtobemaintainedinthestateofits
organizationbythelawsofthatstateor,ifnotsorequired,oftheprincipal
officeoftheforeignlimitedpartnership;
(6)thenameandbusinessaddressofeachgeneralpartner,andofany
otherprincipaltheforeignlimitedpartnershipprovides;and
(7)theaddressoftheofficeatwhichiskeptalistofthenamesand
addressesofthelimitedpartnersandtheircapitalcontributions,togetherwith BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page48of227
anundertakingbytheforeignlimitedpartnershiptokeepthoserecordsuntil
theforeignlimitedpartnership’sregistrationinthisStateiscanceledor
withdrawn.
***
§3487.TRANSACTIONOFBUSINESSWITHOUTREGISTRATION
(a)(1)AforeignlimitedpartnershiptransactingbusinessinthisStatemay
notmaintainanactionorproceedingorraiseacounterclaim,crossclaim,or
affirmativedefenseinthisStateuntilithasregisteredinthisState.
(2)Thesuccessortoaforeignlimitedpartnershipthattransacted
businessinthisStatewithoutacertificateofauthorityregistrationandthe
assigneeofacauseofactionarisingoutofthatbusinessmaynotmaintaina
proceedingorraiseacounterclaim,crossclaim,oraffirmativedefensebased
onthatcauseofactioninanycourtinthisStateuntiltheforeignlimited
partnershiporitssuccessororassigneeobtainsacertificateofauthorityhas
registered.
***
Sec.7.11V.S.A.chapter25isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER25.LIMITEDLIABILITYCOMPANIES
***
§4006.RESERVEDNAME
(a)(1)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofthenameofalimited BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page49of227
liabilitycompany,includingafictitiousorassumednameforaforeignlimited
liabilitycompanywhosenameisnotavailable,bydeliveringanapplicationto
theSecretaryofStateforfiling.
(2)Theapplicationshallstatethenameandaddressoftheapplicantand
thenameproposedtobereserved.
(3)IftheSecretaryofStatefindsthatthenameappliedforisavailable,
theSecretaryshallreservethatnamefortheapplicant’sexclusiveusefora
120-dayperiod.
(b)Theownerofareservedlimitedliabilitycompanynamemayrenewthe
reservationforsuccessiveperiodsof120dayseachbydeliveringarenewal
applicationtotheSecretaryofStateduringthe45-dayperiodprecedingthe
dateofexpirationofthereservation.
(c)Theownerofanamereservedforalimitedliabilitycompanymay
assignthereservationtoanotherpersonbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofState
forfilingasignednoticeoftheassignmentthatstatesthenameandaddressof
theassignee.
(d)Theownerofareservedlimitedliabilitycompanynamemayterminate
thenamereservationbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingasigned
noticeofwithdrawalofnamereservationApersonmayreservetheexclusive
useofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofState
forfilingpursuanttosection1652ofthistitle. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page50of227
§4007.DESIGNATEDOFFICEANDAGENT
(a)Alimitedliabilitycompanyandaforeignlimitedliabilitycompany
authorizedtodobusinessinthisStateshalldesignateandcontinuously
maintain:
(1)adesignatedofficefornotificationpurposes,whichmaybutneed
notbeaplaceofitsbusiness,andmaybutneednotbelocatedinthisState;
and
(2)anagentandstreetaddressoftheagentforserviceofprocessonthe
limitedliabilitycompanyinthisStatepursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
(b)Anagentforserviceofprocessshallbeanindividualresidentofthis
State,adomesticcorporation,anotherlimitedliabilitycompany,oraforeign
corporationorforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyauthorizedtodobusinessin
thisState.
§4008.CHANGEOFDESIGNATEDOFFICEORAGENTFORSERVICE
OFPROCESS
(a)Alimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimitedliabilitycompanymay
changeitsdesignatedofficeoragentforserviceofprocessbydeliveringtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchangethatsetsforth:itscurrent
designatedofficeinformationandanychangetotheinformation.
(1)thenameofthecompany; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page51of227
(2)thestreetaddress,andthemailingaddressifdifferentfromthestreet
address,ofitscurrentdesignatedoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentdesignatedofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddress,
andthemailingaddressifdifferentfromthestreetaddress,ofthenew
designatedoffice;
(4)thenameandaddressofitscurrentagentforserviceofprocess;and
(5)ifthecurrentagentforserviceofprocessistobechanged,thename
ofthenewagentforserviceofprocessandthenewagent’swrittenconsent,
eitheronthestatementorattachedtoit,totheappointment.
(b)Ifanagentforserviceofprocesschangesthestreetaddressofthe
agent’sbusinessoffice,theagentmaychangethestreetaddressofthe
designatedofficeofanylimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimitedliability
companyforwhichtheagentistheagentforserviceofprocessbynotifyingthe
companyinwritingofthechangeandsigning,eithermanuallyorinfacsimile,
andfilingwiththeSecretaryofStateastatementthatcomplieswiththe
requirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissectionandrecitesthatthecompanyhas
beennotifiedofthechangeAlimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimited
liabilitycompanyshallchangeitsagentforserviceofprocess,ortheagent’s
emailoraddressinformation,bydeliveringtotheSecretaryforfilinga
statementofchangepursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
§4009.RESIGNATIONOFAGENTFORSERVICEOFPROCESS BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page52of227
(a)Toresignasanagentforserviceofprocessofalimitedliability
companyorforeignlimitedliabilitycompany,theagentshalldelivertothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofresignationcontainingthecompany
nameandstatingthattheagentisresigningpursuanttosection1655ofthis
title.
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallfileastatementofresignationdelivered
undersubsection(a)ofthissectionandmailorotherwisedeliveracopytothe
designatedofficeofthelimitedliabilitycompany.
(c)Anagencyforserviceofprocessterminatesontheearlierof:
(1)the41stdayaftertheSecretaryofStatefilesthestatementof
resignation;or
(2)whenarecorddesignatinganewagentforserviceofprocessis
deliveredtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingonbehalfofthelimitedliability
companyandbecomeseffective.
§4010.SERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Anagentforserviceofprocessappointedbyalimitedliabilitycompany
oraforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyisanagentofthecompanyforserviceof
anyprocess,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupon
thecompany.
(b)Ifalimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyfails
toappointormaintainanagentforserviceofprocessinthisStateortheagent BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page53of227
forserviceofprocesscannotwithreasonablediligencebefoundattheagent’s
address,theSecretaryofStateisanagentofthecompanyuponwhomprocess,
notice,ordemandmaybeserved.
(c)Serviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemandontheSecretaryofStatemay
bemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwiththeSecretaryofStateduplicate
copiesoftheprocess,notice,ordemand.Iftheprocess,notice,ordemandis
servedontheSecretaryofState,theSecretaryofStateshallforwardoneofthe
copiesbyregisteredorcertifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,tothecompany
atitsregisteredoffice.ServiceontheSecretaryofStateshallbereturnablein
notlessthan30days.
(d)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedpursuanttothissectionandrecordthetimeofandtheaction
takenregardingtheservice.
(e)Thissectionshallnotaffecttherighttoserveprocess,notice,ordemand
uponalimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyinany
mannerotherwiseprovidedbylawAlimitedliabilitycompanyorforeign
limitedliabilitycompanyissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin
section1656ofthistitle.
***
§4012.FEES BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page54of227
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectthefollowingfeeswhenadocument
describedinthissectionisdeliveredtotheOfficeoftheSecretaryofStatefor
filing:
(1)Articlesoforganization $155.00
(2)Applicationforcertificateofauthority $155.00
(3)Amendmentofarticlesorcertificateofauthority $35.00
(4)Cancellationofcertificateofauthority $25.00
(5)Applicationforreservedname $25.00
(6)Noticeoftransferofreservedname $20.00
(7)Applicationforregisteredname $25.00
(8)Applicationforrenewalofregisteredname $25.00
(9)Statementofchangeofdesignatedagentordesignatedoffice,orboth
$35.00andnottoexceed$1,000.00perfilerpercalendaryear
(10)Agent’sstatementofresignation nofee
(11)Restatementofarticlesoforganization $25.00
(12)Articlesofcorrection $35.00
(13)Applicationforcertificateofexistenceorauthorization$35.00
(14)Articlesofmerger $55.00
(15)Annualreportofadomesticlimitedliabilitycompany $45.00
(16)Annualreportofaforeignlimitedliabilitycompany $170.00
(17)Reinstatement $35.00 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page55of227
(18)Anyotherdocumentrequiredorpermittedtobefiledbythis
chapter $20.00
(19)Articlesofdomestication $20.00
(20)Articlesoftermination $20.00
(21)Noticeofwithdrawalofreservedname $20.00
(22)Statementofconversion $20.00
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectthefollowingfees:
(1)$35.00eachtimeprocessisservedontheSecretaryunderthis
chapter.Thepartytoaproceedingcausingserviceofprocessisentitledto
recoverthisfeeascostsifthepartyprevailsintheproceeding.
(2)$25.00forthecertificatecertifyingthecopyofanyfileddocument
relatingtoalimitedliabilitycompanyoraforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyA
personwhosubmitsadocumentforfilingpursuanttothischaptershallpayto
theSecretaryofStatetheamountspecifiedinsection1651ofthistitle.
***
§4023.ARTICLESOFORGANIZATION
***
(b)Articlesoforganizationofalimitedliabilitycompanymaysetforth:
(1)provisionspermittedtobesetforthinanoperatingagreement;and
(2)name,email,andaddressinformationforoneormoreowners,
officers,orotherprincipalsofthecompany;and BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page56of227
(3)othermattersnotinconsistentwithlaw.
***
§4033.ANNUALREPORTFORSECRETARYOFSTATE
(a)Eachdomesticlimitedliabilitycompanyandeachforeignlimited
liabilitycompanyauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStateshallfilean
annualreportwiththeSecretaryofState.Theannualreportshallsetforththe
followinginformation:
(1)thenameofthecompanyandthestateorcountryunderwhoselawit
isorganized;and
(2)theaddressofitsdesignatedoffice;and
(3)thename,email,andaddressofitsdesignatedagentforserviceof
processatthatofficeinthisState.
(b)Informationintheannualreportshallbecurrentasofthedatethe
annualreportissignedonbehalfofthecompany.
(c)TheannualreportshallbedeliveredtotheSecretaryofStatewithin
threemonthsaftertheexpirationofthecompany’sfiscalyear.
(d)TheSecretaryofStateshallamenditsrecordstoreflectachange,if
specifiedinthereport,tothebusiness’spurpose,email,address,orprincipal
information.
***
§4112.APPLICATIONFORCERTIFICATEOFAUTHORITY BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page57of227
(a)Aforeignlimitedliabilitycompanymayapplyforacertificateof
authoritytotransactbusinessinthisStatebydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplicationshallsetforth:
(1)thenameoftheforeigncompanyand,ifitsnameisunavailablefor
useinthisState,analternatenamethatsatisfiestherequirementsofsection
4116ofthistitle;
(2)thenameofthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisorganized;
(3)theaddressofitsinitialdesignatedoffice;and
(4)thename,email,andaddressinformationandstreetaddress,andthe
mailingaddressifdifferentfromthestreetaddress,ofitsdesignatedagentfor
serviceofprocessinthisStatepursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
(b)Anapplicationmaysetforth:
(1)provisionspermittedtobeincludedinanoperatingagreement;
(2)thename,email,andaddressinformationforoneormoreowners,
officers,orotherprincipalsofthecompany;and
(3)othermattersnotinconsistentwithlaw.
(c)Aforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyshalldeliverwiththecompleted
applicationacertificateofexistenceoradocumentofsimilarimport,
authenticatedbytheSecretaryofStateorotherofficialhavingcustodyof
companyrecordsinthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisorganized,dated
nonotearlierthan90dayspriortofilingoftheapplication. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page58of227
***
***UpdatestoTitle11Alanguage***
Sec.8.11AV.S.A.chapter1isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER1.GENERALPROVISIONS
***
§1.20.FILINGREQUIREMENTS
***
(j)(1)Anyofthetermsofaplanorfileddocumentsmaybemade
dependentonfactsascertainableoutsidetheplanorfileddocumentsas
follows:
(A)Themannerinwhichthefactsoperateonthetermsoftheplanor
fileddocumentmustbeclearlyandexpresslysetforthintheplanorfiled
document.
(B)Thefactsmayincludewithoutlimitationactionsoreventswithin
thecontrolof,ordeterminationsmadeby,apartpartytotheplanorfilingthe
fileddocumentorarepresentativeofapartytotheplanorfilingthefiled
document.
(2)Asusedinthissection:
(A)“Fileddocument”meansadocumentfiledwiththesecretaryof
stateSecretaryofStateunderanyprovisionofthistitle,exceptchapter15or
section16.22ofthistitle. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page59of227
(B)“Plan”meansaplanofmergerorshareexchange.
***
§1.22.FILING;SERVICEANDCOPYINGFEES
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectthefollowingfeeswhenthe
documentsdescribedinthissectionaredeliveredtotheOfficeoftheSecretary
ofStateforfiling:
(1)Articlesofincorporation $155.00
(2)Applicationforreservedname $40.00
(3)Noticeoftransferofreservedname $20.00
(4)Applicationforregisterednameofaforeigncorporation$50.00
(5)Applicationforrenewalofregisterednameofaforeigncorporation
$50.00
(6)Statementofchangeofregisteredagentsorregisteredoffice,orboth
$25.00andnottoexceed$1,000.00perfilerpercalendaryear.
(7)Agent’sstatementofresignation Nofee
(8)Amendmentofarticlesofincorporation $50.00
(9)Restatementofarticlesofincorporation $50.00
(10)Articlesofmergerorshareexchange $95.00
(11)Articlesofdissolution $35.00
(12)Articlesofrevocationofdissolution $35.00
(13)Applicationforcertificateofauthority $155.00 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page60of227
(14)Applicationforamendedcertificateofauthority $50.00
(15)Applicationforcertificateofwithdrawal $25.00
(16)Annualreportofaforeigncorporation $250.00
(17)Annualreportofadomesticcorporation $60.00
(18)Applicationforcertificateofgoodstanding $25.00
(19)Anyotherdocumentrequiredorpermittedtobefiledbythistitle
$35.00
(20)Articlesofcorrection $20.00
(21)Articlesofdomestication $20.00
(22)Statementofconversion $20.00
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectafeeof$25.00eachtimeprocessis
servedonhimorherunderthistitle.Thepartytoaproceedingcausingservice
ofprocessisentitledtorecoverthisfeeascostsifheorsheprevailsinthe
proceeding.
(c)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectafeeof$25.00forcopyingand
certifyingthecopyofanyfileddocumentrelatingtoadomesticorforeign
corporation.
(d)Whenacorporationhasbeeninvoluntarilyterminatedforfailuretofile
itsannualreport,theSecretaryofStateshallcollect,foreachyearthe
corporationfailedtofileitsannualreport,theannualreportfilingfeeanda
reinstatementfeeof$50.00Apersonwhosubmitsadocumentforfiling BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page61of227
pursuanttothistitleshallpaytotheSecretaryofStatetheamountspecifiedin
11V.S.A.§1651.
***
§1.40.DEFINITIONS
Asusedinthistitle:
***
(8)“Entity”includescorporationandforeigncorporation;not-for-
profitnonprofitcorporation;profitandnot-for-profitnonprofitunincorporated
association;businesstrust,estate,partnership,trust,andtwoormorepersons
havingajointorcommoneconomicinterest;andstate,UnitedStates,and
foreigngovernment.
***
Sec.9.11AV.S.A.§ 2.02isamendedtoread:
§2.02.ARTICLESOFINCORPORATION
(a)Thearticlesofincorporationshallsetforth:
(1)acorporatenameforthecorporationthatsatisfiestherequirements
ofsection4.01ofthistitle;
(2)theclassesofshares,ifany,andthenumberofsharesineachclass
thatthecorporationisauthorizedtoissue;
(3)thenumberofsharesthecorporationisauthorizedtoissue; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page62of227
(4)thestreetaddressofthecorporation’sinitialregisteredofficeand
thenameandemailofitsinitialregisteredagentforserviceofprocessatthat
officepursuantto11V.S.A.§1655;
(5)thenameandaddressofeachincorporator;
(6)oneormoreclassesofsharesthattogetherhaveunlimitedvoting
rights;and
(7)oneormoreclassesofshares,(whichmaybethesameclassor
classesasthosewithvotingrights),thattogetherareentitledtoreceivethenet
assetsofthecorporationupondissolution.
(b)Thearticlesofincorporationmaysetforth:
(1)thenamesandaddressesoftheindividualswhoaretoserveasthe
initialboardofdirectors,andofanyotherprincipalsthecorporationprovides;
(2)provisionsnotinconsistentwithlawregarding:
***
Sec.10.11AV.S.A.chapter4isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER4.NAME
§4.01.CORPORATEHEADNAME
(a)Acorporatename:
(1)shallcontaintheword“corporation,”“incorporated,”“company,”
or“limited,”ortheabbreviation“corp.,”“inc.,”“co.,”or“ltd.,”orwords
orabbreviationsoflikeimportinanotherlanguage; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page63of227
(2)maynotcontainlanguagestatingorimplyingthatthecorporationis
organizedforapurposeotherthanthatpermittedbysection3.01ofthistitle
anditsarticlesofincorporation;
(3)shallnothavetheword“cooperative”oranyabbreviationthereofas
partofitsnameunlessthecorporationisaworkercooperativecorporation
organizedunder11V.S.A.chapter8,ahousingcooperativecorporation
organizedunder11V.S.A.chapter14,orthearticlesofincorporationcontain
alloftheprovisionsrequiredofacorporationorganizedasacooperative
associationgeneralcooperativecorporationin11V.S.A.§981;and
(4)shallnotincludeanywordnototherwiseauthorizedbylaw.
***
§4.02.RESERVEDNAME
(a)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofacorporatename,includinga
fictitiousnameforaforeigncorporationwhosecorporatenameisnot
available,bydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.The
applicationmustsetforththenameandaddressoftheapplicantandthename
proposedtobereserved.IftheSecretaryofStatefindsthatthecorporatename
appliedforisavailable,heorsheshallreservethenamefortheapplicant’s
exclusiveusefora120-dayperiod.Such120-dayperiodmayberenewedno
morethantwice. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page64of227
(b)Theownerofareservedcorporatenamemaytransferthereservationto
anotherpersonbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateasignednoticeofthe
transferthatstatesthenameandaddressofthetransfereeApersonmay
reservetheexclusiveuseofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingpursuantto11V.S.A.§1652.
§4.03.REGISTEREDNAME
(a)Aforeigncorporationmayregisteritscorporatename,oritsalternate
nameorcorporatenamewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthis
title,ifthenameisdistinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryofStatefrom
thecorporateorbusinessnamesthatarenotavailableundersection
4.01(b)(3)ofthistitle.
(b)Aforeigncorporationregistersitscorporatename,oritsalternate
nameorcorporatenamewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthis
title,bydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilinganapplication:
(1)settingforthitscorporatename,oritsalternatenameorcorporate
namewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthistitle,thestateor
countryanddateofitsincorporation,andabriefdescriptionofthenatureof
thebusinessinwhichitisengaged;and
(2)accompaniedbyacertificateofgoodstandingoradocumentof
similarimportfromthestateorcountryofincorporation.
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page65of227
Sec.11.11AV.S.A.chapter5isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER5.OFFICEANDAGENT
§5.01.REGISTEREDOFFICEANDREGISTEREDAGENTFOR
SERVICEOFPROCESS
EachcorporationmustcontinuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)aregisteredofficethatmaybethesameasanyofitsplacesof
business;and
(2)aregisteredagentforserviceofprocesspursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655,whomaybe:
(A)anindividualwhoresidesinthisStateandwhosebusinessoffice
isidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice;
(B)adomesticcorporationornonprofitdomesticcorporationwhose
businessofficeisidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice;or
(C)aforeigncorporationornonprofitforeigncorporationauthorized
totransactbusinessinthisStatewhosebusinessofficeisidenticalwiththe
registeredoffice.
§5.02.CHANGEOFREGISTEREDOFFICEORREGISTEREDAGENT
FORSERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Acorporationmaychangeitsregisteredofficeorregisteredagentfor
serviceofprocessinformationbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling
astatementofchangepursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.thatsetsforth: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page66of227
(1)thenameofthecorporation;
(2)thestreetaddressofitscurrentregisteredoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentregisteredofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressof
thenewregisteredoffice;
(4)thenameofitscurrentregisteredagent;
(5)ifthecurrentregisteredagentistobechanged,thenameofthenew
registeredagentandthenewagent’swrittenconsent(eitheronthestatement
orattachedtoit)totheappointment;and
(6)thatafterthechangeorchangesaremade,thestreetaddressesofits
registeredofficeandthebusinessofficeofitsregisteredagentwillbeidentical
(b)Ifaregisteredagentchangesthestreetaddressoftheagent’sbusiness
office,theagentmaychangethestreetaddressoftheregisteredofficeofany
corporationforwhichheorsheistheregisteredagentbynotifyingthe
corporationinwritingofthechangeandsigning(eithermanuallyorin
facsimile)anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementthat
complieswiththerequirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissectionandrecitesthat
thecorporationhasbeennotifiedofthechange.
§5.03.RESIGNATIONOFREGISTEREDAGENT
(a)Aregisteredagentmayresignhisorheragencyappointmentbysigning
anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling,andthecorporationatits
registeredoffice,thesignedoriginalandtwoexactcopiesofastatementof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page67of227
resignation.Thestatementmayincludeastatementthattheregisteredofficeis
alsodiscontinued.
(b)Afterfilingthestatement,theSecretaryofStateshallmailonecopyto
theregisteredoffice(ifnotdiscontinued)andtheothercopytothecorporation
atitsprincipaloffice.
(c)Theagencyappointmentisterminated,andtheregisteredoffice
discontinuedifsoprovided,onthe31stdayafterthedateonwhichthe
statementisfiledAregisteredagentforserviceofprocessmayresignasagent
byfilingastatementofresignationpursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.
§5.04.SERVICEONCORPORATION
(a)Thecorporation’sregisteredagentshallbeanagentofsuch
corporationuponwhomanyprocess,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermitted
bylawtobeserveduponthecorporationmaybeserved.
(b)Wheneveracorporationshallfailtoappointormaintainaregistered
agentinthisState,orwheneveritsregisteredagentcannotwithreasonable
diligencebefoundattheregisteredoffice,thentheSecretaryofStateshallbe
anagentofsuchcorporationuponwhomanysuchprocess,noticeordemand
maybeserved.ServiceontheSecretaryofStateofanysuchprocess,notice,or
demandshallbemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwithhimorher,orwith
anyclerkhavingchargeofthecorporationdepartmentofhisorheroffice,
duplicatecopiesofsuchprocess,notice,ordemand.Intheeventanysuch BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page68of227
process,notice,ordemandisservedontheSecretaryofState,heorsheshall
immediatelycauseoneofthecopiesthereoftobeforwardedbyregisteredor
certifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,addressedtothecorporationatits
registeredoffice.
(c)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedupontheSecretaryunderthissection,andshallrecordtherein
thetimeofsuchserviceandtheSecretary’sactionwithreferencethereto.
(d)Nothinghereincontainedshalllimitoraffecttherighttoserveany
process,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupona
corporationinanyothermannernoworhereafterpermittedbylaw,orbyrule
Acorporationissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.1656.
Sec.12.11AV.S.A.chapter14isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER14.DISSOLUTION
***
§14.05.EFFECTOFDISSOLUTION
***
(b)Dissolutionofacorporationdoesnot:
(1)transfertitletothecorporation’sproperty;
(2)preventtransferofitssharesorsecurities,althoughthe
authorizationtodissolvemayprovideforclosingthecorporation’sshare
transferrecords; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page69of227
(3)subjectitsdirectorsorofficerstostandardsofconductdifferentfrom
thoseprescribedinchapter8ofthistitle;
(4)changequorumorvotingrequirementsforitsboardofdirectorsor
shareholders;changeprovisionsforselection,resignation,orremovalofits
directorsorofficersorboth;orchangeprovisionsforamendingitsbylaws;
(5)preventcommencementofaproceedingbyoragainstthe
corporationinitscorporatename;
(6)abateorsuspendaproceedingpendingbyoragainstthe
corporationontheeffectivedateofdissolution;or
(7)terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocess
ofthecorporation.
***
§14.20.INVOLUNTARYTERMINATION
***
(d)Involuntaryterminationofacorporationdoesnot:
(1)preventcommencementofaproceedingagainstthecorporationin
itscorporatename;
(2)abateorsuspendaproceedingpendingbyoragainstthe
corporationontheeffectivedateofinvoluntarytermination;or
(3)terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocess
ofthecorporation. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page70of227
***
Sec.13.11AV.S.A.chapter15isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER15.FOREIGNCORPORATIONS
***
§15.03.APPLICATIONFORCERTIFICATEOFAUTHORITY
(a)Aforeigncorporationmayapplyforacertificateofauthorityto
transactbusinessinthisStatebydeliveringanapplicationandtheapplicable
filingfeetotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplicationmustsetforth:
(1)thenameoftheforeigncorporationor,ifitsnameisunavailablefor
useinthisState,acorporatenamethatsatisfiestherequirementsofsection
15.06ofthistitle;
(2)thenameofthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisincorporated;
(3)itsdateofincorporationandperiodofduration;
(4)thestreetaddressofitsprincipaloffice;
(5)theaddressofitsregisteredofficeinthisStateandthenameofits
registeredagentforserviceofprocessatthatoffice,pursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655;and
(6)thenamesandusualbusinessaddressesofitscurrentdirectorsand
officers,andofanyotherprincipalsthecorporationprovides.
(b)Theforeigncorporationshalldeliverwiththecompletedapplicationa
certificateofgoodstanding(oradocumentofsimilarimport)duly BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page71of227
authenticatedbytheSecretaryofStateorotherofficialhavingcustodyof
corporaterecordsinthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisincorporated.
***
§15.06.CORPORATENAMEOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)Ifthecorporatenameofaforeigncorporationdoesnotsatisfythe
requirementsofsection4.01ofthistitle,theforeigncorporationtoobtainor
maintainacertificateofauthoritytotransactbusinessinthisState:
(1)mayaddtheword“corporation,”“incorporated,”“company,”or
“limited,”ortheabbreviation“corp.,”“inc.,”“co.,”or“ltd.,”toits
corporatenameforuseinthisState;or
(2)mayuseanavailabletradeadoptanalternatenametotransact
businessinthisStateifitscorporatenameisunavailableanditdeliverstothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingacopyoftheresolutionofitsboardofdirectors,
certifiedbyitssecretary,adoptingthetradealternatename.
