185.07 Bylaws.

375 words·~2 min read·/wi/chapter-185/185-07-13

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

185.07 Bylaws.

(1)The initial bylaws may be adopted by the temporary board. Thereafter, except as provided in sub.

(4), bylaws may be adopted and amended only by the members unless the members adopt a bylaw which permits the board to make and amend specified bylaws.

(2)Any bylaw adopted or amended by the board shall be reported at the next regular member meeting. Any such bylaw shall be at any time subject to amendment or repeal by the members.

(3)Unless the bylaws provide otherwise, any bylaw may be adopted, amended or repealed by a majority of the member votes cast at a meeting.

(a)In this subsection, “emergency” means a catastrophic event that prevents a quorum of a cooperative’s directors or members from being readily assembled.

(b)Unless the articles provide otherwise, the board may adopt bylaws that are effective only in an emergency. Emergency bylaws are subject to amendment or repeal by the board or by the members. Emergency bylaws may provide special provisions or modify provisions as necessary for managing the cooperative during the emergency including any of the following:

1. Procedures for calling a meeting of the board or the members.

2. Procedures for the conduct of a meeting of the board or the members.

3. Quorum requirements for a meeting of the board.

4. Deadlines for any action required to be taken by the cooperative, the board, or the members.

5. Designation of additional or substitute directors.

(c)Provisions of the regular bylaws that are consistent with the emergency bylaws remain effective during the emergency. The emergency bylaws are not effective after the emergency ends.

(d)Action taken in good faith in accordance with the emergency bylaws, and action taken in good faith under s. 185.03

(13)for the benefit of the cooperative, binds the cooperative and may not be used to impose liability on a director, officer, member, employee, or agent. Action taken in good faith in anticipation of or during an emergency to delay or reschedule any action required to be taken by the cooperative, the board, or the members under par.

(b)4. shall not constitute a violation of the bylaws in the event the delayed or rescheduled action occurs after the emergency ends.