The DC Nonprofit Corporation Act governs nonprofit corporations regarding corporate structure and procedure. If an association is organized as a nonprofit, it will be governed by the DC Nonprofit Corporation Act. Contact your association’s attorney to see what your community’s options are for virtual meetings based upon your governing documents.
Applicable Statute: Nonprofit Corporations Act
§ 29–405.01. Annual and regular meetings.
(a) A membership corporation shall hold a meeting of members annually at a time stated in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws.
(b) A membership corporation may hold regular meetings on a regional or other basis at times stated in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e) of this section, annual and regular meetings of the members may be held in or outside of the District at the place stated in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws. If no place is stated in or fixed in accordance with the articles or bylaws, annual and regular meetings shall be held at the nonprofit corporation’s principal office.
(d) The failure to hold an annual or regular meeting at the time stated in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws shall not affect the validity of any corporate action.
(e) Notwithstanding the articles of incorporation or bylaws, during a period for which a public health emergency has been declared pursuant to [§ 7-2304.01], an annual or regular meeting of members does not need to be held at a geographic location if the meeting is held by means of the Internet or other electronic communications technology in a fashion pursuant to which the members have the opportunity to read or hear the proceedings substantially concurrently with their occurrence, vote on matters submitted to the members, pose questions, and make comments.
(July 2, 2011, D.C. Law 18-378, § 2, 58 DCR 1720; Oct. 9, 2020, D.C. Law 23-130, § 407(a), 67 DCR 8622.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 29-401.50.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 407(a) of Coronavirus Support Second Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 [Effective August 19, 2020 through October 8, 2020] (D.C. Act 23-405, Aug. 19, 2020, 67 DCR 10235).