(b)Exceptasauthorizedbysubsections(c)and(d)ofthissection,the
corporatename,includingatradeanalternatename,ofaforeigncorporation
shallbedistinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryofStatefromanyname
granted,registered,orreservedunderthischapter,orthenameofanyother
entity,whetherdomesticorforeign,thatisreserved,registered,orgrantedby
orwiththeSecretaryofState. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page72of227
(c)AforeigncorporationmayapplytotheSecretaryofStatefor
authorizationtouseinthisStatethenameofanothercorporationincorporated
orauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatethatisnotdistinguishableinthe
recordsfromoneormoreofthenamesdescribedinsubsection(b)ofthis
section,bysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateasatisfactorywrittenform
indicatingtheothercorporation’sconsentandchangeofname.
(d)AforeigncorporationmayuseinthisStatethename,includingthe
tradealternatename,ofanotherdomesticorforeigncorporationthatisused
inthisStateiftheothercorporationisincorporatedorauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateandtheforeigncorporation:
(1)hasmergedwiththeothercorporation;
(2)hasbeenformedbyreorganizationoftheothercorporation;or
(3)hasacquiredallorsubstantiallyalloftheassets,includingthe
corporatename,oftheothercorporation.
***
§15.07.REGISTEREDOFFICEANDREGISTEREDAGENTFOR
SERVICEOFPROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
EachforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemust
continuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)aregisteredofficethatmaybethesameasanyofitsplacesof
business;and BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page73of227
(2)aregisteredagentforserviceofprocess,pursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655,whomaybe:
(A)anindividualwhoresidesinthisStateandwhosebusinessoffice
isidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice;
(B)adomesticcorporationordomesticnot-for-profitcorporation
whosebusinessofficeisidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice;or
(C)aforeigncorporationorforeignnot-for-profitcorporation
authorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatewhosebusinessofficeisidentical
withtheregisteredoffice.
§15.08.CHANGEOFREGISTEREDOFFICEORREGISTEREDAGENT
FORSERVICEOFPROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)AforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemay
changeitsregisteredofficeorregisteredagentforserviceofprocessby
deliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchangethatsets
forth:
(1)itsname;
(2)thestreetaddressofitscurrentregisteredoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentregisteredofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressof
itsnewregisteredoffice;
(4)thenameofitscurrentregisteredagent; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page74of227
(5)ifthecurrentregisteredagentistobechanged,thenameofitsnew
registeredagentandthenewagent’swrittenconsent(eitheronthestatement
orattachedtoit)totheappointment;and
(6)thatafterthechangeorchangesaremade,thestreetaddressesofits
registeredofficeandthebusinessofficeofitsregisteredagentwillbeidentical.
(b)Ifaregisteredagentchangesthestreetaddressofhisorherbusiness
office,heorshemaychangethestreetaddressoftheregisteredofficeofany
foreigncorporationforwhichheorsheistheregisteredagentbynotifyingthe
corporationinwritingofthechangeandsigning(eithermanuallyorin
facsimile)anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
changethatcomplieswiththerequirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissection
andrecitesthatthecorporationhasbeennotifiedofthechangepursuantto
11 V.S.A.§1655.
§15.09.RESIGNATIONOFREGISTEREDAGENTFORSERVICEOF
PROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)Theregisteredagentofaforeigncorporationmayresignhisorher
agencyasagentbyfilingastatementofresignationpursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655appointmentbysigninganddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStatefor
filingtheoriginalandtwoexactorconformedcopiesofastatementof
resignation.Thestatementofresignationmayincludeastatementthatthe
registeredofficeisalsodiscontinued. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page75of227
(b)Afterfilingthestatement,theSecretaryofStateshallattachthefiling
receipttoonecopyandmailthecopyandreceipttotheregisteredofficeifnot
discontinued.TheSecretaryofStateshallmailtheothercopytotheforeign
corporationatitsprincipalofficeaddressshowninitsmostrecentannual
report.
(c)Theagencyappointmentisterminated,andtheregisteredoffice
discontinuedifsoprovided,onthe31stdayafterthedateonwhichthe
statementwasfiled.
§15.10.SERVICEOFPROCESSONFOREIGNCORPORATION
Serviceofprocessonaforeigncorporationisgovernedby12V.S.A.
subchapter6,chapter25andbytheVermontRulesofCivilProcedureA
foreigncorporationissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.§
1656.
***
§15.30.INVOLUNTARYTERMINATION
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallterminatethecertificateofauthorityofa
foreigncorporationif:
(1)theforeigncorporationfailstodeliveritsannualreporttothe
SecretaryofStateasrequiredbysection16.22ofthistitle;
(2)theforeigncorporationdoesnotpayanyfranchisetaxesorpenalties
imposedbythistitleorotherlaw; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page76of227
(3)theforeigncorporationiswithoutaregisteredagentforserviceof
processorregisteredofficeinthisState;
(4)theforeigncorporationfailstoinformtheSecretaryofStateunder
section15.08or15.09ofthistitlethatitsregisteredagentforserviceof
processorregisteredofficehaschanged;
(5)amaterialmisrepresentationisknowinglymadeinasigned
documentdeliveredtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling;
(6)theSecretaryofStatereceivesadulyauthenticatedcertificatefrom
theSecretaryofStateorotherofficialhavingcustodyofcorporationrecordsin
thestateorcountryunderwhoselawtheforeigncorporationisincorporated
statingthatithasbeendissolvedorterminatedordisappearedastheresultof
amerger;
(7)theforeigncorporationhasfailedtocomplywithsubdivision
11.07(a)(3)ofthistitlerequiringittofilearticlesofmergerwhereitisthe
survivorofamergerwithadomesticcorporation;or
(8)theCommissionerofTaxesnotifiestheSecretaryofStatethata
foreigncorporationhasfailedtomakeareturn,topayatax,tofileabond,or
todoanyotheractrequiredtobedoneundertheprovisionsof32V.S.A.
chapter211. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page77of227
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallservetheforeigncorporationwithwritten
noticeofterminationofitscertificateofauthorityundersection15.10ofthis
title,settingouteachdeficiency.
(c)TheauthorityofaforeigncorporationtotransactbusinessinthisState
ceasesonthedateshownonthenoticeterminatingitscertificateofauthority.
Terminationofaforeigncorporation’scertificateofauthoritydoesnot
terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocessofthe
corporation.
(d)TheSecretaryofState’sterminationofaforeigncorporation’s
certificateofauthorityappointstheSecretaryofStatetheforeign
corporation’sagentforserviceofprocessinanyproceedingbasedonacause
ofactionthataroseduringthetimetheforeigncorporationwasauthorizedto
transactorwastransactingwithoutauthorizationbusinessinthisState.
ServiceofprocessontheSecretaryofStateunderthissubsectionisserviceon
theforeigncorporation.Uponreceiptofprocess,theSecretaryofStateshall
mailacopyoftheprocesstothesecretaryoftheforeigncorporationatits
principalofficeshowninitsmostrecentannualreportorinanysubsequent
communicationreceivedfromthecorporationstatingthecurrentmailing
addressofitsprincipaloffice,or,ifnoneisonfile,initsapplicationfora
certificateofauthority,orotherwiseperfectserviceundersection15.10ofthis
title. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page78of227
(e)Iftheforeigncorporationcorrectseachgroundforterminationand
demonstratestothereasonablesatisfactionoftheSecretaryofStatethateach
groundcitedinthenoticeofterminationdoesnotexist,andpaystothe
SecretaryofStateareinstatementfeeof$25.00foreachyearitisdelinquent,
thesecretarymaycanceltheterminationandprepareacertificateof
reinstatement,filetheoriginalofthecertificate,andserveacopyonthe
corporationundersection15.10ofthistitle.
***
Sec.14.11AV.S.A.chapter16isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER16.RECORDSANDREPORTS
***
§16.22.ANNUALREPORTFORSECRETARYOFSTATE
(a)Eachdomesticcorporation,andeachforeigncorporationauthorizedto
transactbusinessinthisState,shalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateforfiling
anannualreportthatsetsforth:
(1)thenameofthecorporationandthestateorcountryunderwhose
lawitisincorporated;
(2)theaddressofitsregisteredofficeandthenameandemailofits
registeredagentforserviceofprocessatthatofficeinthisState;
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page79of227
(e)Listingthenameoftheregisteredagentandtheaddressoftheregistered
officedoesnoteffectuateachangeinsuchagentorofficeunlessthereport
alsocontainstherequirementsofsection5.02ofthistitleTheSecretaryof
Stateshallamenditsrecordstoreflectachange,ifspecifiedinthereport,to
thebusiness’spurpose,email,address,orprincipalinformation.
***UpdatestoTitle11Blanguage***
Sec.15.11BV.S.A.chapter1isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER1.GENERALPROVISIONS
***
§1.21.FORMS
(a)TheSecretaryofStatemayprescribetheformorelectronicformatof
andfurnishonrequest,formsorspecificationsforformatsfor:
(1)anapplicationforacertificateofexistencegoodstanding;
(2)aforeigncorporation’sapplicationforacertificateofauthorityto
transactbusinessinthisState;
(3)aforeigncorporation’sapplicationforacertificateofwithdrawal;
and
(4)thebiennialreport.
(b)TheSecretaryofStatemayprescribeandfurnishonrequestformsfor
otherdocumentsrequiredorpermittedtobefiledbythistitlebuttheiruseis
notmandatory. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page80of227
§1.22.FILING;SERVICEANDCOPYINGFEES
TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectthefollowingfeeswhenthedocuments
describedinthissectionaredeliveredtotheOfficeoftheSecretaryofStatefor
filing:
(1)Articlesofincorporation $155.00
(2)Applicationforreservedname $35.00
(3)Transferofreservedname $35.00
(4)Applicationforregisteredname $45.00
(5)Renewalofregisteredname $45.00
(6)Statementofchangeofregisteredagentsorregisteredoffice,orboth
$35.00andnottoexceed$1,000.00perfilerpercalendaryear.
(7)Agent’sstatementofresignation Nofee
(8)Amendmentofarticlesofassociation $45.00
(9)Restatementofarticlesofassociation $45.00
(10)Articlesofmerger $90.00
(11)Articlesofdissolution Nofee
(12)Articlesofrevocationofdissolution $10.00
(13)Applicationforreinstatementfollowingadministrativedissolution
$45.00
(14)Applicationforcertificateofauthorityforaforeigncorporation
$175.00 BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page81of227
(15)Applicationforamendedcertificateofauthority $45.00
(16)Applicationforcertificateofwithdrawal $10.00
(17)Biennialreport $35.00exceptthat
acorporationwhichcertifiestotheSecretaryofState,onaformapprovedby
theSecretary,thatitdidnotcompensateitsofficers,directors,oremployees
duringthepriorcalendaryearshallbeexemptfromthefeerequiredbythis
subdivision.
(18)Articlesofcorrection $30.00
(19)Applicationforcertificateofgoodstanding $35.00
(20)Certifiedcopyofanyfileddocument $25.00
(21)Restatementofarticlesoforganization $30.00Aperson
whosubmitsadocumentforfilingpursuanttothistitleshallpaytothe
SecretaryofStatetheamountspecifiedin11V.S.A.§1651.
***
Sec.16.11BV.S.A.chapter2isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER2.INCORPORATION
***
§2.02.ARTICLESOFINCORPORATION
(a)Thearticlesofincorporationmustsetforth:
(1)aAcorporatenameforthecorporationthatsatisfiesthe
requirementsofsection4.01ofthistitle;. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page82of227
(2)oneOneofthefollowingstatements:
(A)Thiscorporationisapublicbenefitcorporation.
(B)Thiscorporationisamutualbenefitcorporation.
(3)theThestreetaddressofthecorporation’sinitialregisteredoffice
andthenameandemailofitsinitialregisteredagentforserviceofprocessat
thatoffice,pursuantto11V.S.A.§1655;.
(4)theThenameandaddressofeachincorporator;.
(5)whetherWhetherornotthecorporationwillhavemembers;and.
(6)provisionsProvisionsnotinconsistentwithlawregardingthe
distributionofassetsondissolution.
(b)Thearticlesofincorporationmaysetforth:
(1)thepurposeorpurposesforwhichthecorporationisorganized,
whichmaybe,eitheraloneorincombinationwithotherpurposes,the
transactionofanylawfulactivity;
(2)thenamesandaddressesoftheindividualswhoaretoserveasthe
initialdirectors,andofanyotherprincipalsthecorporationprovides;
(3)provisionsnotinconsistentwithlawregarding:
(A)managingandregulatingtheaffairsofthecorporation;
(B)defining,limiting,andregulatingthepowersofthecorporation,
itsboardofdirectors,andmembers(oranyclassofmembers); BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page83of227
(C)thecharacteristics,qualifications,rights,limitations,and
obligationsattachingtoeachoranyclassofmembers;and
(4)anyprovisionthatunderthistitleisrequiredorpermittedtobeset
forthinthebylaws.
***
Sec.17.11BV.S.A.chapter4isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER4.NAME
***
§4.02.RESERVEDNAME
(a)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofacorporatename,includinga
fictitiousnameforaforeigncorporationwhosecorporatenameisnot
available,bydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.
Uponfindingthatthecorporatenameappliedforisavailable,theSecretaryof
Stateshallreservethenamefortheapplicant’sexclusiveusefora120-day
period.Such120-dayperiodmayberenewednomorethantwice.
(b)Theownerofareservedcorporatenamemaytransferthereservationto
anotherpersonbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateasignednoticeofthe
transferthatstatesthenameandaddressofthetransfereeApersonmay
reservetheexclusiveuseofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingpursuantto11V.S.A.§1652.
§4.03.REGISTEREDNAME BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page84of227
(a)Aforeigncorporationmayregisteritscorporatename,oritsalternate
nameorcorporatenamewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthis
title,ifthenameisdistinguishableupontherecordsoftheSecretaryofState
from:
(1)thecorporatenameofanonprofitorbusinesscorporation
incorporatedorauthorizedtodobusinessinthisState;and
(2)acorporatenamereservedundersection4.02ofthistitleor11A
V.S.A.§4.02orregisteredunderthissection.
(b)Aforeigncorporationregistersitscorporatename,oritsalternate
namecorporatenamewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthistitle,
bydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateanapplication:
(1)settingforthitscorporatename,oritsalternatenameorcorporate
namewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthistitle,thestateor
countryanddateofitsincorporation,andabriefdescriptionofthenatureof
theactivitiesinwhichitisengaged;and
(2)accompaniedbyacertificateofexistence(oradocumentofsimilar
import)fromthestateorcountryofincorporation.
***
Sec.18.11BV.S.A.chapter5isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER5.OFFICEANDAGENT
§5.01.REGISTEREDOFFICEANDREGISTEREDAGENTFOR BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page85of227
SERVICEOFPROCESS
EachcorporationmustcontinuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)aregisteredofficethatmaybethesameasanyofitsplacesof
business;and
(2)aregisteredagentforserviceofprocess,pursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655,whosebusinessofficeisidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice.
§5.02.CHANGEOFREGISTEREDOFFICEORREGISTEREDAGENT
FORSERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Acorporationmaychangeitsregisteredofficeorregisteredagentfor
serviceofprocessbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatement
ofchangepursuantto11V.S.A.§1655thatsetsforth:
(1)thenameofthecorporation;
(2)thestreetaddressofitscurrentregisteredoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentregisteredofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressof
thenewregisteredoffice;
(4)thenameofitscurrentregisteredagent;
(5)ifthecurrentregisteredagentistobechanged,thenameofthenew
registeredagentandthenewagent’swrittenconsent(eitheronthestatement
orattachedtoit)totheappointment;and
(6)thatafterthechangeorchangesaremade,thestreetaddressesofits
registeredofficeandtheofficeofitsregisteredagentwillbeidentical BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page86of227
(b)Ifthestreetaddressofaregisteredagent’sofficeischanged,the
registeredagentmaychangethestreetaddressoftheregisteredofficeofany
corporationforwhichtheregisteredagentistheregisteredagentbynotifying
thecorporationinwritingofthechangeandbysigning(eithermanuallyorin
facsimile)anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementthat
complieswiththerequirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissectionandrecitesthat
thecorporationhasbeennotifiedofthechange.
§5.03.RESIGNATIONOFREGISTEREDAGENTFORSERVICEOF
PROCESS
(a)Aregisteredagentmayresignasregisteredagentbysigningand
deliveringtotheSecretaryofStateastatementofresignationpursuantto
11 V.S.A.§1655theoriginalandtwoexactorconformedcopiesofastatement
ofresignation.Thestatementmayincludeastatementthattheregisteredoffice
isalsodiscontinued.
(b)Afterfilingthestatement,theSecretaryofStateshallmailonecopyto
theregisteredoffice(ifnotdiscontinued)andtheothercopytothecorporation
atitsprincipalofficeasshowninthemostrecentbiennialreportfiledpursuant
tosection16.22ofthistitle.
(c)Theagencyappointmentisterminated,andtheregisteredoffice
discontinuedifsoprovided,onthe31stdayafterthedateonwhichthe
statementisfiled. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page87of227
§5.04.SERVICEONCORPORATION
(a)Thecorporation’sregisteredagentshallbeanagentofsuch
corporationuponwhomanyprocess,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermitted
bylawtobeserveduponthecorporationmaybeserved
(b)Wheneveracorporationshallfailtoappointormaintainaregistered
agentinthisState,orwheneveritsregisteredagentcannotwithreasonable
diligencebefoundattheregisteredoffice,thentheSecretaryofStateshallbe
anagentofsuchcorporationuponwhomanysuchprocess,notice,ordemand
maybeserved.ServiceontheSecretaryofStateofanysuchprocess,notice,or
demandshallbemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwithhimorher,orwith
anyclerkhavingchargeofthecorporationdepartmentofhisorheroffice,
duplicatecopiesofsuchprocess,notice,ordemand.Intheeventanysuch
process,notice,ordemandisservedontheSecretaryofState,heorsheshall
immediatelycauseoneofthecopiesthereoftobeforwardedbyregisteredor
certifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,addressedtothecorporationatits
registeredoffice.
(c)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedupontheSecretaryunderthissection,andshallrecordtherein
thetimeofsuchserviceandtheSecretary’sactionwithreferencethereto.
(d)Nothinghereincontainedshalllimitoraffecttherighttoserveany
process,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupona BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page88of227
corporationinanyothermannernoworhereafterpermittedbylaw,orbyrule
Acorporationissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.
§ 1656.
Sec.19.11BV.S.A.chapter14isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER14.DISSOLUTION
***
§14.05.EFFECTOFDISSOLUTION
***
(b)Dissolutionofacorporationdoesnot:
(1)transfertitletothecorporation’sproperty;
(2)subjectitsdirectorsorofficerstostandardsofconductdifferentfrom
thoseprescribedinchapter8ofthistitle;
(3)changequorumorvotingrequirementsforitsboardormembers;
changeprovisionsforselection,resignation,orremovalofitsdirectorsor
officersorboth;orchangeprovisionsforamendingitsbylaws;
(4)preventcommencementofaproceedingbyoragainstthe
corporationinitscorporatename;
(5)abateorsuspendaproceedingpendingbyoragainstthe
corporationontheeffectivedateofdissolution;or
(6)terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocess.
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page89of227
§14.20.INVOLUNTARYTERMINATION
TheSecretaryofStatemaycommenceaproceedingundersection14.21of
thistitletoadministrativelydissolveacorporationif:
(1)thecorporationdoesnotpaywithin60daysaftertheyareduefees
imposedbythistitle;
(2)thecorporationdoesnotdeliveritsbiennialreporttotheSecretary
ofStatewithin60daysafteritisdue;
(3)thecorporationiswithoutaregisteredagentforserviceofprocess
orregisteredofficeinthisStatefor60daysormore;or
(4)thecorporationdoesnotnotifytheSecretaryofStatewithin120
daysthatitsregisteredagentforserviceofprocessorregisteredofficehas
beenchanged,thatitsregisteredagentforserviceofprocesshasresigned,or
thatitsregisteredofficehasbeendiscontinued.
§14.21.PROCEDUREFORANDEFFECTOFINVOLUNTARY
TERMINATION
***
(d)Theinvoluntarilyinvoluntarydissolutionofacorporationdoesnot
terminatetheauthorityofitsregisteredagentforserviceofprocess.
§14.22.REINSTATEMENTFOLLOWINGINVOLUNTARY
DISSOLUTION BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page90of227
(a)Acorporationinvoluntarilydissolvedthathasnotdistributeditsassets
undersection14.21ofthistitlemayapplytotheSecretaryofStatefor
reinstatementuponpaymentof$25.00thefeespecifiedin11V.S.A.§1651for
eachyearthecorporationisdelinquent.Theapplicationmust:
(1)recitethenameofthecorporationandtheeffectivedateofits
involuntarydissolution;
(2)statethatthegroundorgroundsfordissolutioneitherdidnotexist
orhavebeeneliminated;and
(3)statethatthecorporation’snamesatisfiestherequirementsof
section4.01ofthistitle.
***
Sec.20.11BV.S.A.chapter15isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER15.FOREIGNCORPORATIONS
***
§15.03.APPLICATIONFORCERTIFICATEOFAUTHORITY
(a)Aforeigncorporationmayapplyforacertificateofauthorityto
transactbusinessinthisStatebydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryof
State.Theapplicationmustsetforth:
(1)thenameoftheforeigncorporationor,ifitsnameisunavailablefor
useinthisState,acorporatenamethatsatisfiestherequirementsofsection
15.06ofthistitle; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page91of227
(2)thenameofthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisincorporated;
(3)thedateofincorporationandperiodofduration;
(4)thestreetaddressofitsprincipaloffice;
(5)theaddressofitsregisteredofficeinthisStateandthenameand
emailofitsregisteredagentforserviceofprocessatthatoffice;
(6)thenamesandusualbusinessorhomeaddressesofitscurrent
directorsandofficersandofanyotherprincipalsthecorporationprovides;
(7)whethertheforeigncorporationhasmembers;and
(8)whetherthecorporation,ifithadbeenincorporatedinthisState,
wouldbeapublicbenefitormutualbenefitcorporation.
(b)Theforeigncorporationshalldeliverwiththecompletedapplicationa
certificateofexistence,(oradocumentofsimilarimport),dulyauthenticated
bytheSecretaryofStateorotherofficialhavingcustodyofcorporaterecords
inthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisincorporated.
***
§15.06.CORPORATENAMEOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)Ifthecorporatenameofaforeigncorporationdoesnotsatisfythe
requirementsofsection4.01ofthistitle,theforeigncorporationtoobtainor
maintainacertificateofauthoritytotransactbusinessinthisState: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page92of227
(1)mayaddtheword“corporation,”“incorporated,”“company,”or
“limited,”ortheabbreviation“corp.,”“inc.,”“co.,”or“ltd.,”toits
corporatenameforuseinthisState;or
(2)mayuseanavailabletradeadoptanalternatenametotransact
businessinthisStateifitscorporatenameisunavailableanditdeliverstothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingacopyoftheresolutionofitsboardofdirectors,
certifiedbyitssecretary,adoptingthetradealternatename.
(b)Exceptasauthorizedbysubsections(c)and(d)ofthissection,the
corporatename,(includingatradeanalternatename,)ofaforeign
corporationmustbedistinguishableupontherecordsoftheSecretaryofState
fromreservedorregisteredtradenamesorcorporatenames.
(c)AforeigncorporationmayapplytotheSecretaryofStatefor
authorizationtouseinthisStatethenameofanothercorporationincorporated
orauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatethatisnotdistinguishableupon
therecordsfromthenameappliedforbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStatea
satisfactorywrittenformindicatingtheothercorporation’sconsentand
changeofname.
(d)AforeigncorporationmayuseinthisStatethename,(includingthe
tradealternatename,)ofanotherdomesticorforeigncorporationthatisused
inthisStateiftheothercorporationisincorporatedorauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateandtheforeigncorporation: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page93of227
***
§15.07.REGISTEREDOFFICEANDREGISTEREDAGENTFOR
SERVICEOFPROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
EachforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemust
continuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)aregisteredofficewiththesameaddressasthatofitsregistered
agentforserviceofprocess;and
(2)aregisteredagentforserviceofprocess,whomaybe:
(A)anindividualwhoresidesinthisStateandwhoseofficeis
identicalwiththeregisteredoffice;
(B)adomesticbusinessornonprofitcorporationwhoseofficeis
identicalwiththeregisteredoffice;or
(C)aforeignbusinessornonprofitcorporationauthorizedtotrans-
actbusinessinthisStatewhoseofficeisidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice
pursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.
§15.08.CHANGEOFREGISTEREDOFFICEORREGISTEREDAGENT
FORSERVICEOFPROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)AforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemay
changeitsregisteredofficeorregisteredagentforserviceofprocessby
deliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchangethatsets
forth: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page94of227
(1)itsname;
(2)thestreetaddressofitscurrentregisteredoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentregisteredofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressof
itsnewregisteredoffice;
(4)thenameofitscurrentregisteredagent;
(5)ifthecurrentregisteredagentistobechanged,thenameofitsnew
registeredagentandthenewagent’swrittenconsent(eitheronthestatement
orattachedtoit)totheappointment;and
(6)thatafterthechangeorchangesaremade,thestreetaddressesofits
registeredofficeandtheofficeofitsregisteredagentwillbeidentical.
(b)Ifaregisteredagentchangesthestreetaddressofitsbusinessoffice,the
agentmaychangetheaddressoftheregisteredofficeofanyforeign
corporationforwhichtheagentistheregisteredagentbynotifyingthe
corporationinwritingofthechangeandsigning(eithermanuallyorin
facsimile)anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
changethatcomplieswiththerequirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissection
andrecitesthatthecorporationhasbeennotifiedofthechangepursuantto
11 V.S.A.§1655.
§15.09.RESIGNATIONOFREGISTEREDAGENTOFFOREIGN
CORPORATION BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page95of227
(a)Theregisteredagentofaforeigncorporationmayresignasagentby
signinganddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
resignationpursuantto11V.S.A.§1655theoriginalandtwoexactor
conformedcopiesofastatementofresignation.Thestatementofresignation
mayincludeastatementthattheregisteredofficeisalsodiscontinued.
