We’re in the grips of winter here in Vermont. Fifteen below zero when I got to the office this morning, but it’s sunny and bright out there and we have plenty of snow.

The legislative season is off to a busy start, next month’s newsletter will be a full one. For January, I offer the bills below. Of note is House Bill 6545 in the U. S. Congress proposing a corporate crime database and Michigan SB 1455 passed as PA -290’10 and allowing LLC conversions into other types of entities. Also New York has introduced SB 437 to abrogate the county publication requirement for LLC’s and LLP’s.

Stay warm.
Robert K. Rowell
General Counsel


Federal Legislation
HB 6545
To establish a corporate crime database, and for other purposes.

Full Text available here.
Current Bill Status: January 19, 2011, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


SB 4052
A bill to require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to fully insure interest on Lawyer’s Trust Accounts.

Full Text available here.
Current Bill Status: December 22, 2010, read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.



Kentucky
HR 14
A resolution in support of amending the United States Constitution to prevent corporate control of elections.

Full Text available here.
Current Bill Status: January 4, 2011, introduced in the House.



Michigan
SB 1455
Limited Liability Companies; conversion from and into other forms of organization; authorize and make general revisions.

Full Text available here.
Current Bill Status: December 29, 2010, assigned PA -290’10 with immediate effect.



Mississippi
HB 239
An act amend Section 79-29-1203, Mississippi Code of 1971 to revise fees for Limited Liability Companies.

Full Text available here.
Current Bill Status: January 4, 2011, referred to Fees and Salaries of Public Officers.



Montana
LD 50
Subjecting corporations to same campaign contribution limits as individuals.

Full Text available here.
Current Bill Status: January 14, 2011, cancelled, probably dead.



New York
SB 437
Eliminates the requirement that limited liability companies publish their articles of organization and that limited liability partnerships publish their registrations.

Full Text available here.
Current Bill Status: January 5, 2011, referred to Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Committee.


SB 447
Authorizes shareholders to attend meetings via remote communication and to be deemed present for voting purposes.

Full Text available here.
Current Bill Status: January 5, 2011, referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee.



Utah
HB 29
This bill modifies the Utah Revised Business Corporation Act to address mergers.

Full Text available here.
Current Bill Status: January 11, 2011, House received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst.

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