(b)Afterfilingthestatement,theSecretaryofStateshallattachthefiling
receipttoonecopyandmailthecopyandreceipttotheregisteredofficeifnot
discontinued.TheSecretaryofStateshallmailtheothercopytotheforeign
corporationatitsprincipalofficeaddressshowninitsmostrecentbiennial
report.
(c)Theagencyisterminated,andtheregisteredofficediscontinuedifso
provided,onthe31stdayafterthedateonwhichthestatementwasfiled.
§15.10.SERVICEONFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)Theregisteredagentofaforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateisthecorporation’sagentforserviceofprocess,notice,
ordemandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedontheforeign
corporation.
(b)Aforeigncorporationmaybeservedbyregisteredorcertifiedmail,
returnreceiptrequested,addressedtothesecretaryoftheforeigncorporation
atitsprincipalofficeshowninitsapplicationforacertificateofauthorityor BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page96of227
initsmostrecentbiennialreportfiledundersection16.22ofthistitleifthe
foreigncorporation:
(1)hasnoregisteredagentoritsregisteredagentcannotwithreasonable
diligencebeserved;
(2)haswithdrawnfromtransactingbusinessinthisStateundersection
15.20ofthistitle;or
(3)hashaditscertificateofauthorityrevokedundersection15.31ofthis
title.
(c)Serviceisperfectedundersubsection(b)ofthissectionattheearliest
of:
(1)thedatetheforeigncorporationreceivesthemail;
(2)thedateshownonthereturnreceipt,ifsignedonbehalfofthe
foreigncorporation;or
(3)fivedaysafteritsdepositintheU.S.mail,asevidencedbythe
postmarkifmailedpostpaidandcorrectlyaddressed.
(d)Thissectiondoesnotprescribetheonlymeans,ornecessarilythe
requiredmeans,ofservingaforeigncorporationAforeigncorporationis
subjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.§1656.
§15.20.WITHDRAWALOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page97of227
(b)AforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemay
applyforacertificateofwithdrawalbydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplicationmustsetforth:
(1)thenameoftheforeigncorporationandthenameofthestateor
countryunderwhoselawitisincorporated;
(2)thatitisnottransactingbusinessinthisStateandthatitsurrenders
itsauthoritytotransactbusinessinthisState;
(3)thatitrevokestheauthorityofitsregisteredagentforserviceof
processtoacceptserviceonitsbehalfandappointstheSecretaryofStateasits
agentforserviceofprocessinanyproceedingbasedonacauseofaction
arisingduringthetimeitwasauthorizedtodobusinessinthisState;
(4)amailingaddresstowhichtheSecretaryofStatemaymailacopyof
anyprocessservedonhimorherundersubdivision(3)ofthissubsection;and
(5)acommitmenttonotifytheSecretaryofStateinthefutureofany
changeinthemailingaddress.
***
§15.30.INVOLUNTARYTERMINATION
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallterminatethecertificateofauthorityofa
foreigncorporationif:
(1)theforeigncorporationfailstodeliveritsbiennialreporttothe
SecretaryofStateasrequiredbysection16.22ofthistitle; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page98of227
(2)theforeigncorporationdoesnotpayanypenaltiesimposedbythis
titleorotherlaw;
(3)theforeigncorporationiswithoutaregisteredagentforserviceof
processorregisteredofficeinthisState;
(4)theforeigncorporationfailstoinformtheSecretaryofStateunder
section15.08or15.09ofthistitlethatitsregisteredagentforserviceof
processorregisteredofficehaschanged;
(5)amaterialmisrepresentationisknowinglymadeinasigned
documentdeliveredtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling;
(6)theSecretaryofStatereceivesadulyauthenticatedcertificatefrom
thesecretaryofstateorotherofficialhavingcustodyofcorporationrecordsin
thestateorcountryunderwhoselawtheforeigncorporationisincorporated
statingthatithasbeendissolvedorterminatedordisappearedastheresultof
amerger;or
(7)theforeigncorporationhasfailedtocomplywithsubdivision
11.07(a)ofthistitlerequiringittofilearticlesofmergerwhereitisthe
survivorofamergerwithadomesticcorporation.
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallservetheforeigncorporationwithwritten
noticeofterminationofitscertificateofauthorityundersection15.10ofthis
title,settingouteachdeficiency. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page99of227
(c)TheauthorityofaforeigncorporationtotransactbusinessinthisState
ceasesonthedateshownonthenoticeterminatingitscertificateofauthority.
Terminationofaforeigncorporation’scertificateofauthoritydoesnot
terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocessofthe
corporation.
(d)TheSecretaryofState’sterminationofaforeigncorporation’s
certificateofauthorityappointstheSecretaryofStatetheforeign
corporation’sagentforserviceofprocessinanyproceedingbasedonacause
ofactionthataroseduringthetimetheforeigncorporationwasauthorizedto
transactorwastransactingwithoutauthorizationbusinessinthisState.
ServiceofprocessontheSecretaryofStateunderthissubsectionisserviceon
theforeigncorporation.Uponreceiptofprocess,theSecretaryofStateshall
mailacopyoftheprocesstothesecretaryoftheforeigncorporationatits
principalofficeshowninitsmostrecentbiennialreportorinanysubsequent
communicationreceivedfromthecorporationstatingthecurrentmailing
addressofitsprincipaloffice,or,ifnoneisonfile,initsapplicationfora
certificateofauthority,orotherwiseperfectserviceundersection15.10ofthis
title.
(e)Iftheforeigncorporationcorrectseachgroundforterminationand
demonstratestothereasonablesatisfactionoftheSecretaryofStatethateach
groundcitedinthenoticeofterminationdoesnotexist,andpaystothe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page100of227
SecretaryofStateafeeof$25.00thefeespecifiedin11V.S.A.§1651foreach
yearitisdelinquent,theSecretarymaycanceltheterminationandpreparea
certificateofreinstatement,filetheoriginalofthecertificate,andserveacopy
onthecorporationundersection15.10ofthistitle.
***
Sec.21.11BV.S.A.chapter16isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER16.RECORDSANDREPORTS
***
§16.22.BIENNIALREPORTFORSECRETARYOFSTATE
(a)Eachdomesticcorporation,andeachforeigncorporationauthorizedto
transactbusinessinthisState,shalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateabiennial
reportonaformprescribedandfurnishedbytheSecretaryofStatethatsets
forth:
(1)thenameofthecorporationandthestateorcountryunderwhose
lawitisincorporated;
(2)theaddressofitsregisteredofficeandthenameandemailofits
registeredagentforserviceofprocessattheofficeinthisState;
(3)theaddressofitsprincipaloffice;
(4)thenamesandbusinessorresidenceaddressesofitsdirectorsand
principalofficers;and
(5)abriefdescriptionofthenatureofitsactivities. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page101of227
(b)Theinformationinthebiennialreportmustbecurrentonthedatethe
biennialreportisexecutedonbehalfofthecorporation.
(c)ThefirstbiennialreportmustbedeliveredtotheSecretaryofState
betweenJanuary1andApril1oftheyearfollowingthecalendaryearin
whichadomesticcorporationwasincorporatedoraforeigncorporationwas
authorizedtotransactbusiness.Subsequentbiennialreportsmustbedelivered
totheSecretaryofStatebetweenJanuary1andApril1followingeach
succeedingtwocalendaryears.
(d)Ifabiennialreportdoesnotcontaintheinformationrequiredbythis
section,theSecretaryofStateshallpromptlynotifythereportingdomesticor
foreigncorporationinwritingandreturnthereporttoitforcorrection.Ifthe
reportiscorrectedtocontaintheinformationrequiredbythissectionand
deliveredtotheSecretaryofStatewithin30daysaftertheeffectivedateof
notice,itisdeemedtobetimelyfiled.
(e)TheSecretaryofStateshallamenditsrecordstoreflectachange,if
specifiedinthereport,tothebusiness’spurpose,email,address,orprincipal
information.
***UpdatestoTitle11Clanguage***
Sec.22.11CV.S.A.chapter1isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER1.GENERALPROVISIONS
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page102of227
§112.RESERVATIONOFNAME
(a)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofthenameofamutualbenefit
enterprise,includingafictitiousnameforaforeignenterprisewhosenameis
notavailableundersection111ofthistitle,bydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplicationshallsetforththenameand
addressoftheapplicantandthenameproposedtobereserved.IftheSecretary
ofStatefindsthatthenameappliedforisavailableundersection111ofthis
title,theSecretaryofStateshallreservethenamefortheapplicant’sexclusive
useforanonrenewableperiodof120days.
(b)Apersonwhohasreservedanameforamutualbenefitenterprisemay
transferthereservationtoanotherpersonbydeliveringtotheSecretaryof
Stateasignednoticeofthetransferwhichstatesthename,streetaddress,and,
ifdifferent,themailingaddressofthetransferee.Ifthepersonisanorganizer
oftheenterpriseandthenameoftheenterpriseisthesameasthereserved
name,thedeliveryofarticlesoforganizationforfilingbytheSecretaryofState
isatransferbythepersontotheenterpriseApersonmayreservetheexclusive
useofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofState
forfilingpursuantto11V.S.A.§1652.
***
§117.DESIGNATEDOFFICEANDAGENTFORSERVICEOFPROCESS BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page103of227
(a)Amutualbenefitenterpriseoraforeignenterprisethathasacertificate
ofauthorityundersection1404ofthistitleshalldesignateandcontinuously
maintaininthisState:
(1)anoffice,asitsdesignatedoffice,whichneednotbeaplaceofthe
enterprise’sorforeignenterprise’sactivityinthisState;and
(2)anagentforserviceofprocess,pursuantto11V.S.A.§1655,atthe
designatedoffice.
(b)Anagentforserviceofprocessofamutualbenefitenterpriseorforeign
enterpriseshallbeanindividualwhoisaresidentofthisStateoranentitythat
isauthorizedtodobusinessinthisState.
§118.CHANGEOFDESIGNATEDOFFICEORAGENTFORSERVICE
OFPROCESS
(a)Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubsection207(e)ofthistitle,tochange
itsdesignatedoffice,itsagentforserviceofprocess,orthestreetaddressor,if
different,mailingaddressofitsprincipaloffice,amutualbenefitenterprise
shalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchange
containing:
(1)thenameofthemutualbenefitenterprise;
(2)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofitsdesignated
office; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page104of227
(3)ifthedesignatedofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressand,if
different,mailingaddressofthenewdesignatedoffice;
(4)thenameofitsagentforserviceofprocess;and
(5)iftheagentforserviceofprocessistobechanged,thenameofthe
newagent.
(b)Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubsection207(e)ofthistitle,tochange
itsagentforserviceofprocess,theaddressofitsdesignatedoffice,orthe
streetaddressor,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofitsprincipaloffice,aforeign
enterpriseshalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
changecontaining:
(1)thenameoftheforeignenterprise;
(2)thename,streetaddress,and,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofits
designatedoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentagentforserviceofprocessoranaddressofthe
designatedofficeistobechanged,thenewinformation;
(4)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,themailingaddressofitsprincipal
office;and
(5)ifthestreetaddressor,ifdifferent,themailingaddressofits
principalofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,the
mailingaddressofthenewprincipaloffice. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page105of227
(c)Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsection204ofthistitle,astatementof
changeiseffectivewhenfiledbytheSecretaryofStateAmutualbenefit
enterpriseorforeignenterpriseshallchangeitsdesignatedofficeoragentfor
serviceofprocessinformationbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling
astatementofchangepursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.
§119.RESIGNATIONOFAGENTFORSERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Toresignasanagentforserviceofprocessofamutualbenefit
enterpriseorforeignenterprise,theagentshalldelivertotheSecretaryof
Stateforfilingastatementofresignationcontainingthenameoftheagentand
thenameoftheenterpriseorforeignenterprise.
(b)Afterreceivingastatementofresignationundersubsection(a)ofthis
section,theSecretaryofStateshallfileitandmailorotherwiseprovideor
deliveracopytothemutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseatits
principaloffice.
(c)Anagencyforserviceofprocessofamutualbenefitenterpriseor
foreignenterpriseterminatesontheearlierof:
(1)the31stdayaftertheSecretaryofStatefilesastatementof
resignationundersubsection(b)ofthissection;or
(2)whenarecorddesignatinganewagentforserviceofprocessis
deliveredtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingonbehalfoftheenterpriseor
foreignenterpriseandbecomeseffectiveAnagentforserviceofprocessmay BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page106of227
resignasagentbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
resignationpursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.
§120.SERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Anagentforserviceofprocessappointedbyamutualbenefitenterprise
orforeignenterpriseisanagentoftheenterpriseorforeignenterprisefor
serviceofprocess,notice,orademandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobe
servedupontheenterpriseorforeignenterprise.
(b)Ifamutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterprisedoesnotappointor
maintainanagentforserviceofprocessinthisStateortheagentforserviceof
processcannotwithreasonablediligencebefoundattheaddressofthe
designatedofficeonfilewiththeSecretaryofState,theSecretaryofStateisan
agentoftheenterpriseorforeignenterpriseuponwhichprocess,notice,ora
demandmaybeserved.
(c)Serviceofprocess,notice,orademandontheSecretaryofStateas
agentofamutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterprisemaybemadeby
deliveringtotheSecretaryofStatetwocopiesoftheprocess,notice,or
demand.TheSecretaryofStateshallforwardonecopybyregisteredor
certifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,totheenterpriseorforeignenterprise
atitsprincipaloffice.
(d)Serviceiseffectedundersubsection(c)ofthissectionontheearliestof: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page107of227
(1)thedatethemutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterprisereceives
theprocess,notice,ordemand;
(2)thedateshownonthereturnreceipt,ifsignedonbehalfofthe
enterpriseorforeignenterprise;or
(3)fivedaysaftertheprocess,notice,ordemandisdepositedbythe
SecretaryofStatefordeliverybytheU.S.PostalService,ifpostageisprepaid
totheaddressoftheprincipalofficeonfilewiththeSecretaryofState.
(e)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofeachprocess,notice,and
demandservedpursuanttothissectionandrecordthetimeofandtheaction
takenregardingtheservice.
(f)Thissectiondoesnotaffecttherighttoserveprocess,notice,ora
demandinanyothermannerprovidedbylawAmutualbenefitenterpriseor
foreignenterpriseissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.
§ 1656.
Sec.23.11CV.S.A.chapter2isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER2.FILINGANDANNUALREPORTS
***
§202.SIGNINGANDFILINGOFRECORDSPURSUANTTOJUDICIAL
ORDER
(a)Ifapersonrequiredbythistitletosignordeliverarecordtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingdoesnotdoso,theSuperiorCourtofthecountyof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page108of227
themutualbenefitenterprise’sprincipalofficeortheforeignenterprise’s
registereddesignatedoffice,uponpetitionofanaggrievedperson,mayorder:
(1)thepersontosigntherecordanddeliverittotheSecretaryofState
forfiling;or
(2)deliveryoftheunsignedrecordtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.
***
§206.CERTIFICATEOFGOODSTANDINGORAUTHORIZATION
(a)TheSecretaryofState,uponrequestandpaymentoftherequiredfee,
shallfurnishanypersonthatrequestsitacertificateofgoodstandingfora
mutualbenefitenterpriseiftherecordsfiledintheOfficeoftheSecretaryof
StateshowthattheSecretaryofStatehasfiledtheenterprise’sarticlesof
organization,thattheenterpriseisingoodstanding,andthattheSecretaryof
Statehasnotfiledastatementoftermination.
(b)TheSecretaryofState,uponrequestandpaymentoftherequiredfee,
shallfurnishtoanypersonthatrequestsitacertificateofauthority
authorizationforaforeignenterpriseiftherecordsfiledintheOfficeofthe
SecretaryofStateshowthattheSecretaryofStatehasfiledtheforeign
enterprise’scertificateofauthority,hasnotrevokednorhasreasontorevoke
thecertificateofauthority,andhasnotfiledanoticeofcancellation.
(c)Subjecttoanyexceptionsstatedinthecertificate,acertificateofgood
standingorauthorityauthorizationissuedbytheSecretaryofStateestablishes BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page109of227
conclusivelythatthemutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseisingood
standingorisauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisState.
§207.ANNUALREPORTFORSECRETARYOFSTATE
(a)Amutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateshalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateforfilinganannual
reportthatstates:
(1)thenameoftheenterpriseorforeignenterprise;
(2)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofthe
enterprise’sorforeignenterprise’sdesignatedofficeandthenameofitsagent
forserviceofprocessatthedesignatedoffice;
(3)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofthe
enterprise’sorforeignenterprise’sprincipaloffice;
(4)thenameandbusinessaddressofanydirectororofficer;and
(5)inthecaseofaforeignenterprise,thestateorotherjurisdiction
underwhoselawtheforeignenterpriseisformedandanyalternativename
adoptedundersection1405ofthistitle.
(b)Informationinanannualreportshallbecurrentasofthedatethe
reportisdeliveredtotheSecretaryofState.
(c)Amutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateshalldeliveritsannualreporttotheSecretaryforfiling
betweenJanuary1andApril1ofeachyear,beginningintheyearfollowing BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page110of227
thecalendaryearinwhichthemutualbenefitenterpriseisformedorthe
foreignenterpriseisauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisState.
(d)Ifanannualreportdoesnotcontaintheinformationrequiredby
subsection(a)ofthissection,theSecretaryofStateshallpromptlynotifythe
reportingmutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseandreturnthereport
forcorrection.Ifthereportiscorrectedtocontaintheinformationrequiredby
subsection(a)ofthissectionanddeliveredtotheSecretaryofStatenotlater
than30daysafterthedateofthenoticefromtheSecretaryofState,itistimely
delivered.
(e)Ifafiledannualreportcontainsanaddressofthedesignatedoffice,the
nameorbusinessaddressofadirectororofficer,oraddressoftheprincipal
officewhichdiffersfromtheinformationshownintherecordsoftheSecretary
ofStateimmediatelybeforethefiling,thedifferinginformationintheannual
reportisconsideredastatementofchangeTheSecretaryofStateshallamend
itsrecordstoreflectachange,ifspecifiedinthereport,tothebusiness’s
purpose,email,address,orprincipalinformation.
***
§208.FILINGFEES
ThefilingfeesforrecordsfiledunderthisarticlebytheSecretaryofState
arethesameasthosesetforthforalimitedliabilitycompanyunder11V.S.A.§ BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page111of227
3013Apersonwhosubmitsadocumentforfilingpursuanttothistitleshall
paytotheSecretaryofStatetheamountspecifiedin11V.S.A.§1651.
Sec.24.11CV.S.A.chapter14isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER14.FOREIGNENTERPRISES
***
§1402.APPLICATIONFORCERTIFICATEOFAUTHORITY
(a)Aforeignenterprisemayapplyforacertificateofauthorityby
deliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplication
shallstate:
(1)thenameoftheforeignenterpriseand,ifthenamedoesnotcomply
withsection111ofthistitle,analternativenameadoptedpursuanttosection
1405ofthistitle;
(2)thenameofthestateorotherjurisdictionunderwhoselawthe
foreignenterpriseisorganized;
(3)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressoftheprincipal
officeand,ifthelawofthejurisdictionunderwhichtheforeignenterpriseis
organizedrequirestheforeignenterprisetomaintainanotherofficeinthat
jurisdiction,thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressoftherequired
office; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page112of227
(4)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressoftheforeign
enterprise’sdesignatedofficeinthisState,andthenameoftheforeign
enterprise’sagentforserviceofprocessatthedesignatedoffice;and
(5)thename,streetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofeachof
theforeignenterprise’scurrentdirectorsandofficers,andofanyother
principaltheenterpriseprovides.
***
***UpdatestoTitle12language***
Sec.25.12V.S.A.chapter25,subchapter6isamendedtoread:
Subchapter6.ForeignCorporationsBusinessOrganizations
§851.SERVICEONSECRETARYOFSTATE
WhenaforeigncorporationhasappointedtheSecretaryofStateasits
processagentpursuanttothestatutesrelatingtosuchcorporations,serviceof
processmadeupontheSecretarybydeliveringtohimorherduplicatecopies
thereof,shallbesufficient.Acopyofthestipulation,filedundertheprovisions
of11V.S.A.§3011,11AV.S.A.§15.10,and11BV.S.A.§15.10,certifiedby
theSecretary,withhisorhercertificatethatprocesshasbeenservedonhimor
her,shallbesufficientevidencethereofAbusinessorganizationissubjectto
theserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.§1656.
§852.FEES;MAILINGOFCOPYTOCORPORATIONBUSINESS
ORGANIZATION BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page113of227
WhenprocessisservedontheSecretaryofStateundertheprovisionsof
section851ofthistitle11V.S.A.§1656,thereshallbepaidtotheSecretaryby
theofficeratthetimeofsuchservicethesumof$35.00amountspecifiedin11
V.S.A.§1651.TheSecretaryshallforthwithforwardbymailprepaidoneofthe
duplicatecopiestothecorporationatitshomeofficeortoapersonwhomit
designates.
§853.DOINGBUSINESSBYPARTICULARCOMPANIESWITHOUT
DESIGNATINGPROCESSAGENT;PENALTY
Apersonoragentforaforeigninsurance,express,shippingcar,telephone
ortelegraphcompany,orotherforeigncompanydoinglikebusiness,which
hasnotdesignatedtheSecretaryofStateasitsprocessagent,asrequiredby11
V.S.A.§692whosolicitsorreceivesariskorapplicationforinsurance,or
receivesmoneyorvalueforsuchinsurancebysuchcompany,orreceives
moneyorvalueforthetransportationofapackageorpropertybysuchexpress
orshippingcarcompany,orforthetransmissionofamessageordispatchby
suchtelegraphcompany,orreceivesmoney,rent,royalty,orincomeforsuch
telephonecompanyfortheuseofitsinstrumentsorlinesorforthesendingof
anymessage,shallbefinednotmorethan$500.00norlessthan$100.00.
***
§855.DOINGBUSINESSASAPPOINTMENTOFPROCESSAGENT BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page114of227
IfthecontactwiththeStateortheactivityinthestateofaforeign
corporationbusinessorganization,orthecontactoractivityimputabletoit,is
sufficienttosupportaVermontpersonaljudgmentagainstit,thecontactor
activityshallbedeemedtobedoingbusinessinVermontbythatforeign
corporationorganizationandshallbeequivalenttotheappointmentbyitof
theSecretaryoftheStateofVermontandhisorhertheSecretary’ssuccessors
tobeitstrueandlawfulattorneyuponwhommaybeservedalllawfulprocess
inanyactionorproceedingsagainstitarisingorgrowingoutofthatcontact
oractivity,andalsoshallbedeemedtobeitsagreementthatanyprocess
againstitwhichthatissoservedupontheSecretaryofStateshallbeofthe
samelegalforceandeffectasifservedontheforeigncorporationatits
principalplaceofbusinessinthestateorcountrywhereitisincorporated
accordingtothelawofthatstateorcountry.
§856.SERVICEOFPROCESS
Serviceofprocessbyvirtueofsection855ofthistitleshallbemade
pursuantto11V.S.A.§1656bydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateduplicate
copiesoftheprocess,withtheofficer’sreturnofservicethereon,andafeeof
$25.00,tobetaxedintheplaintiff’scostsifheorsheprevails.TheSecretary
shallforthwithforwardoneoftheduplicatecopiesbyregisteredmailprepaid
tothecorporationatitsprincipalplaceofbusinessinthestateorcountry
whereitisincorporated,whichprincipalplaceofbusinessshallbestatedin BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page115of227
theprocess.Theserviceshallbesufficientifacopyoftheprocess,withthe
officer’sreturnthereonshowingtheserviceupontheSecretaryofState,issent
bytheplaintifftotheforeigncorporationbyregisteredmail,andifthe
plaintiff’saffidavitofcomplianceherewithisfiledwiththeprocessincourt.
TheSecretaryshallfileoneofthecopiesandendorseuponeachcopytheday
andhourofservice.
§857.CONTINUANCE;COSTS
Thecourtinwhichtheactionispendingmayordersuchcontinuancesas
maybenecessarytoaffordthedefendantreasonableopportunitytoappear
anddefend.Thefeeprovidedinsection856ofthistitleshallbetaxedinthe
plaintiff’scostsifheorsheprevails.[Repealed.]
§858.ALTERNATIVEMEANSOFSERVICE
Asanalternativetoserviceofprocessunderthissubchapterorwhena
stipulationappointingtheSecretaryofStateasprocessagentisnotfiledwith
theCommissionerofForeignCorporations,processmaybeservedupona
foreigncorporationinaccordancewithsections912and913ofthistitleorby
anymethodthattheSupremeCourtshallbyruleprovideforserviceupona
domesticcorporation.[Repealed.] BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page116of227
***UpdatestoTitle30language***
Sec.26.30V.S.A.chapter81isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER81.ELECTRICUTILITYCOOPERATIVES
***
§3001a.PURPOSE
CooperativesAcooperativemaybeorganizedunderthischapterforthe
purposeofcreatingorsupplyingenergy,cabletelevision,telecommunications,
interactivemedia,andinternetaccessandfacilitatingandextendingtheuse
thereof,andinaddition,anyotherlawfulbusinessnotinconsistentwiththis
chapterthatutilizestheelectricdistributionfacilitiesofthecooperative.
§3002.POWERS
Acooperativeshallhavepower:
(1)Tosueandbesuedinitscorporatename.
(2)Tohaveperpetualexistence.
(3)Toadoptacorporatesealandalterthesame.
(4)Togenerate,manufacture,purchase,acquire,accumulate,and
transmitelectricenergy;andtodistribute,sell,supply,anddisposeofenergy,
cabletelevision,telecommunications,interactivemedia,andinternetaccessto
itsmembers,togovernmentalagencies,andtopoliticalsubdivisions;provided,
however,thatinthegenerationofelectricenergybywaterpower,a
cooperativeshallcomplywiththeprovisionsof10V.S.A.§§1081–1099, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page117of227
relatingtotheconstructionandmaintenanceofdamsand,providedfurther,
thatacooperativedoinganyactivitygovernedbythistitleshallberegulated
forthatactivity.
***
§3003.NAME
Thenameofacooperativegovernedbythischaptershallincludethewords
“utility”or“energy”oraworddesignatinganyspecificformofenergysuch
as“electric,”“propane,”or“naturalgas”and“cooperative”andthe
abbreviation“inc.”unless,inanaffidavitmadebyitspresidentorvice
presidentandfiledwiththeSecretaryofState,orinanaffidavitmadebya
personsigningarticlesofincorporation,consolidation,merger,orconversion,
whichrelatetothecooperativeandfiled,togetherwiththearticles,withthe
SecretaryofState,itshallappearthatthecooperativedesirestodobusinessin
anotherstateandisorwouldbeprecludedbyreasonoftheinclusionofthe
wordsinitsname.Thenameofacooperativeshallbedistinctfromthename
ofanyothercooperativeorcorporationorganizedunderthelawsof,or
authorizedtodobusinessin,thisState.
***
§3037.FOREIGNCOMPANIES;SERVICEOFPROCESS
Aforeignnonprofitorcooperativecorporationsupplyingorauthorizedto
supplyelectricenergyandowningoroperatingelectrictransmissionor BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page118of227
distributionlinesinanadjacentstate,priortoMarch26,1943,mayconstruct
oracquireextensionsoflinesinthisStatewithinanareanopointofwhichis
morethan25milesfromtheboundarylineofthisStateandmayoperatethose
extensionswithoutqualifyingasaforeigncorporationtodobusinessinthis
State.Beforeconstructingoroperatingsuchextensions,byaninstrument
executedandacknowledgedonitsbehalfbyitspresidentorvicepresident,
underitssealattestedbyitsclerkorsecretary,andfiledwiththeSecretaryof
State,acorporationshalldesignatetheSecretaryofStateitsagenttoaccept
serviceofprocessonitsbehalf.Thereafter,thecorporationshallhaveallthe
rights,powers,privileges,andimmunitiesofacooperative.Serviceofprocess
shallbemadeupontheSecretaryofStateinaccordancewiththeprovisionsof
12V.S.A.§§851and852andshallforwardonecopyofthesamebyregistered
mailtosuchcorporationattheaddressofitsprincipaloffice11V.S.A.§1656.
§3038.FEES
(a)ThereshallbepaidtotheSecretaryofStatefeesforfilingasfollows:
(1)Articlesofincorporation,$15.00;
(2)Articlesofamendment,$10.00;
(3)Articlesofconsolidationormerger,$15.00;
(4)Articlesofconversion,$10.00;
(5)Certificateofelectiontodissolve,$5.00;
(6)Articlesofdissolution,$5.00;and BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page119of227
(7)Certificateofchangeofprincipaloffice,$5.00.
(b)Suchfeesshallincludetwocertifiedcopiesoftherespectiveinstruments
Apersonwhosubmitsadocumentforfilingpursuanttothischaptershallpay
totheSecretaryofStatetheamountspecifiedin11V.S.A.§1651.
***BusinessOrganizationsStudy***
Sec.27.BUSINESSSERVICESANDBUSINESSORGANIZATIONS;
STUDY
(a)Task.TheSecretaryofStateshallconductapublicengagementprocess
withinterestedpartnerstostudy,consider,andaddressthefollowingissues:
(1)technical,procedural,andsubstantiveissuesconcerningtheonline
businessfilingsystem;
(2)statutoryrevisionstoadoptprovisionsoftheUniformBusiness
OrganizationsCodeorotherprovisionstofurtherharmonizethelaws
governingbusinessorganizationsinthisState,includingprovisionsgoverning
commercialregisteredagentsandupdatestotheTitlesoftheVermontStatutes
Annotatedrelatedtobusinessorganizations;
(3)statutoryrevisionstothelawsgoverningtrademarksandpossible
expansiontoincludeservicemarks;
(4)statutoryrevisionstothedualframeworkgoverningpartnershipsin
11V.S.A.chapters15and22andthemandatoryregistrationofassumed
businessnamesandunincorporatednonprofitassociations; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page120of227
(5)assessmentoftheneedforanyupdatestocurrentmodellawsorthe
additionofnewmodellegislation;and
(6)assessmentoftheadministrativeoversightauthorityandsubstantive
provisionsgoverningdatabrokers,telemarketers,utilitycooperatives,and
amusementrideoperators.
(b)Reporting.TheSecretaryofStateshall,basedonthetasksetforthin
subsection(a)ofthissection,submittotheHouseCommitteeonCommerce
andEconomicDevelopmentandtotheSenateCommitteeonEconomic
Development,HousingandGeneralAffairs,aninterimreportonorbefore
November15,2025andafinalreportonorbeforeDecember1,2026
includingitsfindingsandanyproposedlegislationfortheGeneralAssembly’s
consideration.TheinterimreportshallprovidetheGeneralAssemblywithany
recommendedactionstopursueinthe2026legislativesession.
***EffectiveDate***
Sec.28.EFFECTIVEDATE
ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025.
***UpdatestoTitle3language***
Sec.1.3V.S.A.§ 102aisamendedtoread:
§ 102a.FACSIMILESIGNATUREOFSECRETARYOFSTATE
AfacsimileofthesignatureoftheSecretaryofStateimprintedbyorathis
orhertheSecretary’sdirectionuponanycertificationissuedunderTitle11or BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page121of227
11Apursuanttolaw,uponanyattestationrequiredoftheSecretarybylaw,or
uponanycertificationofofficialdocumentsorrecordsofwhichtheSecretary
iscustodian,shallhavethesamevalidityastheSecretaryofState’swritten
signature.
Sec.2.3V.S.A.§ 133isamendedtoread:
§ 133.BUSINESSREGISTRATION
Whenprofessionalservicesarerequiredbylawtobeperformedinorbya
businessentityregisteredwiththeOffice,thebusinessentityshall:
(1)registerwiththeCorporationsBusinessServicesDivisionofthe
OfficeoftheSecretaryofState,ifrequiredbylaw;and
***
***UpdatestoTitle11language***
Sec.3.11V.S.A.chapter7isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER7.COOPERATIVESGENERALCOOPERATIVE
CORPORATIONSANDCOOPERATIVEASSOCIATIONS
Subchapter1.ProvisionsRelatingtoCooperativesFormedUnderGeneral
CorporationLawGeneralCooperativeCorporations
§981.GENERALCOOPERATIVECORPORATION;USEOF
“COOPERATIVE”
AcorporationformedunderTitle11Ashallnothavetheword
“cooperative”oranyabbreviationthereofaspartofitsname,unlessthe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page122of227
corporationisaworkercooperativecorporationorganizedunderchapter8of
thistitle,acooperativehousingcorporationorganizedunderchapter14ofthis
title,ortheageneralcooperativecorporationthatincludesinitsarticlesof
incorporationcontainallofthefollowingprovisions:
***
Subchapter2.TheCooperativeMarketingAct;CooperativeAssociations
§991.DEFINITIONS
InAsusedinthissubchapter,unlessthecontextorsubjectmatterotherwise
requires:
(1)“Agriculturalproducts”includeshorticultural,viticultural,forestry,
dairy,livestock,poultry,bee,andanyfarmproducts.
(2)“Association”meansanycorporationnonprofitcooperative
associationorganizedunderthischapter.
(3)“Associations”organizedhereundermeansnonprofitcooperative
associations.
(4)“Consumers’cooperative”meansacorporationanassociation
organizedunderthischapterfortheacquisitionanddistributionforthebenefit
ofultimateconsumersofproperty,goods,commodities,orservices.
(5)“Handcraftproduct”meansanyproductfashionedprimarilyby
handwiththefinalformanditscharacteristicsshapedbyhandandproduced BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page123of227
inthehomeorasmallcraftcenterbytheartisanorcraftsmaninaskilledor
artisticprocessratherthaninanassemblylinetechnique.
(6)“Marketingcooperative”meansacorporationanassociation
organizedunderthischapterforthemarketingofagriculturalorhandcraft
products.
(7)“Member”includesactualmembersofassociationswithoutcapital
stockandholdersofcommonstockinassociationsorganizedwithcapital
stock.
(8)“Person”includesindividuals,firms,partnerships,corporations
andassociations.
(9)“Railroadcooperative”meansanycorporationassociation
organizedunderthischapterfortheorganization,acquisition,andoperation
ofageneraltransportationbusinessbyrailroad,includingtruck,bus,air,and
watertransportationsubsidiariesoftherailroad.
***
§994.POWERS
Eachassociationincorporatedunderthissubchaptershallhavethe
followingpowers:
(1)Inthecaseofamarketingcooperative,thepowertoengageinany
activityinconnectionwiththepurchasing,marketing,selling,preserving,
harvesting,drying,processing,manufacturing,canning,packing,grading, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page124of227
storing,handling,orutilizationofanyagriculturalorhandcraftproductsor
themanufacturingormarketingoftheby-productsbyproductsthereof,any
activityinconnectionwiththepurchase,hiring,orusebyitsmembersof
supplies,machineryorequipment,andinfinancinganyoftheaforementioned
activities.However,amarketingassociationshallnothandleagriculturalor
handcraftproductsofnonmemberstoanextentgreaterinvaluethanthe
productsofitsownmemberswhichthatithandles.Inthecaseofa
consumers’cooperative,thepowertoengageinanyoneormorelawfulmode
ormodesofacquiring,producing,building,operating,manufacturing,
furnishing,exchanging,ordistributinganytypeofproperty,commodities,
goods,orservicesfortheprimaryandmutualbenefitofthepatronsofthe
association,ortheirpatrons,ifany,asultimateconsumers.Inthecaseofa
railroadcooperative,toengageinanyactivityinconnectionwiththe
organization,acquisition,andoperationofasubsidiarytransportation
business,whetherbymeansofrailroad,truck,watercarrier,air,orother.
Suchacorporationformedunderthissubchaptershallhaveanyotherrights,
powers,andprivilegesgrantedbythelawsofthisStatetocorporationsina
likebusinessorganizedunderthegenerallawsofthisState.
***
§995.ARTICLES BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page125of227
Eachassociationformedunderthissubchaptershallprepareandfile
articlesofincorporationsettingforth:
(1)Thenameoftheassociation.
(2)Thepurposeforwhichitisformed.
(3)Theplacewhereitsprincipalbusinesswillbetransactedaddressof
itsprincipalofficeinthisState,andthename,email,andaddressinformation
ofanagentforserviceofprocesspursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
(4)Thenamesandbusinessaddressesofthedirectorsthereofwhoareto
serveuntiltheelectionandqualificationoftheirsuccessors.
(5)Thenameandresidencebusinessaddressoftheclerk,andofany
otherprincipaltheassociationprovides.
(6)Whenorganizedwithoutcapitalstock,whetherthepropertyrights
andinterestofthemembersareequal,and,ifunequal,thegeneralrules
applicabletoallmembersbywhichthepropertyrightsandinterest,
respectively,ofeachmembershallbedeterminedandfixed,andprovisionfor
theadmissionofnewmemberswhoshallbeentitledtoshareinthepropertyof
theassociationinaccordancewithsuchgeneralrules.Thisprovisionor
paragraphofthecertificateoforganizationarticlesofincorporationshallnot
bealtered,amended,orreplacedexceptbythewrittenconsentorvote
representingthree-fourthsofthemembers. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page126of227
(7)Whenorganizedwithcapitalstock,theamountofsuchstock,the
numberofsharesintowhichitisdivided,andtheparvaluethereof.
(8)Thecapitalstockmaybedividedintopreferredandoneormore
classesofcommonstock.Whensodivided,thecertificateoforganization
articlesofincorporationshallcontainastatementofthenumberofsharesof
stocktowhichpreferenceisgranted,thenumberofsharesofstocktowhichno
preferenceisgranted,andthenatureanddefiniteextentofthepreferenceand
privilegesgrantedtoeach.
(9)Thearticlesofincorporationofanyassociationorganizedunderthis
subchaptermayprovidethatthemembersorstockholdersthereofshallhave
therighttovoteinpersonorthroughanothermethodofcommunication,
includingthroughatelecommunicationsorelectronicmedium,butamember
orstockholdermaynotvotebyproxy.Thisprovisionorparagraphofthe
articlesofincorporationshallnotbealteredandshallnotbesubjectto
amendment.
(10)Inadditiontotheforegoing,thearticlesofincorporationofany
associationincorporatedhereundermaycontainanyprovisionconsistentwith
lawwithrespecttomanagement,regulation,government,financing,
indebtedness,membership,theestablishmentofvotingdistrictsandthe
electionofdelegatesforrepresentativepurposes,theissuance,retirement,and
transferofitsstock,ifformedwithcapitalstock,oranyprovisionsrelativeto BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page127of227
thewayormannerinwhichitshalloperateorwithrespecttoitsmembers,
officers,ordirectorsandanyotherprovisionsrelatingtoitsaffairs.
(11)Thecertificatearticlesofincorporationshallbesubscribedbythe
incorporatorsandshallbesworntobyoneormoreofthem;andshallbefiled
withtheSecretaryofState.Acertifiedcopyshallalsobefiledwiththe
SecretaryofAgriculture,FoodandMarkets.
(12)Whensofiled,thecertificateoforganizationarticlesof
incorporationoracertifiedcopythereofshallbereceivedinthecourtsofthis
Stateasprimafacieevidenceofthefactscontainedthereinandofthedue
incorporationofsuchassociation.
§996.AMENDMENTOFCERTIFICATEARTICLES;STATEMENTOF
CHANGE
(a)Thecertificateoforganizationarticlesofincorporationmaybealtered
oramendedexceptasotherwiseprovidedinthissubchapteratanyregular
meetingoranyspecialmeetingcalledforthatpurpose.Anamendmentmust
firstbeapprovedbytwo-thirdsofthedirectorsandadoptedbyavoteoftwo-
thirdsofthemembersordelegatespresentandvotingatsuchmeeting.
Amendmentstothecertificateoforganizationarticlesofincorporation,when
soadopted,shallbefiledinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsection995of
thistitle. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page128of227
(b)Notwithstandingsubsection(a)ofthissection,anassociationshall
amendthename,email,oraddressinformationofitsagentforserviceof
processbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchange
pursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
§997.FEE
Forfilingacertificateoforganizationarticlesofincorporation,an
associationshallpay$20.00totheSecretaryofState,andforfilingan
amendmentthereto,$10.00.
***
§1001.CONTENTSOFBYLAWS
Eachassociationmayprovideinitsbylawsforanyorallofthefollowing
matters:
***
(10)Inthecaseofaconsumer’sconsumers’orrailroadcooperative,the
methodofdistributingamongmembersorstockholdersandpatrons,both
membersandnonmembers,thenetsavingsderivedfromtheexcessoftotal
incomeoveroperatingexpenses.Provisionmaybemadefortheaccumulation
ofreservefundsoutofnetsavings.
***
§1013.OFFICERS BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page129of227
Thedirectorsshallelectfromtheirnumberapresidentandoneormorevice
presidents.Theyshallalsoelectasecretary,whoshallbetheclerkofthe
corporationassociation,andatreasurer,whoneednotbedirectorsor
membersoftheassociation.Thedirectorsmaycombinethetwolatteroffices
anddesignatethecombinedofficeasthatofsecretary-treasurer,oruniteboth
functionsandtitlesinoneperson.Thetreasurermaybeabankorany
depository,andassuch,shallnotbeconsideredasanofficer,butasafunction
oftheboardofdirectors,andinsuchcase,thesecretaryshallperformthe
usualaccountingdutiesofthetreasurer,exceptthatthefundsshallbe
depositedonlyasandwhereauthorizedbytheboardofdirectors.
***
§1023.OWNERSHIPORCONTROLOFOTHERCORPORATIONS
BUSINESSORGANIZATIONS
Anassociationmayorganize,form,operate,own,control,haveaninterest
in,ownstockof,orbeamemberof,anyothercorporationorcorporations,
withorwithoutcapitalstock,andbusinessorganizationengagedin
preserving,drying,processing,canning,packing,storing,handling,shipping,
utilizing,manufacturing,marketing,orsellingtheagriculturalproducts
handledbytheassociationorbyproductsthereof.
§1024.WAREHOUSERECEIPTS BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page130of227
Whensuchcorporationsarewarehousingcorporations,theyAnassociation
engagedinwarehousingmayissuenegotiableornonnegotiablewarehouse
receiptsoftheassociationagainstthecommoditiesdelivered,andsuch
warehousereceiptsshallbeconsideredasadequatecollateraltotheextentof
theusualandcurrentvalueofthecommodityrepresentedthereby.Incase
suchwarehouseislicensed,orlicensedandbonded,underthelawsofthisor
anyotherstateoftheUnitedStates,itswarehousereceiptdeliveredtothe
associationoncommoditiesoftheassociationoritsmembers,ordeliveredby
theassociationorbyitsmembers,shallnotbechallengedordiscriminated
againstbecauseofownershiporcontrol,whollyorinpart,bytheassociation.
***
Subchapter3.ConsolidationofCooperativeAssociations
§1061.PROCEDURE
Twoormorecooperativeassociationsorganizedunder,orwhichhave
adoptedtheprovisionsofsubchapter12ofthischapter,orsimilarlawsof
otherstates,whetherhavingornothavingcapitalstock,maymergeor
consolidateintoonecooperativeassociationwhichmaybeanewcooperative
associationoroneoftheconstituentcooperativesbycomplyingwiththe
followingrequirements:
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page131of227
(3)Ifthearticlesofmergerorconsolidationareadoptedbythe
affirmativevoteofnotlessthantwo-thirdsofthemembersattendingand
votingofeachconsolidatingcooperativevotingthereonatthemeetingcalled
toconsiderthesame,orbynotlessthanbyatwo-thirdsvoteofitsdelegatesif
qualifiedasprovidedinsubdivision(4)ofthissection,articlesofmergeror
consolidationintheformadoptedshallbeexecutedunderitssealand
acknowledgedonbehalfofeachconsolidatingcooperativebyitspresidentor
vice-president.Sucharticlesofmergerorconsolidationshallrecitethatthey
areexecutedpursuanttothissubchapterandshallstate:
(A)thenameofeachconsolidatingcooperativeandtheaddressofits
principaloffice;
(B)thenameofthenewcooperativeandtheaddressofitsprincipal
officeinthisState,orifnone,thename,email,andaddressofanagentfor
serviceofprocesspursuanttosection1655ofthistitle;
(C)astatementthateachconsolidatingcooperativeagreestothe
mergerorconsolidation;
(D)thenamesandbusinessaddressesofthedirectorsofthenew
cooperative,andofanyotherprincipaltheassociationprovides;and
(E)thetermsandconditionsofthemergerorconsolidationandthe
modeofcarryingthesameintoeffect,includingthemannerinwhichthe
membersoftheconsolidatingcooperativemayorshallbecomemembersofthe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page132of227
newcooperative;andmaycontainprovisions,notinconsistentwithlaworthis
subchapter,whicharedeemednecessaryoradvisablefortheconductofthe
businessofthenewcooperative.
(4)Thepresidentorvicepresidentandtheclerkorsecretaryofeach
consolidatingcooperativeexecutingsucharticlesofmergerorconsolidation
shallmakeandannextheretoanaffidavitstatingthattheprovisionsofthis
sectioninrespecttosucharticlesweredulycompliedwithbysuch
cooperative.
(4)(5)Inthecaseofanyconsolidatingcooperativehavingadistrict
electionofdelegatesandadelegatesystemofvotingaspermittedby
subdivision995(10)ofthistitle,inwhich,underitsarticlesofincorporationor
bylaws,suchdelegateshavecompletevotingpoweronbehalfofthe
membershipforeverypurpose,exceptthatoftheirownelectionandthe
electionofdistrictdirectors,thevoteadoptingthemergerorconsolidation
requiredbysubdivision(3)ofthissectionshallbethatofnotlessthantwo-
thirdsofthedelegatesattendingandvotingatsuchmeeting.
***
Sec.4.11V.S.A.chapter15isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER15.REGISTRATIONOFBUSINESSENTITIESASSUMED
BUSINESSNAMES,PARTNERSHIPS,ANDUNINCORPORATED BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page133of227
NONPROFITASSOCIATIONS;ADMINISTRATIVEAUTHORITY;
ADMINISTRATIVEPROVISIONS
Subchapter1.AssumedBusinessNames,Partnerships,andUnincorporated
NonprofitAssociations
§1621.REGISTRATIONOFASSUMEDBUSINESSNAMEBYPERSONS
NAMES,PARTNERSHIPS,ANDUNINCORPORATED
NONPROFITASSOCIATIONS
(a)ApersondoingbusinessinthisStateunderanynameotherthanhisor
herown,andeverycopartnershipAnindividualdoingbusinessunderan
assumedbusinessname,orapartnershiporunincorporatednonprofitor
associationofindividuals,exceptcorporationsandlimitedliabilitycompanies,
doingbusinessinthisState,residentornonresident,shallcausetoberecorded
withsubmittotheSecretaryofStateforfilingareturnsettingfortha
registrationthatprovides:
(1)thenameunderwhichsuchbusinessiscarriedon,thenameofthe
business;
(2)thenameofthetownwhereinsuchplaceofbusinessislocated,the
addressofitsprincipaloffice;
(3)abriefdescriptionofthekindofbusinesstobetransactedunder
suchname,anditsbusinesspurpose; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page134of227
(4)theindividualnamesandresidencesofallpersons,generalpartners,
ormemberssodoingbusinessthereunderthenameandbusinessaddressofthe
individualdoingbusinessundertheassumedname,asapartnerofthe
partnership,orasamemberoftheassociation,andofanyotherprincipalthe
registrantprovides;and
(5)foreachindividual,partner,ormemberwhoisnotaresidentofthis
State,orforwhomtheregistrantdoesnotprovideanaddressinthisStatefor
serviceofprocess,thename,email,andaddressinformationofanagentfor
serviceofprocesspursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
(b)SuchreturnsAregistrationshallbesubscribedandsworntobyoneor
moreofthepersonssodoingbusiness,andshallbeapersonwithauthorityto
actonbehalfoftheregistrantandfiledwiththeSecretaryofStatewithinnot
laterthan10daysaftercommencementofbusiness.
(c)TheSecretaryofStateshalldeclinetoregisteranybusinessname
unlessthenameisdistinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryofStatefrom
anyotherbusinessnameofanynameregisteredorreservedunderthischapter,
orthenameofanyotherentity,whetherdomesticorforeign,thatisreserved,
registered,orgrantedbyorwiththeSecretaryofState,oranynamethat
wouldleadareasonablepersontoconcludethatthebusinessisatypeofentity
thatitisnot. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page135of227
(d)TheSecretaryofStateshallestablishrulesandregulationsforthe
administrationofthissection.
(e)Priortoregisteringitsbusinessnameunderthissection,aperson
intendingtooperateapostsecondaryschool,asdefinedin16V.S.A.§§176
and176a,shallapplytotheStateBoardofEducationforacertificateof
approvalpursuanttothosesections.
§1621a.RESERVEDNAME
(a)Theexclusiverighttotheuseofabusinessnamemaybereservedby
anyperson,copartnership,orassociationintendingtoregisteritsnameunder
thissection.
(b)ThereservationshallbemadebyfilingwiththeSecretaryofStatean
applicationtoreserveaspecifiedbusinessname,executedbytheapplicant,its
agent,orattorney.IftheSecretaryofStatefindsthatthenameisavailablefor
use,heorsheshallreservethesamefortheexclusiveuseoftheapplicantfora
periodof120days.
(c)Therighttotheexclusiveuseofaspecifiedbusinessnamesoreserved
maybetransferredtoanyotherperson,copartnership,orassociationbyfiling
intheofficeoftheSecretaryofStateanoticeofsuchtransfer,executedbythe
applicantforwhomthenamewasreserved,andspecifyingthenameand
addressofthetransferee.[Repealed.]
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page136of227
§1623.REGISTRATIONBYBUSINESSORGANIZATIONS
(a)AbusinessorganizationdoingbusinessinthisStateunderanyname
otherthanthatofthebusinessorganizationshallbesubjecttoallthe
provisionsofthischapter;andshallfilereturnssworntobysomeofficeror
directorofthecorporationormutualbenefitenterprise,orbysomedirectoror
managerofthelimitedliabilitycompany,orbysomepartnerofthe
partnershiporlimitedpartnership,settingforth:
(1)thenameandlocationoftheprincipalofficeofthebusiness
organization;
(2)thenameunderwhichtheorganizationwillconductbusiness;
(3)thetownortownswheretheorganizationconductsbusinessunder
thename;and
(4)abriefdescriptionofthekindofbusinesstheorganizationconducts
underthename.
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshalldeclinetoregisteranybusinessnameunless
thenameisdistinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryofStatefromany
otherbusinessnameofanynameregisteredorreservedunderthischapteror
thenameofanyotherentity,whetherdomesticorforeign,thatisreserved,
registered,orgrantedbyorwiththeSecretaryofState,oranynamethat
wouldleadareasonablepersontoconcludethatthebusinessisatypeofentity
thatitisnot.[Repealed.] BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page137of227
§1624.FORMS
TheSecretaryofStateshallformulateformsforthereturnsandshall,on
request,furnishsuchformsbymailorotherwisetopersons,copartnerships,
associations,orcorporationssubjecttotheprovisionsofthischapter.
[Repealed.]
§1625.FEES
(a)Aperson,copartnership,association,limitedliabilitycompany,or
corporationrequiredbytheprovisionsofthischaptersubchaptertofilea
returnshall,atthetimeoffilingasprovided,payaregistrationfeeof$70.00
totheSecretaryofState.
(b)Aperson,copartnership,association,limitedliabilitycompany,or
corporationrequiredbytheprovisionsofthischaptersubchaptertofilean
amendment,acertificateofcessationofbusiness,orchangeofbusinessstatus
oranapplicationtoreserveabusinessnameshall,atthetimeoffiling,paya
feeof$35.00totheSecretaryofState.
(c)Statementofchangeofdesignatedagentordesignatedoffice,orboth,
forapersonregisteredunderthissubchapter:$25.00,nottoexceed$1,000.00
perfilerpercalendaryear.
(d)TheSecretaryshallcollect$25.00eachtimeprocessisservedonthe
Secretaryonbehalfofapersonregisteredunderthischaptersubchapter.The BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page138of227
partytoaproceedingcausingserviceofprocessisentitledtorecoverthisfee
ascostsifheorsheprevailsintheproceeding.
§1626.FAILURETOREGISTER;ENFORCINGCOMPLIANCE
(a)ApersontransactingbusinessinthisStatewhoisnotregisteredwith
theSecretaryofStateasrequiredunderthischaptersubchapterandany
successortothepersonorassigneeofacauseofactionarisingoutofthe
businessoftheperson,maynotmaintainanactionorproceedingorraisea
counterclaim,crossclaim,oraffirmativedefenseinthisStateuntiltheperson,
successor,orassigneeregisterswiththeSecretary.
(b)Thefailureofapersontoregisterasrequiredunderthischapter
subchapterdoesnotimpairthevalidityofacontractoractofthepersonor
precludeitfromdefendinganactionorproceedinginthisState.
(c)Anindividualdoesnotwaivealimitationonhisorherpersonal
liabilityaffordedbyotherlawsolelybytransactingbusinessinthisState
withoutregisteringwiththeSecretaryofStateasrequiredunderthischapter
subchapter.
(d)IfapersontransactsbusinessinthisStatewithoutregisteringwiththe
SecretaryofStateasrequiredunderthischaptersubchapter,theSecretaryis
itsagentforserviceofprocesswithrespecttoarightofactionarisingoutof
thetransactionofbusinessinthisState. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page139of227
(e)ApersonthattransactsbusinessinthisStatewithoutregisteringwith
theSecretaryofStateasrequiredunderthischaptersubchaptershallbeliable
totheStatefor:
(1)acivilpenaltyof$50.00foreachday,nottoexceedatotalof
$10,000.00foreachyear,ittransactsbusinessinthisStatewithouta
registration;
(2)anamountequaltothefeesdueunderthischaptersubchapter
duringtheperiodittransactedbusinessinthisStatewithoutaregistration;
and
(3)otherpenaltiesimposedbylaw.
(f)TheAttorneyGeneralmaymaintainanactionintheCivilDivisionof
theSuperiorCourttocollectthepenaltiesimposedinsubsection(e)ofthis
sectionandtorestrainapersonfromtransactingbusinessinthisStatein
violationofthischaptersubchapter.
§1627.SERVICEOFPROCESS
Serviceofsuchcomplaintandprocessthereundermaybemadeby
deliveringwithinthisStateatrueandattestedcopythereoftoanypersonso
doingbusinessoranyservantoragentofsuchperson,copartnership,
association,limitedliabilitycompany,orcorporation,orinanymanner
otherwiseprovidedbylaw.Anamesoregisteredshallnotthereafterbeused
byaperson,copartnership,association,limitedliabilitycompany,or BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page140of227
corporation,unlessitislawfullyentitledtheretoatthedateofsuch
registration.[Repealed.]
§1628.CERTIFICATEOFCESSATIONOFBUSINESSORCHANGEOF
BUSINESSSTATUS;AMENDMENT
(a)Whenaperson,copartnership,association,limitedliabilitycompany,
orcorporationsubjecttotheprovisionsofthischaptershallceasetodo
businessinthisState,acertificatesettingforthsuchfactandthedatewhereon
itsoceasedshallbefiledwiththeSecretaryofStatewithin10daysafterthe
datesuchbusinessceases.Suchcertificatemaybesworntoandfiledbya
survivingpartner,memberofsuchassociation,officerofsuchcorporation,
memberormanagerofsuchlimitedliabilitycompany,orpersonsodoing
business,orhisorherexecutororadministratorAregistrantthatceasestodo
businessinthisStateshallsubmittotheSecretaryofStateforfilinga
certificateofcessationofbusinessnotlaterthan10daysafterthedateof
cessation.
(b)Wheneveranygeneralpartnerofsuchpartnership,ormemberofsuch
associationwithdrawsfromthebusiness,aremaininggeneralpartneror
membershallwithin30daysfileacertificatewiththeSecretaryofStatesigned
andswornbyaremaininggeneralpartnerormember,settingforththefactof
suchwithdrawal,togetherwiththedateofthatwithdrawal.Filingofthis
certificateshallavoidanyinterruptionintheperiodofregistrationremaining BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page141of227
beforetheneedforrenewal,asifnopartnerormemberoftheassociationhad
withdrawnAregistrantthataddsorremovesanindividual,partner,ormember
namedinitsregistrationshallsubmittotheSecretaryofStateforfilingan
amendmenttoreflectthechangenotlaterthan30daysafterthedateofthe
change.
(c)Aregistrantmayamenditsagentinformationbyfilingastatementof
changepursuanttosection1655ofthistitleandmayamendanyother
informationinitsregistrationbysubmittinganamendmenttotheSecretaryof
Stateforfiling.
§1629.PENALTIES
Failuretofilesuchcertificateatthetimesorequiredbysection1628ofthis
titleshallworkaforfeitureof$10.00toberecoveredbytheSecretaryofState
inacivilactiononthisstatute,inhisorhername,againstanysurviving
partner,anymemberofsuchassociation,anyofficerofsuchcorporation,or
anypersonsodoingbusiness,orhisexecutororadministrator,andthesame
shallbepaidintotheTreasuryoftheState.[Repealed.]
§1630.PROCESSAGENT
EachnonresidentdoingbusinessinthisStateinhisorherindividual
capacity,orascopartnerormemberofacopartnershiporassociation
requiredbysections1621and1623ofthistitletofilethereturnstherein
specified,orunderanynameotherthanhisorherown,exceptasotherwise BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page142of227
provided,shallappointinwritingapersonhavinganofficeorplaceof
businessandresidinginthetownwhereintheprincipalofficeofsuch
nonresident,copartnership,orassociationislocated,uponwhomprocess
againstsuchnonresidentmaybeservedinanactionfoundeduponaliability
incurredinthisState.Suchappointmentshallcontinueinforceuntilrevoked
byalikeinstrumentappointinganotherpersonthereinresiding,andhaving
thereinanofficeorplaceofbusiness.Suchinstrumentshallberecordedwith
theSecretaryofState.Intheeventanonresidenthasnotappointedaprocess
agent,andhasnotfiledsuchappointment,assetforthinthissection,the
SecretaryofStateshallbesuchprocessagent.[Repealed.]
§1631.VACANCY
WhenanappointeediesorremovesfromtheState,anotherpersonresiding
insuchtownandhavingthereinanofficeorplaceofbusiness,within10days
fromthedateofsuchdeathorremoval,shallbeappointedinthemanner
hereinbeforespecified,uponwhomserviceofprocessmaybemadeasprovided
insection1630ofthistitle.Incaseofsuchdeathorremoval,orifapersonis
notappointedasaforesaid,processagainstsuchnonresidentpersonmaybe
servedbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateduplicatecopiesthereof,oneof
whichshallbefiledwiththeSecretaryofStateandtheothershallbe
forwardedbymailprepaidbytheclerktothelastknownresidenceofsuch
person.[Repealed.] BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page143of227
§1632.EXCEPTIONS
Theprovisionsofsections1630and1631ofthistitleshallnotapplyto
foreigninvestmentcompanies,foreignbuildingandloanassociations,or
foreigncreamerycompanies.[Repealed.]
§1633.SECRETARYOFSTATEASPROCESSAGENT
Aforeigninsurance,express,shippingcar,telegraph,ortelephone
company,oraforeigncompanyunderanyothernameengagedinlike
business,shallnotdobusinessinthisStateasanunincorporatedassociation
orpartnership,untilithasfiledwiththeSecretaryofStateawrittenstipulation
containingtheassociationorfirmname,andthenamesandresidencesofthe
associatesorpartners,andappointingtheSecretaryofStateasitsprocess
agent.Suchstipulationshallbeinformandsubstancelikethatspecifiedin
subdivision692(3)ofthistitle,andshallhavethesamelegaleffect.The
provisionsof12V.S.A.§§851-853,shallapplytoserviceofprocessonsuch
companyandtoactsdonebypersonsoragentsinitsbehalf.[Repealed.]
§1634.EFFECTOFFAILUREANDNEGLECT
Aperson,copartnership,limitedliabilitycompany,orcorporationsubject
tothischaptershallnotinstituteanyproceedingsinthisStateforthe
enforcementofanyrightorobligationunlessitshall,priortotheissuanceof
theoriginalreturnorcomplainttherein,havefiledthereturnsandpaidthe
registrationfeerequiredbythischapter;norshallalicenseorcertificatebe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page144of227
grantedtoanonresidentindividual,copartnership,orunincorporated
associationtotransactabusinessspecifiedinTitles5and23orin6V.S.A.
chapter29untilsuchindividual,copartnership,orassociationhascomplied
withtheprovisionsofsection1630ofthistitle.[Repealed.]
§1635.REREGISTRATION
(a)Oneormorepersonsdoingbusinessunderaregisteredbusinessname
Aregistrantshallreregisterthenameeveryfiveyearsbyfilingareregistration
returnwiththeSecretaryofStatewithafeeof$65.00withinnotsoonerthan
60daysfollowingthedatefiveyearsafterthedatepriortotheexpirationof
theoriginalregistrationorofthelastreregistration.TheSecretaryofState
shallprepareandsupplythenecessaryforms.
(b)Whenreregistrationisnotaccomplishedasprovidedinsubsection(a)
ofthissection,abusinessnamemayberegisteredbythefirstapplicantmaking
applicationtotheSecretaryofStateforanoriginalregistrationasprovidedby
thischaptersubchapter.
Subchapter2.AdministrativeAuthority
§1636.TERMINATIONOFBUSINESSNAME;HEARING
(a)IftheSecretaryofStatedeclinestoregisterabusinessinaccordance
withtheprovisionsofsubsection1621(c)ofthistitlebecauseitisnot
distinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryfromanotherbusinessname,the
applicantmayrequestthattheSecretarydeterminewhetherthepersonto BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page145of227
whomthebusinessnameisregisteredisdoingbusinessortakingstepstodo
businessinthisState.
***
§1637.AUTHORITYTOTERMINATEANDAMENDREGISTRATION
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallhavetheauthorityto:
(1)terminatetheregistrationofapersonwho,pursuanttoan
administrativeorder,afinalcourtorder,oranassuranceofdiscontinuance,is
notauthorizedtoconductbusinessinthisState;and
(2)amendhisorhertheperson’srecordstoreflecttheterminationofa
registrationpursuanttosubdivision(1)ofthissubsection.
(b)(1)IftheSecretaryofStateterminatestheregistrationofaperson
pursuanttothissection,thepersonappointstheSecretaryashisorherthe
person’sagentforserviceofprocessinanyproceedingbasedonacauseof
actionthataroseduringthetimethepersonwasauthorizedtotransact,orwas
transactingwithoutauthorization,businessinthisState.
(2)Uponreceiptofprocess,theSecretaryofStateshalldeliverby
registeredmailacopyoftheprocesstothesecretaryoftheterminatedperson
atitsprincipalofficeshowninitsmostrecentannualreportorinany
subsequentcommunicationreceivedfromthepersonstatingthecurrent
mailingaddressofitsprincipaloffice,or,ifnoneisonfile,initsapplication
forregistration. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page146of227
(c)(1)Ifacourtorotherpersonwithsufficientlegalauthorityreinstates
theabilityofaterminatedpersontoconductbusinessinthisState,the
terminatedpersonmayfilewiththeSecretaryofStateevidenceofthe
reinstatedauthorityandpaytotheSecretaryafeeof$25.00foreachyearthe
personisdelinquent.
(2)Uponreceiptofafilingandpaymentpursuanttosubdivision(1)of
thissubsection,theSecretaryshallcanceltheterminationandpreparea
certificateofreinstatement,filetheoriginalofthecertificate,andserveacopy
ontheperson.
§ 1638.AUTHORITYTOREJECT,AMEND,ORTERMINATE
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallhavetheauthorityto:
(1)rejectarecordsubmittedforfilingthattheSecretaryreasonably
determinescontainsfalse,fraudulent,orclearlyerroneousinformation;and
(2)amendarecordorterminatetheregistrationofapersonwhothe
Secretarydetermines,afternoticeandopportunityforhearingpursuantto
3 V.S.A.chapter25,hassubmittedfalseorfraudulentinformationinarecord,
orhasattemptedorsubmittedarecordforfilinginbadfaith,withoutlawful
authority,ortocommitfraudorcauseinjury.
(b)(1)IftheSecretaryterminatestheregistrationofapersonpursuantto
thissection,ortheSecretary’srejectionoramendmentofarecordresultsin
theperson’sfailuretodesignateormaintainanagentforserviceofprocess, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page147of227
thenthepersonappointstheSecretaryastheperson’sagentforserviceof
process.
(2)Uponreceiptofprocess,theSecretaryofStateshalldeliverby
registeredmailacopyoftheprocesstotheperson’slastknownaddress.
(c)ApersonaggrievedbyafinaldecisionoftheSecretaryunderthis
sectionmayappealtotheSuperiorCourtofWashingtonCounty,whichshall
considerthematterdenovo.
§1639.FORMS;PROCEDURES;RULES
TheSecretaryofStatemayadoptforms,procedures,andrulestoimplement
theprocessesandprovisionsofgoverningbusinessregistrationinthisState.
Subchapter3.AdministrativeProvisionsforBusinessOrganizations
§1652.RESERVEDNAME
(a)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofabusinessnameby
deliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplication
shallstatethenameandaddressoftheapplicantandthenametobereserved.
IftheSecretaryfindsthattheentitynameisavailable,theSecretaryshall
reservethenamefortheapplicant’sexclusiveusefor120days.
(b)Theownerofareservednamemaytransferthereservationtoanother
personbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateforfilinganoticeofthetransfer,
whichstatesthenameandaddressofthetransferee.
§1653.ASSUMEDBUSINESSNAMEOFBUSINESSORGANIZATION BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page148of227
AbusinessorganizationthatisauthorizedtodobusinessinthisStatemay
conductbusinessunderanassumednamebysubmittingtotheSecretaryof
Stateforfilingaregistrationthatidentifiestheauthorizedbusinessandthe
assumedname.
§1654.[Reserved]
§1655.DESIGNATIONOFAGENTFORSERVICEOFPROCESS;
CHANGE;RESIGNATION
(a)Dutytodesignateagentforserviceofprocess.Apersondoingbusiness
inthisStatethatisrequiredtodesignateandmaintainanagentforserviceof
processshallprovidethename,email,andaddressinformationofan
individualresidentofthisStateorofabusinessorganizationthathasaplace
ofbusinessin,andisauthorizedtoconductbusinessin,thisState.
(b)Attestation.Apersonwhodesignatesanagentforserviceofprocess
atteststhattheagentconsentstotheappointment.
(c)Dutytomaintaincurrentagentinformation;statementofchange.
Exceptasprovidedinsubsection(d)ofthissection,apersonregisteredwith
theSecretaryofStatemaychangeitsagentforserviceofprocess,orthe
agent’semailoraddressinformation,solelybysubmittingtotheSecretaryof
Stateforfilingastatementofchangethatprovidesitscurrentagent
informationandspecifiesanychangestotheagentinformation.
(d)Bulkstatementofchangebyagent. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page149of227
(1)Ifanagentforserviceofprocesschangesitsname,email,oraddress
informationintherecordsoftheSecretaryofState,theagentmaysubmitto
theSecretaryforfilingabulkstatementofchangethat:
(A)identifiesthebusinessesforwhichtheagentservesastheagent
forserviceofprocessandwhoserecordstheSecretaryshallupdatetoreflect
thechangetotheagent’sinformation;and
(B)atteststhattheagenthasorwillpromptlyprovidenoticetoeach
businesswhoserecordisupdatedpursuanttothebulkstatementofchange.
(2)Forabulkstatementofchange,theSecretaryofStateshallcollect
fromtheagentaseparatefilingfeeforeachbusinesswhoserecordis
amended,subjecttosubsection1625(c)ofthistitle.
(e)Agentresignation;termination.
(1)Anagentforserviceofprocessmayresignasagentbysubmittingto
theSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofresignationanddeliveringa
copyofthestatementtotheaffectedbusiness.
(2)Anagencyforserviceofprocessterminatesontheearlierof:
(A)30daysaftertheSecretaryfilesastatementofresignation;or
(B)thedateonwhichastatementofchangedesignatinganewagent
takeseffect. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page150of227
(3)TheSecretaryshallwaivethefilingfeeforastatementofresignation
iftheagentonrecordatteststhatitdidnotconsenttoserveasagentfor
serviceofprocess.
§1655.SECRETARYOFSTATEASAGENTFORSERVICEOF
PROCESS
(a)Anagentforserviceofprocessappointedbyapersonregisteredwith
theSecretaryofStateisanagentforserviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemand
requiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupontheperson.
(b)IfapersonregisteredwiththeSecretaryofStatefailstoappointor
maintainanagentforserviceofprocessinthisStateasrequiredbylaw,orthe
agentforserviceofprocesscannotwithreasonablediligencebefoundatthe
agent’saddress,theSecretaryofStateisanagentofthepersonuponwhom
process,notice,ordemandmaybeserved.
(c)(1)Serviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemandontheSecretaryofState
maybemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwiththeSecretaryofStateduplicate
copiesoftheprocess,notice,ordemand.
(2)Iftheprocess,notice,ordemandisservedontheSecretaryofState,
theSecretaryofStateshallforwardoneofthecopiesbyregisteredorcertified
mail,returnreceiptrequested,tothecompanyatitsprincipalofficeorlast
knownaddress. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page151of227
(d)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedpursuanttothissectionandrecordthetimeofandtheaction
takenregardingtheservice.
(e)Thissectionshallnotaffecttherighttoserveprocess,notice,or
demanduponapersoninanymannerotherwiseprovidedbylaw.
§ 1656.SECRETARYOFSTATEASAGENTFORSERVICEOF
PROCESS
(a)Anagentforserviceofprocessappointedbyapersonregisteredwith
theSecretaryofStateisanagentforserviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemand
requiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupontheperson.
(b)IfapersonregisteredwiththeSecretaryofStatefailstoappointor
maintainanagentforserviceofprocessinthisStateasrequiredbylaw,orthe
agentforserviceofprocesscannotwithreasonablediligencebefoundatthe
agent’saddress,theSecretaryofStateisanagentofthepersonuponwhom
process,notice,ordemandmaybeserved.
(c)(1)Serviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemandontheSecretaryofState
maybemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwiththeSecretaryofStateduplicate
copiesoftheprocess,notice,ordemand.
(2)Iftheprocess,notice,ordemandisservedontheSecretaryofState,
theSecretaryofStateshallforwardoneofthecopiesbyregisteredorcertified BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page152of227
mail,returnreceiptrequested,tothecompanyatitsprincipalofficeorlast
knownaddress.
(d)Serviceiseffectiveontheearliestof:
(1)thedatethepersonreceivestheprocess,notice,ordemand;
(2)thedateshownonthereturnreceipt,ifsignedonbehalfofthe
person;or
(3)fivedaysaftertheprocess,notice,ordemandisdepositedbythe
SecretaryofStatefordeliverybytheU.S.PostalService,ifpostageisprepaid
totheaddressoftheprincipalofficeorlastknownaddressreflectedinthe
recordsoftheSecretaryofState.
(e)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedpursuanttothissectionandrecordthetimeofandtheaction
takenregardingtheservice.
(f)Thissectionshallnotaffecttherighttoserveprocess,notice,ordemand
uponapersoninanymannerotherwiseprovidedbylaw.
Sec.5.11V.S.A.chapter22isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER22.PARTNERSHIPS
***
§3205.EXECUTION,FILING,ANDRECORDINGOFSTATEMENTS
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page153of227
(f)TheSecretaryofStateshallcollectafeeforfilingorprovidinga
certifiedcopyofastatementassetforthinsection3310ofthistitle.
***
§3291.STATEMENTOFQUALIFICATION
***
(c)Aftertheapprovalrequiredbysubsection(b)ofthissection,a
partnershipmayonlybecomealimitedliabilitypartnershipbyfilinga
statementofqualification.Thestatementmustcontain:
(1)thenameofthepartnership;
(2)thelocationoftheprincipalplaceofbusinessinthisState;
(3)ifthepartnershipdoesnothaveaprincipalplaceofbusinessinthis
State,thename,email,andstreetaddressinformationofthepartnership’s
agentforserviceofprocesspursuanttosection1655ofthistitle;
(4)astatementthatthepartnershipelectstobealimitedliability
partnership;and
(5)adeferredeffectivedate,ifany.
(d)Theagentofalimitedliabilitypartnershipforserviceofprocessmust
beanindividualwhoisaresidentofthisStateorotherpersonauthorizedto
dobusinessinthisState.[Repealed.]
(e)Thestatusofapartnershipasalimitedliabilitypartnershipiseffective
onthelaterofthefilingofthestatementoradatespecifiedinthestatement. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page154of227
Thestatusremainseffective,regardlessofchangesinthepartnership,untilitis
canceledpursuanttosubsection3205(d)ofthistitleorrevokedpursuantto
section3293ofthistitle.
***
§3293.ANNUALREPORT
(a)Alimitedliabilitypartnership,andaforeignlimitedliability
partnershipauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisState,shallfileanannual
reportintheOfficeoftheSecretaryofStatewhichthatcontains:
(1)thenameofthelimitedliabilitypartnershipandthestateorother
jurisdictionunderwhoselawstheforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershipis
formed;
(2)thestreetaddressofthepartnership’sprincipalofficeand,if
different,thestreetaddressofanofficeinthisState,ifany;and
(3)ifthepartnershipdoesnothaveanofficeinthisState,thename,
email,andstreetaddressofthepartnership’sdesignatedagentforserviceof
process.
***
(f)Areinstatementundersubsection(e)ofthissectionrelatesbacktoand
takeseffectasoftheeffectivedateoftherevocation,andthepartnership’s
statusasalimitedliabilitypartnershipcontinuesasiftherevocationhadnever
occurred. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page155of227
(g)TheSecretaryofStateshallamenditsrecordstoreflectachange,if
specifiedinthereport,tothebusiness’spurpose,email,address,orprincipal
information.
***
§3302.STATEMENTOFFOREIGNQUALIFICATION
(a)BeforetransactingbusinessinthisState,aforeignlimitedliability
partnershipmustfileastatementofforeignqualification.Thestatementmust
contain:
***
(3)IfthereisnoofficeofthepartnershipinthisState,thename,email,
andstreetaddressinformationofthepartnership’sagentforserviceofprocess
pursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
(4)Adeferredeffectivedate,ifany.
(b)Theagentofaforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershipforserviceofprocess
mustbeanindividualwhoisaresidentofthisStateorotherpersonauthorized
todobusinessinthisState.[Repealed.]
(c)Thestatusofapartnershipasaforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershipis
effectiveonthelaterofthefilingofthestatementofforeignqualificationora
datespecifiedinthestatement.Thestatusremainseffective,regardlessof
changesinthepartnership,untilitiscanceledpursuanttosubsection3205(d)
orrevokedpursuanttosection3293ofthistitle. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page156of227
(d)Anamendmentorcancellationofastatementofforeignqualificationis
effectivewhenitisfiledoronadeferredeffectivedatespecifiedinthe
amendmentorcancellation.
§3303.EFFECTOFFAILURETOQUALIFY
(a)(1)Aforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershiptransactingbusinessinthis
Statemaynotmaintainanactionorproceedingorraiseacounterclaim,
crossclaim,oraffirmativedefenseinthisStateunlessithasineffecta
statementofforeignqualification.
(2)Thesuccessortoaforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershipthat
transactedbusinessinthisStatewithoutacertificateofauthoritystatementof
foreignqualificationineffectandtheassigneeofacauseofactionarisingout
ofthatbusinessmaynotmaintainaproceedingorraiseacounterclaim,
crossclaim,oraffirmativedefensebasedonthatcauseofactioninanycourtin
thisStateuntiltheforeignlimitedliabilitypartnershiporitssuccessoror
assigneeobtainsfilesacertificateofauthoritystatementofforeign
qualification.
***
Sec.6.11V.S.A.chapter23isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER23.LIMITEDPARTNERSHIPS
***
§3403.RESERVATIONOFNAME BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page157of227
(a)Theexclusiverighttotheuseofanamemaybereservedby:
(1)anypersonintendingtoorganizealimitedpartnershipunderthis
chapterandtoadoptthatname;
(2)anydomesticlimitedpartnershiporanyforeignlimitedpartnership
registeredinthisStatewhich,ineithercase,intendstoadoptthatname;
(3)anyforeignlimitedpartnershipintendingtoregisterinthisStateand
adoptthatname;and
(4)anypersonintendingtoorganizeaforeignlimitedpartnershipand
intendingtohaveitregisteredinthisStateandtoadoptthatname.
(b)ThereservationshallbemadebyfilingwiththeSecretaryofStatean
application,executedbytheapplicant,toreserveaspecifiedname.Ifthe
SecretaryofStatefindsthatthenameisavailableforusebyadomesticor
foreignlimitedpartnership,heorsheshallreservethenamefortheexclusive
useoftheapplicantforaperiodof120days.Theownerofanamereserved
underthissectionmayrenewthereservationfortwosuccessiveperiodsof120
dayseach.Therighttotheexclusiveuseofareservednamemaybe
transferredtoanyotherpersonbyfilingintheOfficeoftheSecretaryofState
anoticeofthetransfer,executedbytheapplicantforwhomthenamewas
reservedandspecifyingthenameandaddressofthetransfereeApersonmay
reservetheexclusiveuseofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingpursuanttosection1652ofthistitle. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page158of227
§3404.SPECIFIEDOFFICEANDAGENT
EachlimitedpartnershipshallcontinuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)anoffice,whichmaybutneednotbeaplaceofitsbusinessinthis
State,atwhichshallbekepttherecordsrequiredbysection3405ofthistitleto
bemaintained;and
(2)anagentforserviceofprocessonthelimitedpartnership,which
agentmustbeanindividualresidentofthisState,adomesticcorporation,
partnership,limitedliabilitycompany,oraforeigncorporation,partnership,
orlimitedliabilitycompanyauthorizedtodobusinessinthisStatepursuantto
section1655ofthistitle.
***
§3411.CERTIFICATEOFLIMITEDPARTNERSHIP
(a)Inordertoformalimitedpartnership,acertificateoflimited
partnershipmustbeexecutedandfiledintheOfficeoftheSecretaryofState.
Thecertificateshallsetforth:
(1)thenameofthelimitedpartnership;
(2)theaddressoftheofficeandthename,email,andaddress
informationoftheagentforserviceofprocessrequiredtobemaintainedby
section3404ofthistitle;
(3)thenameandthebusinessaddressofeachgeneralpartner,andof
anyotherprincipalthelimitedpartnershipprovides; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page159of227
(4)thenameandplaceofresidencethebusinessaddressofeachlimited
partnerandtheamountofcashandadescriptionofandtheagreedvalueof
otherpropertycontributedbyeachlimitedpartner;
***
§3482.REGISTRATION
BeforetransactingbusinessinthisState,aforeignlimitedpartnershipshall
registerwiththeSecretaryofState.Inordertoregister,aforeignlimited
partnershipshallsubmittotheSecretaryofState,induplicate,anapplication
forregistrationasaforeignlimitedpartnership,signedandsworntobya
generalpartnerandsettingforth:
(1)thenameoftheforeignlimitedpartnershipand,ifdifferent,the
nameunderwhichitproposestoregisterandtransactbusinessinthisState;
(2)thestateanddateofitsformation;
(3)thename,email,andaddressinformationofanyagentforserviceof
processontheforeignlimitedpartnershipwhomtheforeignlimited
partnershipelectstoappoint;theagentmustbeanindividualresidentofthis
State,adomesticcorporation,oraforeigncorporationhavingaplaceof
businessin,andauthorizedtodobusinessin,thisStatepursuanttosection
1655ofthistitle;
(4)astatementthattheSecretaryofStateisappointedtheagentofthe
foreignlimitedpartnershipforserviceofprocessifnoagenthasbeen BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page160of227
appointedundersubdivision(3)ofthissectionor,ifappointed,theagent’s
authorityhasbeenrevokedoriftheagentcannotbefoundorservedwiththe
exerciseofreasonablediligence;
(5)theaddressoftheofficerequiredtobemaintainedinthestateofits
organizationbythelawsofthatstateor,ifnotsorequired,oftheprincipal
officeoftheforeignlimitedpartnership;
(6)thenameandbusinessaddressofeachgeneralpartner,andofany
otherprincipaltheforeignlimitedpartnershipprovides;and
(7)theaddressoftheofficeatwhichiskeptalistofthenamesand
addressesofthelimitedpartnersandtheircapitalcontributions,togetherwith
anundertakingbytheforeignlimitedpartnershiptokeepthoserecordsuntil
theforeignlimitedpartnership’sregistrationinthisStateiscanceledor
withdrawn.
***
§3487.TRANSACTIONOFBUSINESSWITHOUTREGISTRATION
(a)(1)AforeignlimitedpartnershiptransactingbusinessinthisStatemay
notmaintainanactionorproceedingorraiseacounterclaim,crossclaim,or
affirmativedefenseinthisStateuntilithasregisteredinthisState.
(2)Thesuccessortoaforeignlimitedpartnershipthattransacted
businessinthisStatewithoutacertificateofauthorityregistrationandthe
assigneeofacauseofactionarisingoutofthatbusinessmaynotmaintaina BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page161of227
proceedingorraiseacounterclaim,crossclaim,oraffirmativedefensebased
onthatcauseofactioninanycourtinthisStateuntiltheforeignlimited
partnershiporitssuccessororassigneeobtainsacertificateofauthorityhas
registered.
***
Sec.7.11V.S.A.chapter25isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER25.LIMITEDLIABILITYCOMPANIES
***
§4006.RESERVEDNAME
(a)(1)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofthenameofalimited
liabilitycompany,includingafictitiousorassumednameforaforeignlimited
liabilitycompanywhosenameisnotavailable,bydeliveringanapplicationto
theSecretaryofStateforfiling.
(2)Theapplicationshallstatethenameandaddressoftheapplicantand
thenameproposedtobereserved.
(3)IftheSecretaryofStatefindsthatthenameappliedforisavailable,
theSecretaryshallreservethatnamefortheapplicant’sexclusiveusefora
120-dayperiod.
(b)Theownerofareservedlimitedliabilitycompanynamemayrenewthe
reservationforsuccessiveperiodsof120dayseachbydeliveringarenewal BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page162of227
applicationtotheSecretaryofStateduringthe45-dayperiodprecedingthe
dateofexpirationofthereservation.
(c)Theownerofanamereservedforalimitedliabilitycompanymay
assignthereservationtoanotherpersonbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofState
forfilingasignednoticeoftheassignmentthatstatesthenameandaddressof
theassignee.
(d)Theownerofareservedlimitedliabilitycompanynamemayterminate
thenamereservationbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingasigned
noticeofwithdrawalofnamereservationApersonmayreservetheexclusive
useofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofState
forfilingpursuanttosection1652ofthistitle.
§4007.DESIGNATEDOFFICEANDAGENT
(a)Alimitedliabilitycompanyandaforeignlimitedliabilitycompany
authorizedtodobusinessinthisStateshalldesignateandcontinuously
maintain:
(1)adesignatedofficefornotificationpurposes,whichmaybutneed
notbeaplaceofitsbusiness,andmaybutneednotbelocatedinthisState;
and
(2)anagentandstreetaddressoftheagentforserviceofprocessonthe
limitedliabilitycompanyinthisStatepursuanttosection1655ofthistitle. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page163of227
(b)Anagentforserviceofprocessshallbeanindividualresidentofthis
State,adomesticcorporation,anotherlimitedliabilitycompany,oraforeign
corporationorforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyauthorizedtodobusinessin
thisState.
§4008.CHANGEOFDESIGNATEDOFFICEORAGENTFORSERVICE
OFPROCESS
(a)Alimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimitedliabilitycompanymay
changeitsdesignatedofficeoragentforserviceofprocessbydeliveringtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchangethatsetsforth:itscurrent
designatedofficeinformationandanychangetotheinformation.
(1)thenameofthecompany;
(2)thestreetaddress,andthemailingaddressifdifferentfromthestreet
address,ofitscurrentdesignatedoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentdesignatedofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddress,
andthemailingaddressifdifferentfromthestreetaddress,ofthenew
designatedoffice;
(4)thenameandaddressofitscurrentagentforserviceofprocess;and
(5)ifthecurrentagentforserviceofprocessistobechanged,thename
ofthenewagentforserviceofprocessandthenewagent’swrittenconsent,
eitheronthestatementorattachedtoit,totheappointment. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page164of227
(b)Ifanagentforserviceofprocesschangesthestreetaddressofthe
agent’sbusinessoffice,theagentmaychangethestreetaddressofthe
designatedofficeofanylimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimitedliability
companyforwhichtheagentistheagentforserviceofprocessbynotifyingthe
companyinwritingofthechangeandsigning,eithermanuallyorinfacsimile,
andfilingwiththeSecretaryofStateastatementthatcomplieswiththe
requirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissectionandrecitesthatthecompanyhas
beennotifiedofthechangeAlimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimited
liabilitycompanyshallchangeitsagentforserviceofprocess,ortheagent’s
emailoraddressinformation,bydeliveringtotheSecretaryforfilinga
statementofchangepursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
§4009.RESIGNATIONOFAGENTFORSERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Toresignasanagentforserviceofprocessofalimitedliability
companyorforeignlimitedliabilitycompany,theagentshalldelivertothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofresignationcontainingthecompany
nameandstatingthattheagentisresigningpursuanttosection1655ofthis
title.
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallfileastatementofresignationdelivered
undersubsection(a)ofthissectionandmailorotherwisedeliveracopytothe
designatedofficeofthelimitedliabilitycompany.
(c)Anagencyforserviceofprocessterminatesontheearlierof: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page165of227
(1)the41stdayaftertheSecretaryofStatefilesthestatementof
resignation;or
(2)whenarecorddesignatinganewagentforserviceofprocessis
deliveredtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingonbehalfofthelimitedliability
companyandbecomeseffective.
§4010.SERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Anagentforserviceofprocessappointedbyalimitedliabilitycompany
oraforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyisanagentofthecompanyforserviceof
anyprocess,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupon
thecompany.
(b)Ifalimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyfails
toappointormaintainanagentforserviceofprocessinthisStateortheagent
forserviceofprocesscannotwithreasonablediligencebefoundattheagent’s
address,theSecretaryofStateisanagentofthecompanyuponwhomprocess,
notice,ordemandmaybeserved.
(c)Serviceofanyprocess,notice,ordemandontheSecretaryofStatemay
bemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwiththeSecretaryofStateduplicate
copiesoftheprocess,notice,ordemand.Iftheprocess,notice,ordemandis
servedontheSecretaryofState,theSecretaryofStateshallforwardoneofthe
copiesbyregisteredorcertifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,tothecompany BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page166of227
atitsregisteredoffice.ServiceontheSecretaryofStateshallbereturnablein
notlessthan30days.
(d)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedpursuanttothissectionandrecordthetimeofandtheaction
takenregardingtheservice.
(e)Thissectionshallnotaffecttherighttoserveprocess,notice,ordemand
uponalimitedliabilitycompanyorforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyinany
mannerotherwiseprovidedbylawAlimitedliabilitycompanyorforeign
limitedliabilitycompanyissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin
section1656ofthistitle.
***
§4023.ARTICLESOFORGANIZATION
***
(b)Articlesoforganizationofalimitedliabilitycompanymaysetforth:
(1)provisionspermittedtobesetforthinanoperatingagreement;and
(2)name,email,andaddressinformationforoneormoreowners,
officers,orotherprincipalsofthecompany;and
(3)othermattersnotinconsistentwithlaw.
***
§4033.ANNUALREPORTFORSECRETARYOFSTATE BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page167of227
(a)Eachdomesticlimitedliabilitycompanyandeachforeignlimited
liabilitycompanyauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStateshallfilean
annualreportwiththeSecretaryofState.Theannualreportshallsetforththe
followinginformation:
(1)thenameofthecompanyandthestateorcountryunderwhoselawit
isorganized;and
(2)theaddressofitsdesignatedoffice;and
(3)thename,email,andaddressofitsdesignatedagentforserviceof
processatthatofficeinthisState.
(b)Informationintheannualreportshallbecurrentasofthedatethe
annualreportissignedonbehalfofthecompany.
(c)TheannualreportshallbedeliveredtotheSecretaryofStatewithin
threemonthsaftertheexpirationofthecompany’sfiscalyear.
(d)TheSecretaryofStateshallamenditsrecordstoreflectachange,if
specifiedinthereport,tothebusiness’spurpose,email,address,orprincipal
information.
***
§4112.APPLICATIONFORCERTIFICATEOFAUTHORITY
(a)Aforeignlimitedliabilitycompanymayapplyforacertificateof
authoritytotransactbusinessinthisStatebydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplicationshallsetforth: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page168of227
(1)thenameoftheforeigncompanyand,ifitsnameisunavailablefor
useinthisState,analternatenamethatsatisfiestherequirementsofsection
4116ofthistitle;
(2)thenameofthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisorganized;
(3)theaddressofitsinitialdesignatedoffice;and
(4)thename,email,andaddressinformationandstreetaddress,andthe
mailingaddressifdifferentfromthestreetaddress,ofitsdesignatedagentfor
serviceofprocessinthisStatepursuanttosection1655ofthistitle.
(b)Anapplicationmaysetforth:
(1)provisionspermittedtobeincludedinanoperatingagreement;
(2)thename,email,andaddressinformationforoneormoreowners,
officers,orotherprincipalsofthecompany;and
(3)othermattersnotinconsistentwithlaw.
(c)Aforeignlimitedliabilitycompanyshalldeliverwiththecompleted
applicationacertificateofexistenceoradocumentofsimilarimport,
authenticatedbytheSecretaryofStateorotherofficialhavingcustodyof
companyrecordsinthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisorganized,dated
nonotearlierthan90dayspriortofilingoftheapplication.
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page169of227
***UpdatestoTitle11Alanguage***
Sec.8.11AV.S.A.chapter1isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER1.GENERALPROVISIONS
***
§1.20.FILINGREQUIREMENTS
***
(j)(1)Anyofthetermsofaplanorfileddocumentsmaybemade
dependentonfactsascertainableoutsidetheplanorfileddocumentsas
follows:
(A)Themannerinwhichthefactsoperateonthetermsoftheplanor
fileddocumentmustbeclearlyandexpresslysetforthintheplanorfiled
document.
(B)Thefactsmayincludewithoutlimitationactionsoreventswithin
thecontrolof,ordeterminationsmadeby,apartpartytotheplanorfilingthe
fileddocumentorarepresentativeofapartytotheplanorfilingthefiled
document.
(2)Asusedinthissection:
(A)“Fileddocument”meansadocumentfiledwiththesecretaryof
stateSecretaryofStateunderanyprovisionofthistitle,exceptchapter15or
section16.22ofthistitle.
(B)“Plan”meansaplanofmergerorshareexchange. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page170of227
***
§1.40.DEFINITIONS
Asusedinthistitle:
***
(8)“Entity”includescorporationandforeigncorporation;not-for-
profitnonprofitcorporation;profitandnot-for-profitnonprofitunincorporated
association;businesstrust,estate,partnership,trust,andtwoormorepersons
havingajointorcommoneconomicinterest;andstate,UnitedStates,and
foreigngovernment.
***
Sec.9.11AV.S.A.§ 2.02isamendedtoread:
§2.02.ARTICLESOFINCORPORATION
(a)Thearticlesofincorporationshallsetforth:
(1)acorporatenameforthecorporationthatsatisfiestherequirements
ofsection4.01ofthistitle;
(2)theclassesofshares,ifany,andthenumberofsharesineachclass
thatthecorporationisauthorizedtoissue;
(3)thenumberofsharesthecorporationisauthorizedtoissue;
(4)thestreetaddressofthecorporation’sinitialregisteredofficeand
thenameandemailofitsinitialregisteredagentforserviceofprocessatthat
officepursuantto11V.S.A.§1655; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page171of227
(5)thenameandaddressofeachincorporator;
(6)oneormoreclassesofsharesthattogetherhaveunlimitedvoting
rights;and
(7)oneormoreclassesofshares,(whichmaybethesameclassor
classesasthosewithvotingrights),thattogetherareentitledtoreceivethenet
assetsofthecorporationupondissolution.
(b)Thearticlesofincorporationmaysetforth:
(1)thenamesandaddressesoftheindividualswhoaretoserveasthe
initialboardofdirectors,andofanyotherprincipalsthecorporationprovides;
(2)provisionsnotinconsistentwithlawregarding:
***
Sec.10.11AV.S.A.chapter4isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER4.NAME
§4.01.CORPORATEHEADNAME
(a)Acorporatename:
(1)shallcontaintheword“corporation,”“incorporated,”“company,”
or“limited,”ortheabbreviation“corp.,”“inc.,”“co.,”or“ltd.,”orwords
orabbreviationsoflikeimportinanotherlanguage;
(2)maynotcontainlanguagestatingorimplyingthatthecorporationis
organizedforapurposeotherthanthatpermittedbysection3.01ofthistitle
anditsarticlesofincorporation; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page172of227
(3)shallnothavetheword“cooperative”oranyabbreviationthereofas
partofitsnameunlessthecorporationisaworkercooperativecorporation
organizedunder11V.S.A.chapter8,ahousingcooperativecorporation
organizedunder11V.S.A.chapter14,orthearticlesofincorporationcontain
alloftheprovisionsrequiredofacorporationorganizedasacooperative
associationgeneralcooperativecorporationin11V.S.A.§981;and
(4)shallnotincludeanywordnototherwiseauthorizedbylaw.
***
§4.02.RESERVEDNAME
(a)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofacorporatename,includinga
fictitiousnameforaforeigncorporationwhosecorporatenameisnot
available,bydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.The
applicationmustsetforththenameandaddressoftheapplicantandthename
proposedtobereserved.IftheSecretaryofStatefindsthatthecorporatename
appliedforisavailable,heorsheshallreservethenamefortheapplicant’s
exclusiveusefora120-dayperiod.Such120-dayperiodmayberenewedno
morethantwice.
(b)Theownerofareservedcorporatenamemaytransferthereservationto
anotherpersonbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateasignednoticeofthe
transferthatstatesthenameandaddressofthetransfereeApersonmay BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page173of227
reservetheexclusiveuseofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingpursuantto11V.S.A.§1652.
§4.03.REGISTEREDNAME
(a)Aforeigncorporationmayregisteritscorporatename,oritsalternate
nameorcorporatenamewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthis
title,ifthenameisdistinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryofStatefrom
thecorporateorbusinessnamesthatarenotavailableundersection
4.01(b)(3)ofthistitle.
(b)Aforeigncorporationregistersitscorporatename,oritsalternate
nameorcorporatenamewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthis
title,bydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilinganapplication:
(1)settingforthitscorporatename,oritsalternatenameorcorporate
namewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthistitle,thestateor
countryanddateofitsincorporation,andabriefdescriptionofthenatureof
thebusinessinwhichitisengaged;and
(2)accompaniedbyacertificateofgoodstandingoradocumentof
similarimportfromthestateorcountryofincorporation.
***
Sec.11.11AV.S.A.chapter5isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER5.OFFICEANDAGENT
§5.01.REGISTEREDOFFICEANDREGISTEREDAGENTFOR BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page174of227
SERVICEOFPROCESS
EachcorporationmustcontinuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)aregisteredofficethatmaybethesameasanyofitsplacesof
business;and
(2)aregisteredagentforserviceofprocesspursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655,whomaybe:
(A)anindividualwhoresidesinthisStateandwhosebusinessoffice
isidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice;
(B)adomesticcorporationornonprofitdomesticcorporationwhose
businessofficeisidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice;or
(C)aforeigncorporationornonprofitforeigncorporationauthorized
totransactbusinessinthisStatewhosebusinessofficeisidenticalwiththe
registeredoffice.
§5.02.CHANGEOFREGISTEREDOFFICEORREGISTEREDAGENT
FORSERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Acorporationmaychangeitsregisteredofficeorregisteredagentfor
serviceofprocessinformationbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling
astatementofchangepursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.thatsetsforth:
(1)thenameofthecorporation;
(2)thestreetaddressofitscurrentregisteredoffice; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page175of227
(3)ifthecurrentregisteredofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressof
thenewregisteredoffice;
(4)thenameofitscurrentregisteredagent;
(5)ifthecurrentregisteredagentistobechanged,thenameofthenew
registeredagentandthenewagent’swrittenconsent(eitheronthestatement
orattachedtoit)totheappointment;and
(6)thatafterthechangeorchangesaremade,thestreetaddressesofits
registeredofficeandthebusinessofficeofitsregisteredagentwillbeidentical
(b)Ifaregisteredagentchangesthestreetaddressoftheagent’sbusiness
office,theagentmaychangethestreetaddressoftheregisteredofficeofany
corporationforwhichheorsheistheregisteredagentbynotifyingthe
corporationinwritingofthechangeandsigning(eithermanuallyorin
facsimile)anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementthat
complieswiththerequirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissectionandrecitesthat
thecorporationhasbeennotifiedofthechange.
§5.03.RESIGNATIONOFREGISTEREDAGENT
(a)Aregisteredagentmayresignhisorheragencyappointmentbysigning
anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling,andthecorporationatits
registeredoffice,thesignedoriginalandtwoexactcopiesofastatementof
resignation.Thestatementmayincludeastatementthattheregisteredofficeis
alsodiscontinued. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page176of227
(b)Afterfilingthestatement,theSecretaryofStateshallmailonecopyto
theregisteredoffice(ifnotdiscontinued)andtheothercopytothecorporation
atitsprincipaloffice.
(c)Theagencyappointmentisterminated,andtheregisteredoffice
discontinuedifsoprovided,onthe31stdayafterthedateonwhichthe
statementisfiledAregisteredagentforserviceofprocessmayresignasagent
byfilingastatementofresignationpursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.
§5.04.SERVICEONCORPORATION
(a)Thecorporation’sregisteredagentshallbeanagentofsuch
corporationuponwhomanyprocess,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermitted
bylawtobeserveduponthecorporationmaybeserved.
(b)Wheneveracorporationshallfailtoappointormaintainaregistered
agentinthisState,orwheneveritsregisteredagentcannotwithreasonable
diligencebefoundattheregisteredoffice,thentheSecretaryofStateshallbe
anagentofsuchcorporationuponwhomanysuchprocess,noticeordemand
maybeserved.ServiceontheSecretaryofStateofanysuchprocess,notice,or
demandshallbemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwithhimorher,orwith
anyclerkhavingchargeofthecorporationdepartmentofhisorheroffice,
duplicatecopiesofsuchprocess,notice,ordemand.Intheeventanysuch
process,notice,ordemandisservedontheSecretaryofState,heorsheshall
immediatelycauseoneofthecopiesthereoftobeforwardedbyregisteredor BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page177of227
certifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,addressedtothecorporationatits
registeredoffice.
(c)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedupontheSecretaryunderthissection,andshallrecordtherein
thetimeofsuchserviceandtheSecretary’sactionwithreferencethereto.
(d)Nothinghereincontainedshalllimitoraffecttherighttoserveany
process,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupona
corporationinanyothermannernoworhereafterpermittedbylaw,orbyrule
Acorporationissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.1656.
Sec.12.11AV.S.A.chapter14isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER14.DISSOLUTION
***
§14.05.EFFECTOFDISSOLUTION
***
(b)Dissolutionofacorporationdoesnot:
(1)transfertitletothecorporation’sproperty;
(2)preventtransferofitssharesorsecurities,althoughthe
authorizationtodissolvemayprovideforclosingthecorporation’sshare
transferrecords;
(3)subjectitsdirectorsorofficerstostandardsofconductdifferentfrom
thoseprescribedinchapter8ofthistitle; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page178of227
(4)changequorumorvotingrequirementsforitsboardofdirectorsor
shareholders;changeprovisionsforselection,resignation,orremovalofits
directorsorofficersorboth;orchangeprovisionsforamendingitsbylaws;
(5)preventcommencementofaproceedingbyoragainstthe
corporationinitscorporatename;
(6)abateorsuspendaproceedingpendingbyoragainstthe
corporationontheeffectivedateofdissolution;or
(7)terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocess
ofthecorporation.
***
§14.20.INVOLUNTARYTERMINATION
***
(d)Involuntaryterminationofacorporationdoesnot:
(1)preventcommencementofaproceedingagainstthecorporationin
itscorporatename;
(2)abateorsuspendaproceedingpendingbyoragainstthe
corporationontheeffectivedateofinvoluntarytermination;or
(3)terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocess
ofthecorporation.
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page179of227
Sec.13.11AV.S.A.chapter15isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER15.FOREIGNCORPORATIONS
***
§15.03.APPLICATIONFORCERTIFICATEOFAUTHORITY
(a)Aforeigncorporationmayapplyforacertificateofauthorityto
transactbusinessinthisStatebydeliveringanapplicationandtheapplicable
filingfeetotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplicationmustsetforth:
(1)thenameoftheforeigncorporationor,ifitsnameisunavailablefor
useinthisState,acorporatenamethatsatisfiestherequirementsofsection
15.06ofthistitle;
(2)thenameofthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisincorporated;
(3)itsdateofincorporationandperiodofduration;
(4)thestreetaddressofitsprincipaloffice;
(5)theaddressofitsregisteredofficeinthisStateandthenameofits
registeredagentforserviceofprocessatthatoffice,pursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655;and
(6)thenamesandusualbusinessaddressesofitscurrentdirectorsand
officers,andofanyotherprincipalsthecorporationprovides.
(b)Theforeigncorporationshalldeliverwiththecompletedapplicationa
certificateofgoodstanding(oradocumentofsimilarimport)duly BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page180of227
authenticatedbytheSecretaryofStateorotherofficialhavingcustodyof
corporaterecordsinthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisincorporated.
***
§15.06.CORPORATENAMEOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)Ifthecorporatenameofaforeigncorporationdoesnotsatisfythe
requirementsofsection4.01ofthistitle,theforeigncorporationtoobtainor
maintainacertificateofauthoritytotransactbusinessinthisState:
(1)mayaddtheword“corporation,”“incorporated,”“company,”or
“limited,”ortheabbreviation“corp.,”“inc.,”“co.,”or“ltd.,”toits
corporatenameforuseinthisState;or
(2)mayuseanavailabletradeadoptanalternatenametotransact
businessinthisStateifitscorporatenameisunavailableanditdeliverstothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingacopyoftheresolutionofitsboardofdirectors,
certifiedbyitssecretary,adoptingthetradealternatename.
(b)Exceptasauthorizedbysubsections(c)and(d)ofthissection,the
corporatename,includingatradeanalternatename,ofaforeigncorporation
shallbedistinguishableintherecordsoftheSecretaryofStatefromanyname
granted,registered,orreservedunderthischapter,orthenameofanyother
entity,whetherdomesticorforeign,thatisreserved,registered,orgrantedby
orwiththeSecretaryofState. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page181of227
(c)AforeigncorporationmayapplytotheSecretaryofStatefor
authorizationtouseinthisStatethenameofanothercorporationincorporated
orauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatethatisnotdistinguishableinthe
recordsfromoneormoreofthenamesdescribedinsubsection(b)ofthis
section,bysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateasatisfactorywrittenform
indicatingtheothercorporation’sconsentandchangeofname.
(d)AforeigncorporationmayuseinthisStatethename,includingthe
tradealternatename,ofanotherdomesticorforeigncorporationthatisused
inthisStateiftheothercorporationisincorporatedorauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateandtheforeigncorporation:
(1)hasmergedwiththeothercorporation;
(2)hasbeenformedbyreorganizationoftheothercorporation;or
(3)hasacquiredallorsubstantiallyalloftheassets,includingthe
corporatename,oftheothercorporation.
***
§15.07.REGISTEREDOFFICEANDREGISTEREDAGENTFOR
SERVICEOFPROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
EachforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemust
continuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)aregisteredofficethatmaybethesameasanyofitsplacesof
business;and BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page182of227
(2)aregisteredagentforserviceofprocess,pursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655,whomaybe:
(A)anindividualwhoresidesinthisStateandwhosebusinessoffice
isidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice;
(B)adomesticcorporationordomesticnot-for-profitcorporation
whosebusinessofficeisidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice;or
(C)aforeigncorporationorforeignnot-for-profitcorporation
authorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatewhosebusinessofficeisidentical
withtheregisteredoffice.
§15.08.CHANGEOFREGISTEREDOFFICEORREGISTEREDAGENT
FORSERVICEOFPROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)AforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemay
changeitsregisteredofficeorregisteredagentforserviceofprocessby
deliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchangethatsets
forth:
(1)itsname;
(2)thestreetaddressofitscurrentregisteredoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentregisteredofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressof
itsnewregisteredoffice;
(4)thenameofitscurrentregisteredagent; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page183of227
(5)ifthecurrentregisteredagentistobechanged,thenameofitsnew
registeredagentandthenewagent’swrittenconsent(eitheronthestatement
orattachedtoit)totheappointment;and
(6)thatafterthechangeorchangesaremade,thestreetaddressesofits
registeredofficeandthebusinessofficeofitsregisteredagentwillbeidentical.
(b)Ifaregisteredagentchangesthestreetaddressofhisorherbusiness
office,heorshemaychangethestreetaddressoftheregisteredofficeofany
foreigncorporationforwhichheorsheistheregisteredagentbynotifyingthe
corporationinwritingofthechangeandsigning(eithermanuallyorin
facsimile)anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
changethatcomplieswiththerequirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissection
andrecitesthatthecorporationhasbeennotifiedofthechangepursuantto
11 V.S.A.§1655.
§15.09.RESIGNATIONOFREGISTEREDAGENTFORSERVICEOF
PROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)Theregisteredagentofaforeigncorporationmayresignhisorher
agencyasagentbyfilingastatementofresignationpursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655appointmentbysigninganddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStatefor
filingtheoriginalandtwoexactorconformedcopiesofastatementof
resignation.Thestatementofresignationmayincludeastatementthatthe
registeredofficeisalsodiscontinued. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page184of227
(b)Afterfilingthestatement,theSecretaryofStateshallattachthefiling
receipttoonecopyandmailthecopyandreceipttotheregisteredofficeifnot
discontinued.TheSecretaryofStateshallmailtheothercopytotheforeign
corporationatitsprincipalofficeaddressshowninitsmostrecentannual
report.
(c)Theagencyappointmentisterminated,andtheregisteredoffice
discontinuedifsoprovided,onthe31stdayafterthedateonwhichthe
statementwasfiled.
§15.10.SERVICEOFPROCESSONFOREIGNCORPORATION
Serviceofprocessonaforeigncorporationisgovernedby12V.S.A.
subchapter6,chapter25andbytheVermontRulesofCivilProcedureA
foreigncorporationissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.§
1656.
***
§15.30.INVOLUNTARYTERMINATION
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallterminatethecertificateofauthorityofa
foreigncorporationif:
(1)theforeigncorporationfailstodeliveritsannualreporttothe
SecretaryofStateasrequiredbysection16.22ofthistitle;
(2)theforeigncorporationdoesnotpayanyfranchisetaxesorpenalties
imposedbythistitleorotherlaw; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page185of227
(3)theforeigncorporationiswithoutaregisteredagentforserviceof
processorregisteredofficeinthisState;
(4)theforeigncorporationfailstoinformtheSecretaryofStateunder
section15.08or15.09ofthistitlethatitsregisteredagentforserviceof
processorregisteredofficehaschanged;
(5)amaterialmisrepresentationisknowinglymadeinasigned
documentdeliveredtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling;
(6)theSecretaryofStatereceivesadulyauthenticatedcertificatefrom
theSecretaryofStateorotherofficialhavingcustodyofcorporationrecordsin
thestateorcountryunderwhoselawtheforeigncorporationisincorporated
statingthatithasbeendissolvedorterminatedordisappearedastheresultof
amerger;
(7)theforeigncorporationhasfailedtocomplywithsubdivision
11.07(a)(3)ofthistitlerequiringittofilearticlesofmergerwhereitisthe
survivorofamergerwithadomesticcorporation;or
(8)theCommissionerofTaxesnotifiestheSecretaryofStatethata
foreigncorporationhasfailedtomakeareturn,topayatax,tofileabond,or
todoanyotheractrequiredtobedoneundertheprovisionsof32V.S.A.
chapter211. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page186of227
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallservetheforeigncorporationwithwritten
noticeofterminationofitscertificateofauthorityundersection15.10ofthis
title,settingouteachdeficiency.
(c)TheauthorityofaforeigncorporationtotransactbusinessinthisState
ceasesonthedateshownonthenoticeterminatingitscertificateofauthority.
Terminationofaforeigncorporation’scertificateofauthoritydoesnot
terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocessofthe
corporation.
(d)TheSecretaryofState’sterminationofaforeigncorporation’s
certificateofauthorityappointstheSecretaryofStatetheforeign
corporation’sagentforserviceofprocessinanyproceedingbasedonacause
ofactionthataroseduringthetimetheforeigncorporationwasauthorizedto
transactorwastransactingwithoutauthorizationbusinessinthisState.
ServiceofprocessontheSecretaryofStateunderthissubsectionisserviceon
theforeigncorporation.Uponreceiptofprocess,theSecretaryofStateshall
mailacopyoftheprocesstothesecretaryoftheforeigncorporationatits
principalofficeshowninitsmostrecentannualreportorinanysubsequent
communicationreceivedfromthecorporationstatingthecurrentmailing
addressofitsprincipaloffice,or,ifnoneisonfile,initsapplicationfora
certificateofauthority,orotherwiseperfectserviceundersection15.10ofthis
title. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page187of227
(e)Iftheforeigncorporationcorrectseachgroundforterminationand
demonstratestothereasonablesatisfactionoftheSecretaryofStatethateach
groundcitedinthenoticeofterminationdoesnotexist,andpaystothe
SecretaryofStateareinstatementfeeof$25.00foreachyearitisdelinquent,
thesecretarymaycanceltheterminationandprepareacertificateof
reinstatement,filetheoriginalofthecertificate,andserveacopyonthe
corporationundersection15.10ofthistitle.
***
Sec.14.11AV.S.A.chapter16isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER16.RECORDSANDREPORTS
***
§16.22.ANNUALREPORTFORSECRETARYOFSTATE
(a)Eachdomesticcorporation,andeachforeigncorporationauthorizedto
transactbusinessinthisState,shalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateforfiling
anannualreportthatsetsforth:
(1)thenameofthecorporationandthestateorcountryunderwhose
lawitisincorporated;
(2)theaddressofitsregisteredofficeandthenameandemailofits
registeredagentforserviceofprocessatthatofficeinthisState;
*** BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page188of227
(e)Listingthenameoftheregisteredagentandtheaddressoftheregistered
officedoesnoteffectuateachangeinsuchagentorofficeunlessthereport
alsocontainstherequirementsofsection5.02ofthistitleTheSecretaryof
Stateshallamenditsrecordstoreflectachange,ifspecifiedinthereport,to
thebusiness’spurpose,email,address,orprincipalinformation.
***UpdatestoTitle11Blanguage***
Sec.15.11BV.S.A.chapter1isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER1.GENERALPROVISIONS
***
§1.21.FORMS
(a)TheSecretaryofStatemayprescribetheformorelectronicformatof
andfurnishonrequest,formsorspecificationsforformatsfor:
(1)anapplicationforacertificateofexistencegoodstanding;
(2)aforeigncorporation’sapplicationforacertificateofauthorityto
transactbusinessinthisState;
(3)aforeigncorporation’sapplicationforacertificateofwithdrawal;
and
(4)thebiennialreport.
(b)TheSecretaryofStatemayprescribeandfurnishonrequestformsfor
otherdocumentsrequiredorpermittedtobefiledbythistitlebuttheiruseis
notmandatory. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page189of227
***
Sec.16.11BV.S.A.chapter2isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER2.INCORPORATION
***
§2.02.ARTICLESOFINCORPORATION
(a)Thearticlesofincorporationmustsetforth:
(1)aAcorporatenameforthecorporationthatsatisfiesthe
requirementsofsection4.01ofthistitle;.
(2)oneOneofthefollowingstatements:
(A)Thiscorporationisapublicbenefitcorporation.
(B)Thiscorporationisamutualbenefitcorporation.
(3)theThestreetaddressofthecorporation’sinitialregisteredoffice
andthenameandemailofitsinitialregisteredagentforserviceofprocessat
thatoffice,pursuantto11V.S.A.§1655;.
(4)theThenameandaddressofeachincorporator;.
(5)whetherWhetherornotthecorporationwillhavemembers;and.
(6)provisionsProvisionsnotinconsistentwithlawregardingthe
distributionofassetsondissolution.
(b)Thearticlesofincorporationmaysetforth: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page190of227
(1)thepurposeorpurposesforwhichthecorporationisorganized,
whichmaybe,eitheraloneorincombinationwithotherpurposes,the
transactionofanylawfulactivity;
(2)thenamesandaddressesoftheindividualswhoaretoserveasthe
initialdirectors,andofanyotherprincipalsthecorporationprovides;
(3)provisionsnotinconsistentwithlawregarding:
(A)managingandregulatingtheaffairsofthecorporation;
(B)defining,limiting,andregulatingthepowersofthecorporation,
itsboardofdirectors,andmembers(oranyclassofmembers);
(C)thecharacteristics,qualifications,rights,limitations,and
obligationsattachingtoeachoranyclassofmembers;and
(4)anyprovisionthatunderthistitleisrequiredorpermittedtobeset
forthinthebylaws.
***
Sec.17.11BV.S.A.chapter4isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER4.NAME
***
§4.02.RESERVEDNAME
(a)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofacorporatename,includinga
fictitiousnameforaforeigncorporationwhosecorporatenameisnot
available,bydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page191of227
Uponfindingthatthecorporatenameappliedforisavailable,theSecretaryof
Stateshallreservethenamefortheapplicant’sexclusiveusefora120-day
period.Such120-dayperiodmayberenewednomorethantwice.
(b)Theownerofareservedcorporatenamemaytransferthereservationto
anotherpersonbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateasignednoticeofthe
transferthatstatesthenameandaddressofthetransfereeApersonmay
reservetheexclusiveuseofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingpursuantto11V.S.A.§1652.
§4.03.REGISTEREDNAME
(a)Aforeigncorporationmayregisteritscorporatename,oritsalternate
nameorcorporatenamewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthis
title,ifthenameisdistinguishableupontherecordsoftheSecretaryofState
from:
(1)thecorporatenameofanonprofitorbusinesscorporation
incorporatedorauthorizedtodobusinessinthisState;and
(2)acorporatenamereservedundersection4.02ofthistitleor11A
V.S.A.§4.02orregisteredunderthissection.
(b)Aforeigncorporationregistersitscorporatename,oritsalternate
namecorporatenamewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthistitle,
bydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateanapplication: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page192of227
(1)settingforthitscorporatename,oritsalternatenameorcorporate
namewithanyadditionrequiredbysection15.06ofthistitle,thestateor
countryanddateofitsincorporation,andabriefdescriptionofthenatureof
theactivitiesinwhichitisengaged;and
(2)accompaniedbyacertificateofexistence(oradocumentofsimilar
import)fromthestateorcountryofincorporation.
***
Sec.18.11BV.S.A.chapter5isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER5.OFFICEANDAGENT
§5.01.REGISTEREDOFFICEANDREGISTEREDAGENTFOR
SERVICEOFPROCESS
EachcorporationmustcontinuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)aregisteredofficethatmaybethesameasanyofitsplacesof
business;and
(2)aregisteredagentforserviceofprocess,pursuantto11V.S.A.
§ 1655,whosebusinessofficeisidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice.
§5.02.CHANGEOFREGISTEREDOFFICEORREGISTEREDAGENT
FORSERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Acorporationmaychangeitsregisteredofficeorregisteredagentfor
serviceofprocessbydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatement
ofchangepursuantto11V.S.A.§1655thatsetsforth: BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page193of227
(1)thenameofthecorporation;
(2)thestreetaddressofitscurrentregisteredoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentregisteredofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressof
thenewregisteredoffice;
(4)thenameofitscurrentregisteredagent;
(5)ifthecurrentregisteredagentistobechanged,thenameofthenew
registeredagentandthenewagent’swrittenconsent(eitheronthestatement
orattachedtoit)totheappointment;and
(6)thatafterthechangeorchangesaremade,thestreetaddressesofits
registeredofficeandtheofficeofitsregisteredagentwillbeidentical
(b)Ifthestreetaddressofaregisteredagent’sofficeischanged,the
registeredagentmaychangethestreetaddressoftheregisteredofficeofany
corporationforwhichtheregisteredagentistheregisteredagentbynotifying
thecorporationinwritingofthechangeandbysigning(eithermanuallyorin
facsimile)anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementthat
complieswiththerequirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissectionandrecitesthat
thecorporationhasbeennotifiedofthechange.
§5.03.RESIGNATIONOFREGISTEREDAGENTFORSERVICEOF
PROCESS
(a)Aregisteredagentmayresignasregisteredagentbysigningand
deliveringtotheSecretaryofStateastatementofresignationpursuantto BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page194of227
11 V.S.A.§1655theoriginalandtwoexactorconformedcopiesofastatement
ofresignation.Thestatementmayincludeastatementthattheregisteredoffice
isalsodiscontinued.
(b)Afterfilingthestatement,theSecretaryofStateshallmailonecopyto
theregisteredoffice(ifnotdiscontinued)andtheothercopytothecorporation
atitsprincipalofficeasshowninthemostrecentbiennialreportfiledpursuant
tosection16.22ofthistitle.
(c)Theagencyappointmentisterminated,andtheregisteredoffice
discontinuedifsoprovided,onthe31stdayafterthedateonwhichthe
statementisfiled.
§5.04.SERVICEONCORPORATION
(a)Thecorporation’sregisteredagentshallbeanagentofsuch
corporationuponwhomanyprocess,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermitted
bylawtobeserveduponthecorporationmaybeserved
(b)Wheneveracorporationshallfailtoappointormaintainaregistered
agentinthisState,orwheneveritsregisteredagentcannotwithreasonable
diligencebefoundattheregisteredoffice,thentheSecretaryofStateshallbe
anagentofsuchcorporationuponwhomanysuchprocess,notice,ordemand
maybeserved.ServiceontheSecretaryofStateofanysuchprocess,notice,or
demandshallbemadebydeliveringtoandleavingwithhimorher,orwith
anyclerkhavingchargeofthecorporationdepartmentofhisorheroffice, BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page195of227
duplicatecopiesofsuchprocess,notice,ordemand.Intheeventanysuch
process,notice,ordemandisservedontheSecretaryofState,heorsheshall
immediatelycauseoneofthecopiesthereoftobeforwardedbyregisteredor
certifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,addressedtothecorporationatits
registeredoffice.
(c)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofallprocesses,notices,and
demandsservedupontheSecretaryunderthissection,andshallrecordtherein
thetimeofsuchserviceandtheSecretary’sactionwithreferencethereto.
(d)Nothinghereincontainedshalllimitoraffecttherighttoserveany
process,notice,ordemandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedupona
corporationinanyothermannernoworhereafterpermittedbylaw,orbyrule
Acorporationissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.
§ 1656.
Sec.19.11BV.S.A.chapter14isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER14.DISSOLUTION
***
§14.05.EFFECTOFDISSOLUTION
***
(b)Dissolutionofacorporationdoesnot:
(1)transfertitletothecorporation’sproperty; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page196of227
(2)subjectitsdirectorsorofficerstostandardsofconductdifferentfrom
thoseprescribedinchapter8ofthistitle;
(3)changequorumorvotingrequirementsforitsboardormembers;
changeprovisionsforselection,resignation,orremovalofitsdirectorsor
officersorboth;orchangeprovisionsforamendingitsbylaws;
(4)preventcommencementofaproceedingbyoragainstthe
corporationinitscorporatename;
(5)abateorsuspendaproceedingpendingbyoragainstthe
corporationontheeffectivedateofdissolution;or
(6)terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocess.
***
§14.20.INVOLUNTARYTERMINATION
TheSecretaryofStatemaycommenceaproceedingundersection14.21of
thistitletoadministrativelydissolveacorporationif:
(1)thecorporationdoesnotpaywithin60daysaftertheyareduefees
imposedbythistitle;
(2)thecorporationdoesnotdeliveritsbiennialreporttotheSecretary
ofStatewithin60daysafteritisdue;
(3)thecorporationiswithoutaregisteredagentforserviceofprocess
orregisteredofficeinthisStatefor60daysormore;or BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page197of227
(4)thecorporationdoesnotnotifytheSecretaryofStatewithin120
daysthatitsregisteredagentforserviceofprocessorregisteredofficehas
beenchanged,thatitsregisteredagentforserviceofprocesshasresigned,or
thatitsregisteredofficehasbeendiscontinued.
§14.21.PROCEDUREFORANDEFFECTOFINVOLUNTARY
TERMINATION
***
(d)Theinvoluntarilyinvoluntarydissolutionofacorporationdoesnot
terminatetheauthorityofitsregisteredagentforserviceofprocess.
§14.22.REINSTATEMENTFOLLOWINGINVOLUNTARY
DISSOLUTION
(a)Acorporationinvoluntarilydissolvedthathasnotdistributeditsassets
undersection14.21ofthistitlemayapplytotheSecretaryofStatefor
reinstatementuponpaymentof$25.00foreachyearthecorporationis
delinquent.Theapplicationmust:
(1)recitethenameofthecorporationandtheeffectivedateofits
involuntarydissolution;
(2)statethatthegroundorgroundsfordissolutioneitherdidnotexist
orhavebeeneliminated;and
(3)statethatthecorporation’snamesatisfiestherequirementsof
section4.01ofthistitle. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page198of227
***
Sec.20.11BV.S.A.chapter15isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER15.FOREIGNCORPORATIONS
***
§15.03.APPLICATIONFORCERTIFICATEOFAUTHORITY
(a)Aforeigncorporationmayapplyforacertificateofauthorityto
transactbusinessinthisStatebydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryof
State.Theapplicationmustsetforth:
(1)thenameoftheforeigncorporationor,ifitsnameisunavailablefor
useinthisState,acorporatenamethatsatisfiestherequirementsofsection
15.06ofthistitle;
(2)thenameofthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisincorporated;
(3)thedateofincorporationandperiodofduration;
(4)thestreetaddressofitsprincipaloffice;
(5)theaddressofitsregisteredofficeinthisStateandthenameand
emailofitsregisteredagentforserviceofprocessatthatoffice;
(6)thenamesandusualbusinessorhomeaddressesofitscurrent
directorsandofficersandofanyotherprincipalsthecorporationprovides;
(7)whethertheforeigncorporationhasmembers;and
(8)whetherthecorporation,ifithadbeenincorporatedinthisState,
wouldbeapublicbenefitormutualbenefitcorporation. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page199of227
(b)Theforeigncorporationshalldeliverwiththecompletedapplicationa
certificateofexistence,(oradocumentofsimilarimport),dulyauthenticated
bytheSecretaryofStateorotherofficialhavingcustodyofcorporaterecords
inthestateorcountryunderwhoselawitisincorporated.
***
§15.06.CORPORATENAMEOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)Ifthecorporatenameofaforeigncorporationdoesnotsatisfythe
requirementsofsection4.01ofthistitle,theforeigncorporationtoobtainor
maintainacertificateofauthoritytotransactbusinessinthisState:
(1)mayaddtheword“corporation,”“incorporated,”“company,”or
“limited,”ortheabbreviation“corp.,”“inc.,”“co.,”or“ltd.,”toits
corporatenameforuseinthisState;or
(2)mayuseanavailabletradeadoptanalternatenametotransact
businessinthisStateifitscorporatenameisunavailableanditdeliverstothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingacopyoftheresolutionofitsboardofdirectors,
certifiedbyitssecretary,adoptingthetradealternatename.
(b)Exceptasauthorizedbysubsections(c)and(d)ofthissection,the
corporatename,(includingatradeanalternatename,)ofaforeign
corporationmustbedistinguishableupontherecordsoftheSecretaryofState
fromreservedorregisteredtradenamesorcorporatenames. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page200of227
(c)AforeigncorporationmayapplytotheSecretaryofStatefor
authorizationtouseinthisStatethenameofanothercorporationincorporated
orauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatethatisnotdistinguishableupon
therecordsfromthenameappliedforbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStatea
satisfactorywrittenformindicatingtheothercorporation’sconsentand
changeofname.
(d)AforeigncorporationmayuseinthisStatethename,(includingthe
tradealternatename,)ofanotherdomesticorforeigncorporationthatisused
inthisStateiftheothercorporationisincorporatedorauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateandtheforeigncorporation:
***
§15.07.REGISTEREDOFFICEANDREGISTEREDAGENTFOR
SERVICEOFPROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
EachforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemust
continuouslymaintaininthisState:
(1)aregisteredofficewiththesameaddressasthatofitsregistered
agentforserviceofprocess;and
(2)aregisteredagentforserviceofprocess,whomaybe:
(A)anindividualwhoresidesinthisStateandwhoseofficeis
identicalwiththeregisteredoffice; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page201of227
(B)adomesticbusinessornonprofitcorporationwhoseofficeis
identicalwiththeregisteredoffice;or
(C)aforeignbusinessornonprofitcorporationauthorizedtotrans-
actbusinessinthisStatewhoseofficeisidenticalwiththeregisteredoffice
pursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.
§15.08.CHANGEOFREGISTEREDOFFICEORREGISTEREDAGENT
FORSERVICEOFPROCESSOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)AforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemay
changeitsregisteredofficeorregisteredagentforserviceofprocessby
deliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchangethatsets
forth:
(1)itsname;
(2)thestreetaddressofitscurrentregisteredoffice;
(3)ifthecurrentregisteredofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressof
itsnewregisteredoffice;
(4)thenameofitscurrentregisteredagent;
(5)ifthecurrentregisteredagentistobechanged,thenameofitsnew
registeredagentandthenewagent’swrittenconsent(eitheronthestatement
orattachedtoit)totheappointment;and
(6)thatafterthechangeorchangesaremade,thestreetaddressesofits
registeredofficeandtheofficeofitsregisteredagentwillbeidentical. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page202of227
(b)Ifaregisteredagentchangesthestreetaddressofitsbusinessoffice,the
agentmaychangetheaddressoftheregisteredofficeofanyforeign
corporationforwhichtheagentistheregisteredagentbynotifyingthe
corporationinwritingofthechangeandsigning(eithermanuallyorin
facsimile)anddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
changethatcomplieswiththerequirementsofsubsection(a)ofthissection
andrecitesthatthecorporationhasbeennotifiedofthechangepursuantto
11 V.S.A.§1655.
§15.09.RESIGNATIONOFREGISTEREDAGENTOFFOREIGN
CORPORATION
(a)Theregisteredagentofaforeigncorporationmayresignasagentby
signinganddeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
resignationpursuantto11V.S.A.§1655theoriginalandtwoexactor
conformedcopiesofastatementofresignation.Thestatementofresignation
mayincludeastatementthattheregisteredofficeisalsodiscontinued.
(b)Afterfilingthestatement,theSecretaryofStateshallattachthefiling
receipttoonecopyandmailthecopyandreceipttotheregisteredofficeifnot
discontinued.TheSecretaryofStateshallmailtheothercopytotheforeign
corporationatitsprincipalofficeaddressshowninitsmostrecentbiennial
report. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page203of227
(c)Theagencyisterminated,andtheregisteredofficediscontinuedifso
provided,onthe31stdayafterthedateonwhichthestatementwasfiled.
§15.10.SERVICEONFOREIGNCORPORATION
(a)Theregisteredagentofaforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateisthecorporation’sagentforserviceofprocess,notice,
ordemandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobeservedontheforeign
corporation.
(b)Aforeigncorporationmaybeservedbyregisteredorcertifiedmail,
returnreceiptrequested,addressedtothesecretaryoftheforeigncorporation
atitsprincipalofficeshowninitsapplicationforacertificateofauthorityor
initsmostrecentbiennialreportfiledundersection16.22ofthistitleifthe
foreigncorporation:
(1)hasnoregisteredagentoritsregisteredagentcannotwithreasonable
diligencebeserved;
(2)haswithdrawnfromtransactingbusinessinthisStateundersection
15.20ofthistitle;or
(3)hashaditscertificateofauthorityrevokedundersection15.31ofthis
title.
(c)Serviceisperfectedundersubsection(b)ofthissectionattheearliest
of:
(1)thedatetheforeigncorporationreceivesthemail; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page204of227
(2)thedateshownonthereturnreceipt,ifsignedonbehalfofthe
foreigncorporation;or
(3)fivedaysafteritsdepositintheU.S.mail,asevidencedbythe
postmarkifmailedpostpaidandcorrectlyaddressed.
(d)Thissectiondoesnotprescribetheonlymeans,ornecessarilythe
requiredmeans,ofservingaforeigncorporationAforeigncorporationis
subjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.§1656.
§15.20.WITHDRAWALOFFOREIGNCORPORATION
***
(b)AforeigncorporationauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisStatemay
applyforacertificateofwithdrawalbydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplicationmustsetforth:
(1)thenameoftheforeigncorporationandthenameofthestateor
countryunderwhoselawitisincorporated;
(2)thatitisnottransactingbusinessinthisStateandthatitsurrenders
itsauthoritytotransactbusinessinthisState;
(3)thatitrevokestheauthorityofitsregisteredagentforserviceof
processtoacceptserviceonitsbehalfandappointstheSecretaryofStateasits
agentforserviceofprocessinanyproceedingbasedonacauseofaction
arisingduringthetimeitwasauthorizedtodobusinessinthisState; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page205of227
(4)amailingaddresstowhichtheSecretaryofStatemaymailacopyof
anyprocessservedonhimorherundersubdivision(3)ofthissubsection;and
(5)acommitmenttonotifytheSecretaryofStateinthefutureofany
changeinthemailingaddress.
***
§15.30.INVOLUNTARYTERMINATION
(a)TheSecretaryofStateshallterminatethecertificateofauthorityofa
foreigncorporationif:
(1)theforeigncorporationfailstodeliveritsbiennialreporttothe
SecretaryofStateasrequiredbysection16.22ofthistitle;
(2)theforeigncorporationdoesnotpayanypenaltiesimposedbythis
titleorotherlaw;
(3)theforeigncorporationiswithoutaregisteredagentforserviceof
processorregisteredofficeinthisState;
(4)theforeigncorporationfailstoinformtheSecretaryofStateunder
section15.08or15.09ofthistitlethatitsregisteredagentforserviceof
processorregisteredofficehaschanged;
(5)amaterialmisrepresentationisknowinglymadeinasigned
documentdeliveredtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling;
(6)theSecretaryofStatereceivesadulyauthenticatedcertificatefrom
thesecretaryofstateorotherofficialhavingcustodyofcorporationrecordsin BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page206of227
thestateorcountryunderwhoselawtheforeigncorporationisincorporated
statingthatithasbeendissolvedorterminatedordisappearedastheresultof
amerger;or
(7)theforeigncorporationhasfailedtocomplywithsubdivision
11.07(a)ofthistitlerequiringittofilearticlesofmergerwhereitisthe
survivorofamergerwithadomesticcorporation.
(b)TheSecretaryofStateshallservetheforeigncorporationwithwritten
noticeofterminationofitscertificateofauthorityundersection15.10ofthis
title,settingouteachdeficiency.
(c)TheauthorityofaforeigncorporationtotransactbusinessinthisState
ceasesonthedateshownonthenoticeterminatingitscertificateofauthority.
Terminationofaforeigncorporation’scertificateofauthoritydoesnot
terminatetheauthorityoftheregisteredagentforserviceofprocessofthe
corporation.
(d)TheSecretaryofState’sterminationofaforeigncorporation’s
certificateofauthorityappointstheSecretaryofStatetheforeign
corporation’sagentforserviceofprocessinanyproceedingbasedonacause
ofactionthataroseduringthetimetheforeigncorporationwasauthorizedto
transactorwastransactingwithoutauthorizationbusinessinthisState.
ServiceofprocessontheSecretaryofStateunderthissubsectionisserviceon
theforeigncorporation.Uponreceiptofprocess,theSecretaryofStateshall BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page207of227
mailacopyoftheprocesstothesecretaryoftheforeigncorporationatits
principalofficeshowninitsmostrecentbiennialreportorinanysubsequent
communicationreceivedfromthecorporationstatingthecurrentmailing
addressofitsprincipaloffice,or,ifnoneisonfile,initsapplicationfora
certificateofauthority,orotherwiseperfectserviceundersection15.10ofthis
title.
(e)Iftheforeigncorporationcorrectseachgroundforterminationand
demonstratestothereasonablesatisfactionoftheSecretaryofStatethateach
groundcitedinthenoticeofterminationdoesnotexist,andpaystothe
SecretaryofStateafeeof$25.00foreachyearitisdelinquent,theSecretary
maycanceltheterminationandprepareacertificateofreinstatement,filethe
originalofthecertificate,andserveacopyonthecorporationundersection
15.10ofthistitle.
***
Sec.21.11BV.S.A.chapter16isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER16.RECORDSANDREPORTS
***
§16.22.BIENNIALREPORTFORSECRETARYOFSTATE
(a)Eachdomesticcorporation,andeachforeigncorporationauthorizedto
transactbusinessinthisState,shalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateabiennial BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page208of227
reportonaformprescribedandfurnishedbytheSecretaryofStatethatsets
forth:
(1)thenameofthecorporationandthestateorcountryunderwhose
lawitisincorporated;
(2)theaddressofitsregisteredofficeandthenameandemailofits
registeredagentforserviceofprocessattheofficeinthisState;
(3)theaddressofitsprincipaloffice;
(4)thenamesandbusinessorresidenceaddressesofitsdirectorsand
principalofficers;and
(5)abriefdescriptionofthenatureofitsactivities.
(b)Theinformationinthebiennialreportmustbecurrentonthedatethe
biennialreportisexecutedonbehalfofthecorporation.
(c)ThefirstbiennialreportmustbedeliveredtotheSecretaryofState
betweenJanuary1andApril1oftheyearfollowingthecalendaryearin
whichadomesticcorporationwasincorporatedoraforeigncorporationwas
authorizedtotransactbusiness.Subsequentbiennialreportsmustbedelivered
totheSecretaryofStatebetweenJanuary1andApril1followingeach
succeedingtwocalendaryears.
(d)Ifabiennialreportdoesnotcontaintheinformationrequiredbythis
section,theSecretaryofStateshallpromptlynotifythereportingdomesticor
foreigncorporationinwritingandreturnthereporttoitforcorrection.Ifthe BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page209of227
reportiscorrectedtocontaintheinformationrequiredbythissectionand
deliveredtotheSecretaryofStatewithin30daysaftertheeffectivedateof
notice,itisdeemedtobetimelyfiled.
(e)TheSecretaryofStateshallamenditsrecordstoreflectachange,if
specifiedinthereport,tothebusiness’spurpose,email,address,orprincipal
information.
***UpdatestoTitle11Clanguage***
Sec.22.11CV.S.A.chapter1isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER1.GENERALPROVISIONS
***
§112.RESERVATIONOFNAME
(a)Apersonmayreservetheexclusiveuseofthenameofamutualbenefit
enterprise,includingafictitiousnameforaforeignenterprisewhosenameis
notavailableundersection111ofthistitle,bydeliveringanapplicationtothe
SecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplicationshallsetforththenameand
addressoftheapplicantandthenameproposedtobereserved.IftheSecretary
ofStatefindsthatthenameappliedforisavailableundersection111ofthis
title,theSecretaryofStateshallreservethenamefortheapplicant’sexclusive
useforanonrenewableperiodof120days.
(b)Apersonwhohasreservedanameforamutualbenefitenterprisemay
transferthereservationtoanotherpersonbydeliveringtotheSecretaryof BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page210of227
Stateasignednoticeofthetransferwhichstatesthename,streetaddress,and,
ifdifferent,themailingaddressofthetransferee.Ifthepersonisanorganizer
oftheenterpriseandthenameoftheenterpriseisthesameasthereserved
name,thedeliveryofarticlesoforganizationforfilingbytheSecretaryofState
isatransferbythepersontotheenterpriseApersonmayreservetheexclusive
useofabusinessnamebydeliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofState
forfilingpursuantto11V.S.A.§1652.
***
§117.DESIGNATEDOFFICEANDAGENTFORSERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Amutualbenefitenterpriseoraforeignenterprisethathasacertificate
ofauthorityundersection1404ofthistitleshalldesignateandcontinuously
maintaininthisState:
(1)anoffice,asitsdesignatedoffice,whichneednotbeaplaceofthe
enterprise’sorforeignenterprise’sactivityinthisState;and
(2)anagentforserviceofprocess,pursuantto11V.S.A.§1655,atthe
designatedoffice.
(b)Anagentforserviceofprocessofamutualbenefitenterpriseorforeign
enterpriseshallbeanindividualwhoisaresidentofthisStateoranentitythat
isauthorizedtodobusinessinthisState.
§118.CHANGEOFDESIGNATEDOFFICEORAGENTFORSERVICE
OFPROCESS BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page211of227
(a)Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubsection207(e)ofthistitle,tochange
itsdesignatedoffice,itsagentforserviceofprocess,orthestreetaddressor,if
different,mailingaddressofitsprincipaloffice,amutualbenefitenterprise
shalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementofchange
containing:
(1)thenameofthemutualbenefitenterprise;
(2)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofitsdesignated
office;
(3)ifthedesignatedofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressand,if
different,mailingaddressofthenewdesignatedoffice;
(4)thenameofitsagentforserviceofprocess;and
(5)iftheagentforserviceofprocessistobechanged,thenameofthe
newagent.
(b)Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubsection207(e)ofthistitle,tochange
itsagentforserviceofprocess,theaddressofitsdesignatedoffice,orthe
streetaddressor,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofitsprincipaloffice,aforeign
enterpriseshalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
changecontaining:
(1)thenameoftheforeignenterprise;
(2)thename,streetaddress,and,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofits
designatedoffice; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page212of227
(3)ifthecurrentagentforserviceofprocessoranaddressofthe
designatedofficeistobechanged,thenewinformation;
(4)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,themailingaddressofitsprincipal
office;and
(5)ifthestreetaddressor,ifdifferent,themailingaddressofits
principalofficeistobechanged,thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,the
mailingaddressofthenewprincipaloffice.
(c)Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsection204ofthistitle,astatementof
changeiseffectivewhenfiledbytheSecretaryofStateAmutualbenefit
enterpriseorforeignenterpriseshallchangeitsdesignatedofficeoragentfor
serviceofprocessinformationbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling
astatementofchangepursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.
§119.RESIGNATIONOFAGENTFORSERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Toresignasanagentforserviceofprocessofamutualbenefit
enterpriseorforeignenterprise,theagentshalldelivertotheSecretaryof
Stateforfilingastatementofresignationcontainingthenameoftheagentand
thenameoftheenterpriseorforeignenterprise.
(b)Afterreceivingastatementofresignationundersubsection(a)ofthis
section,theSecretaryofStateshallfileitandmailorotherwiseprovideor
deliveracopytothemutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseatits
principaloffice. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page213of227
(c)Anagencyforserviceofprocessofamutualbenefitenterpriseor
foreignenterpriseterminatesontheearlierof:
(1)the31stdayaftertheSecretaryofStatefilesastatementof
resignationundersubsection(b)ofthissection;or
(2)whenarecorddesignatinganewagentforserviceofprocessis
deliveredtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingonbehalfoftheenterpriseor
foreignenterpriseandbecomeseffectiveAnagentforserviceofprocessmay
resignasagentbysubmittingtotheSecretaryofStateforfilingastatementof
resignationpursuantto11V.S.A.§1655.
§120.SERVICEOFPROCESS
(a)Anagentforserviceofprocessappointedbyamutualbenefitenterprise
orforeignenterpriseisanagentoftheenterpriseorforeignenterprisefor
serviceofprocess,notice,orademandrequiredorpermittedbylawtobe
servedupontheenterpriseorforeignenterprise.
(b)Ifamutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterprisedoesnotappointor
maintainanagentforserviceofprocessinthisStateortheagentforserviceof
processcannotwithreasonablediligencebefoundattheaddressofthe
designatedofficeonfilewiththeSecretaryofState,theSecretaryofStateisan
agentoftheenterpriseorforeignenterpriseuponwhichprocess,notice,ora
demandmaybeserved. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page214of227
(c)Serviceofprocess,notice,orademandontheSecretaryofStateas
agentofamutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterprisemaybemadeby
deliveringtotheSecretaryofStatetwocopiesoftheprocess,notice,or
demand.TheSecretaryofStateshallforwardonecopybyregisteredor
certifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested,totheenterpriseorforeignenterprise
atitsprincipaloffice.
(d)Serviceiseffectedundersubsection(c)ofthissectionontheearliestof:
(1)thedatethemutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterprisereceives
theprocess,notice,ordemand;
(2)thedateshownonthereturnreceipt,ifsignedonbehalfofthe
enterpriseorforeignenterprise;or
(3)fivedaysaftertheprocess,notice,ordemandisdepositedbythe
SecretaryofStatefordeliverybytheU.S.PostalService,ifpostageisprepaid
totheaddressoftheprincipalofficeonfilewiththeSecretaryofState.
(e)TheSecretaryofStateshallkeeparecordofeachprocess,notice,and
demandservedpursuanttothissectionandrecordthetimeofandtheaction
takenregardingtheservice.
(f)Thissectiondoesnotaffecttherighttoserveprocess,notice,ora
demandinanyothermannerprovidedbylawAmutualbenefitenterpriseor
foreignenterpriseissubjecttotheserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.
§ 1656. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page215of227
Sec.23.11CV.S.A.chapter2isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER2.FILINGANDANNUALREPORTS
***
§202.SIGNINGANDFILINGOFRECORDSPURSUANTTOJUDICIAL
ORDER
(a)Ifapersonrequiredbythistitletosignordeliverarecordtothe
SecretaryofStateforfilingdoesnotdoso,theSuperiorCourtofthecountyof
themutualbenefitenterprise’sprincipalofficeortheforeignenterprise’s
registereddesignatedoffice,uponpetitionofanaggrievedperson,mayorder:
(1)thepersontosigntherecordanddeliverittotheSecretaryofState
forfiling;or
(2)deliveryoftheunsignedrecordtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.
***
§206.CERTIFICATEOFGOODSTANDINGORAUTHORIZATION
(a)TheSecretaryofState,uponrequestandpaymentoftherequiredfee,
shallfurnishanypersonthatrequestsitacertificateofgoodstandingfora
mutualbenefitenterpriseiftherecordsfiledintheOfficeoftheSecretaryof
StateshowthattheSecretaryofStatehasfiledtheenterprise’sarticlesof
organization,thattheenterpriseisingoodstanding,andthattheSecretaryof
Statehasnotfiledastatementoftermination. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page216of227
(b)TheSecretaryofState,uponrequestandpaymentoftherequiredfee,
shallfurnishtoanypersonthatrequestsitacertificateofauthority
authorizationforaforeignenterpriseiftherecordsfiledintheOfficeofthe
SecretaryofStateshowthattheSecretaryofStatehasfiledtheforeign
enterprise’scertificateofauthority,hasnotrevokednorhasreasontorevoke
thecertificateofauthority,andhasnotfiledanoticeofcancellation.
(c)Subjecttoanyexceptionsstatedinthecertificate,acertificateofgood
standingorauthorityauthorizationissuedbytheSecretaryofStateestablishes
conclusivelythatthemutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseisingood
standingorisauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisState.
§207.ANNUALREPORTFORSECRETARYOFSTATE
(a)Amutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateshalldelivertotheSecretaryofStateforfilinganannual
reportthatstates:
(1)thenameoftheenterpriseorforeignenterprise;
(2)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofthe
enterprise’sorforeignenterprise’sdesignatedofficeandthenameofitsagent
forserviceofprocessatthedesignatedoffice;
(3)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofthe
enterprise’sorforeignenterprise’sprincipaloffice;
(4)thenameandbusinessaddressofanydirectororofficer;and BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page217of227
(5)inthecaseofaforeignenterprise,thestateorotherjurisdiction
underwhoselawtheforeignenterpriseisformedandanyalternativename
adoptedundersection1405ofthistitle.
(b)Informationinanannualreportshallbecurrentasofthedatethe
reportisdeliveredtotheSecretaryofState.
(c)Amutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseauthorizedtotransact
businessinthisStateshalldeliveritsannualreporttotheSecretaryforfiling
betweenJanuary1andApril1ofeachyear,beginningintheyearfollowing
thecalendaryearinwhichthemutualbenefitenterpriseisformedorthe
foreignenterpriseisauthorizedtotransactbusinessinthisState.
(d)Ifanannualreportdoesnotcontaintheinformationrequiredby
subsection(a)ofthissection,theSecretaryofStateshallpromptlynotifythe
reportingmutualbenefitenterpriseorforeignenterpriseandreturnthereport
forcorrection.Ifthereportiscorrectedtocontaintheinformationrequiredby
subsection(a)ofthissectionanddeliveredtotheSecretaryofStatenotlater
than30daysafterthedateofthenoticefromtheSecretaryofState,itistimely
delivered.
(e)Ifafiledannualreportcontainsanaddressofthedesignatedoffice,the
nameorbusinessaddressofadirectororofficer,oraddressoftheprincipal
officewhichdiffersfromtheinformationshownintherecordsoftheSecretary
ofStateimmediatelybeforethefiling,thedifferinginformationintheannual BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page218of227
reportisconsideredastatementofchangeTheSecretaryofStateshallamend
itsrecordstoreflectachange,ifspecifiedinthereport,tothebusiness’s
purpose,email,address,orprincipalinformation.
***
Sec.24.11CV.S.A.chapter14isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER14.FOREIGNENTERPRISES
***
§1402.APPLICATIONFORCERTIFICATEOFAUTHORITY
(a)Aforeignenterprisemayapplyforacertificateofauthorityby
deliveringanapplicationtotheSecretaryofStateforfiling.Theapplication
shallstate:
(1)thenameoftheforeignenterpriseand,ifthenamedoesnotcomply
withsection111ofthistitle,analternativenameadoptedpursuanttosection
1405ofthistitle;
(2)thenameofthestateorotherjurisdictionunderwhoselawthe
foreignenterpriseisorganized;
(3)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressoftheprincipal
officeand,ifthelawofthejurisdictionunderwhichtheforeignenterpriseis
organizedrequirestheforeignenterprisetomaintainanotherofficeinthat
jurisdiction,thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressoftherequired
office; BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page219of227
(4)thestreetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressoftheforeign
enterprise’sdesignatedofficeinthisState,andthenameoftheforeign
enterprise’sagentforserviceofprocessatthedesignatedoffice;and
(5)thename,streetaddressand,ifdifferent,mailingaddressofeachof
theforeignenterprise’scurrentdirectorsandofficers,andofanyother
principaltheenterpriseprovides.
***
***UpdatestoTitle12language***
Sec.25.12V.S.A.chapter25,subchapter6isamendedtoread:
Subchapter6.ForeignCorporationsBusinessOrganizations
§851.SERVICEONSECRETARYOFSTATE
WhenaforeigncorporationhasappointedtheSecretaryofStateasits
processagentpursuanttothestatutesrelatingtosuchcorporations,serviceof
processmadeupontheSecretarybydeliveringtohimorherduplicatecopies
thereof,shallbesufficient.Acopyofthestipulation,filedundertheprovisions
of11V.S.A.§3011,11AV.S.A.§15.10,and11BV.S.A.§15.10,certifiedby
theSecretary,withhisorhercertificatethatprocesshasbeenservedonhimor
her,shallbesufficientevidencethereofAbusinessorganizationissubjectto
theserviceofprocessprovisionsin11V.S.A.§1656.
§852.FEES;MAILINGOFCOPYTOCORPORATIONBUSINESS
ORGANIZATION BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page220of227
WhenprocessisservedontheSecretaryofStateundertheprovisionsof
section851ofthistitle11V.S.A.§1656,thereshallbepaidtotheSecretaryby
theofficeratthetimeofsuchservicethesumof$35.00.TheSecretaryshall
forthwithforwardbymailprepaidoneoftheduplicatecopiestothe
corporationatitshomeofficeortoapersonwhomitdesignates.
§853.DOINGBUSINESSBYPARTICULARCOMPANIESWITHOUT
DESIGNATINGPROCESSAGENT;PENALTY
Apersonoragentforaforeigninsurance,express,shippingcar,telephone
ortelegraphcompany,orotherforeigncompanydoinglikebusiness,which
hasnotdesignatedtheSecretaryofStateasitsprocessagent,asrequiredby11
V.S.A.§692whosolicitsorreceivesariskorapplicationforinsurance,or
receivesmoneyorvalueforsuchinsurancebysuchcompany,orreceives
moneyorvalueforthetransportationofapackageorpropertybysuchexpress
orshippingcarcompany,orforthetransmissionofamessageordispatchby
suchtelegraphcompany,orreceivesmoney,rent,royalty,orincomeforsuch
telephonecompanyfortheuseofitsinstrumentsorlinesorforthesendingof
anymessage,shallbefinednotmorethan$500.00norlessthan$100.00.
***
§855.DOINGBUSINESSASAPPOINTMENTOFPROCESSAGENT
IfthecontactwiththeStateortheactivityinthestateofaforeign
corporationbusinessorganization,orthecontactoractivityimputabletoit,is BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page221of227
sufficienttosupportaVermontpersonaljudgmentagainstit,thecontactor
activityshallbedeemedtobedoingbusinessinVermontbythatforeign
corporationorganizationandshallbeequivalenttotheappointmentbyitof
theSecretaryoftheStateofVermontandhisorhertheSecretary’ssuccessors
tobeitstrueandlawfulattorneyuponwhommaybeservedalllawfulprocess
inanyactionorproceedingsagainstitarisingorgrowingoutofthatcontact
oractivity,andalsoshallbedeemedtobeitsagreementthatanyprocess
againstitwhichthatissoservedupontheSecretaryofStateshallbeofthe
samelegalforceandeffectasifservedontheforeigncorporationatits
principalplaceofbusinessinthestateorcountrywhereitisincorporated
accordingtothelawofthatstateorcountry.
§856.SERVICEOFPROCESS
Serviceofprocessbyvirtueofsection855ofthistitleshallbemade
pursuantto11V.S.A.§1656bydeliveringtotheSecretaryofStateduplicate
copiesoftheprocess,withtheofficer’sreturnofservicethereon,andafeeof
$25.00,tobetaxedintheplaintiff’scostsifheorsheprevails.TheSecretary
shallforthwithforwardoneoftheduplicatecopiesbyregisteredmailprepaid
tothecorporationatitsprincipalplaceofbusinessinthestateorcountry
whereitisincorporated,whichprincipalplaceofbusinessshallbestatedin
theprocess.Theserviceshallbesufficientifacopyoftheprocess,withthe
officer’sreturnthereonshowingtheserviceupontheSecretaryofState,issent BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page222of227
bytheplaintifftotheforeigncorporationbyregisteredmail,andifthe
plaintiff’saffidavitofcomplianceherewithisfiledwiththeprocessincourt.
TheSecretaryshallfileoneofthecopiesandendorseuponeachcopytheday
andhourofservice.
§857.CONTINUANCE;COSTS
Thecourtinwhichtheactionispendingmayordersuchcontinuancesas
maybenecessarytoaffordthedefendantreasonableopportunitytoappear
anddefend.Thefeeprovidedinsection856ofthistitleshallbetaxedinthe
plaintiff’scostsifheorsheprevails.[Repealed.]
§858.ALTERNATIVEMEANSOFSERVICE
Asanalternativetoserviceofprocessunderthissubchapterorwhena
stipulationappointingtheSecretaryofStateasprocessagentisnotfiledwith
theCommissionerofForeignCorporations,processmaybeservedupona
foreigncorporationinaccordancewithsections912and913ofthistitleorby
anymethodthattheSupremeCourtshallbyruleprovideforserviceupona
domesticcorporation.[Repealed.]
***UpdatestoTitle30language***
Sec.26.30V.S.A.chapter81isamendedtoread:
CHAPTER81.ELECTRICUTILITYCOOPERATIVES
***
§3001a.PURPOSE BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page223of227
CooperativesAcooperativemaybeorganizedunderthischapterforthe
purposeofcreatingorsupplyingenergy,cabletelevision,telecommunications,
interactivemedia,andinternetaccessandfacilitatingandextendingtheuse
thereof,andinaddition,anyotherlawfulbusinessnotinconsistentwiththis
chapterthatutilizestheelectricdistributionfacilitiesofthecooperative.
§3002.POWERS
Acooperativeshallhavepower:
(1)Tosueandbesuedinitscorporatename.
(2)Tohaveperpetualexistence.
(3)Toadoptacorporatesealandalterthesame.
(4)Togenerate,manufacture,purchase,acquire,accumulate,and
transmitelectricenergy;andtodistribute,sell,supply,anddisposeofenergy,
cabletelevision,telecommunications,interactivemedia,andinternetaccessto
itsmembers,togovernmentalagencies,andtopoliticalsubdivisions;provided,
however,thatinthegenerationofelectricenergybywaterpower,a
cooperativeshallcomplywiththeprovisionsof10V.S.A.§§1081–1099,
relatingtotheconstructionandmaintenanceofdamsand,providedfurther,
thatacooperativedoinganyactivitygovernedbythistitleshallberegulated
forthatactivity.
***
§3003.NAME BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page224of227
Thenameofacooperativegovernedbythischaptershallincludethewords
“utility”or“energy”oraworddesignatinganyspecificformofenergysuch
as“electric,”“propane,”or“naturalgas”and“cooperative”andthe
abbreviation“inc.”unless,inanaffidavitmadebyitspresidentorvice
presidentandfiledwiththeSecretaryofState,orinanaffidavitmadebya
personsigningarticlesofincorporation,consolidation,merger,orconversion,
whichrelatetothecooperativeandfiled,togetherwiththearticles,withthe
SecretaryofState,itshallappearthatthecooperativedesirestodobusinessin
anotherstateandisorwouldbeprecludedbyreasonoftheinclusionofthe
wordsinitsname.Thenameofacooperativeshallbedistinctfromthename
ofanyothercooperativeorcorporationorganizedunderthelawsof,or
authorizedtodobusinessin,thisState.
***
§3037.FOREIGNCOMPANIES;SERVICEOFPROCESS
Aforeignnonprofitorcooperativecorporationsupplyingorauthorizedto
supplyelectricenergyandowningoroperatingelectrictransmissionor
distributionlinesinanadjacentstate,priortoMarch26,1943,mayconstruct
oracquireextensionsoflinesinthisStatewithinanareanopointofwhichis
morethan25milesfromtheboundarylineofthisStateandmayoperatethose
extensionswithoutqualifyingasaforeigncorporationtodobusinessinthis
State.Beforeconstructingoroperatingsuchextensions,byaninstrument BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page225of227
executedandacknowledgedonitsbehalfbyitspresidentorvicepresident,
underitssealattestedbyitsclerkorsecretary,andfiledwiththeSecretaryof
State,acorporationshalldesignatetheSecretaryofStateitsagenttoaccept
serviceofprocessonitsbehalf.Thereafter,thecorporationshallhaveallthe
rights,powers,privileges,andimmunitiesofacooperative.Serviceofprocess
shallbemadeupontheSecretaryofStateinaccordancewiththeprovisionsof
12V.S.A.§§851and852andshallforwardonecopyofthesamebyregistered
mailtosuchcorporationattheaddressofitsprincipaloffice11V.S.A.§1656.
***
***BusinessOrganizationsStudy***
Sec.27.BUSINESSSERVICESANDBUSINESSORGANIZATIONS;
STUDY
(a)Task.TheSecretaryofStateshallconductapublicengagementprocess
withinterestedpartnerstostudy,consider,andaddressthefollowingissues:
(1)technical,procedural,andsubstantiveissuesconcerningtheonline
businessfilingsystem;
(2)statutoryrevisionsto:
(A)adoptprovisionsoftheUniformBusinessOrganizationsCodeor
otherprovisionstofurtherharmonizethelawsgoverningbusiness
organizationsinthisState,includingprovisionsgoverningcommercial BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page226of227
registeredagentsandupdatestotheTitlesoftheVermontStatutesAnnotated
relatedtobusinessorganizations;
(B)thelawsgoverningtrademarksandpossibleexpansiontoinclude
servicemarks;
(C)thedualframeworkgoverningpartnershipsin11V.S.A.chapters
15and22andthemandatoryregistrationofassumedbusinessnamesand
unincorporatednonprofitassociations;and
(D)thefeescollectedforvariousbusinessorganizationfilings;
(3)assessmentoftheneedforanyupdatestocurrentmodellawsorthe
additionofnewmodellegislation;and
(4)assessmentoftheadministrativeoversightauthorityandsubstantive
provisionsgoverningdatabrokers,telemarketers,utilitycooperatives,and
amusementrideoperators.
(b)Reporting.TheSecretaryofStateshall,basedonthetasksetforthin
subsection(a)ofthissection,submittotheHouseCommitteeonCommerce
andEconomicDevelopmentandtotheSenateCommitteeonEconomic
Development,HousingandGeneralAffairs,aninterimreportonorbefore
November15,2025andafinalreportonorbeforeDecember1,2026
includingitsfindingsandanyproposedlegislationfortheGeneralAssembly’s
consideration.TheinterimreportshallprovidetheGeneralAssemblywithany
recommendedactionstopursueinthe2026legislativesession. BILLASPASSEDBYTHEHOUSE H.243
2025 Page227of227
***EffectiveDate***
Sec.28.EFFECTIVEDATE
ThisactshalltakeeffectonJuly1,2025.