dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-660.1. Conduct of the meeting.
A. At each meeting of shareholders, a chairman shall preside. The chairman shall be appointed as provided in the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or, in the absence of such provision, by the board of directors.

B. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, the chairman shall determine the order of business and shall have the authority to establish rules for the conduct of the meeting.

C. The chairman of the meeting shall announce at the meeting when the polls open and close for each matter voted upon. If no announcement is made, the polls shall be deemed to have opened at the beginning of the meeting and closed upon the final adjournment of the meeting.

2005, c. 765; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-660.2. Remote participation in shareholders' meetings.
A. Shareholders of any class or series of shares may participate in any meeting of shareholders by means of remote communication to the extent the board of directors authorizes such participation for such class or series. Participation as a shareholder by means of remote communication shall be subject to such guidelines and procedures as the board of directors adopts.

B. Shareholders participating in a shareholders' meeting by means of remote communication shall be deemed present and may vote at such a meeting if the corporation has implemented reasonable measures to:

1. Verify that each person participating remotely as a shareholder is a shareholder or a shareholder's proxy; and

2. Provide such shareholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the shareholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting, substantially concurrently with such proceedings.

C. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws require the meeting of shareholders to be held at a place, the board of directors may determine that any meeting of shareholders shall not be held at any place and shall instead be held solely by means of remote communication in conformity with subsection B.

2010, c. 782; 2017, c. 646; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-663. Proxies.
A. A shareholder may vote the shareholder's shares in person or by proxy.

B. A shareholder, or the shareholder's agent or attorney-in-fact, may appoint a proxy to vote or otherwise act for the shareholder by signing an appointment form or by an electronic transmission. An electronic transmission shall contain or be accompanied by information from which the recipient can determine the date of the transmission and that the transmission was authorized by the sender or the sender's agent or attorney-in-fact.

C. An appointment of a proxy is effective when a signed appointment form or an electronic transmission of the appointment is received by the inspectors of election or the officer or agent of the corporation authorized to count votes. An appointment is valid for the term provided in the appointment form and, if no term is provided, is valid for 11 months unless the appointment is irrevocable under subsection D.

D. An appointment of a proxy is revocable unless the appointment form or electronic transmission states that it is irrevocable and the appointment is coupled with an interest. Appointments coupled with an interest include the appointment of:

1. A pledgee;

2. A person who purchased or agreed to purchase the shares;

3. A creditor of the corporation who extended it credit under terms requiring the appointment;

4. An employee of the corporation whose employment contract requires the appointment; or

5. A party to a voting agreement created under § 13.1-671.

E. The death or incapacity of the shareholder appointing a proxy does not affect the right of the corporation to accept the proxy's authority unless notice of the death or incapacity is received by the corporation's secretary or other officer or agent authorized to count votes before the proxy exercises authority under the appointment.

F. An appointment made irrevocable under subsection D is revoked when the interest with which it is coupled is extinguished.

G. Unless it otherwise provides, an appointment made irrevocable under subsection D continues in effect after a transfer of the shares and a transferee takes subject to the appointment, except that a transferee for value of shares subject to an irrevocable appointment may revoke the appointment if the transferee did not know of its existence when acquiring the shares and the existence of the irrevocable appointment was not noted conspicuously on the certificate representing the shares or on the information statement for shares without certificates.

H. Subject to § 13.1-665 and to any express limitation on the proxy's authority stated in the appointment form or electronic transmission, a corporation is entitled to accept the proxy's vote or other action as that of the shareholder making the appointment.

Code 1950, §§ 13-193 to 13-198, 13-203, 13.1-32; 1956, c. 428; 1958, c. 564; 1975, c. 500; 1984, c. 366; 1985, c. 522; 1991, c. 405; 2005, c. 765; 2010, c. 782; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-664. Shares held by intermediaries and nominees.
A. A corporation's board of directors may establish a procedure under which a person on whose behalf shares are registered in the name of an intermediary or nominee may elect to be treated by the corporation as the record shareholder by filing with the corporation's secretary a beneficial ownership certificate. The terms, conditions, and limitations of this treatment shall be specified in the procedure. To the extent such person is treated under such procedure as having rights or privileges that the record shareholder otherwise would have, the record shareholder shall not have those rights or privileges.

B. The procedure shall specify:

1. The types of intermediaries or nominees to which it applies;

2. The rights or privileges that the corporation recognizes in a person with respect to whom a beneficial ownership certificate is filed;

3. The manner in which the procedure is selected, which shall include that the beneficial ownership certificate be signed or assented to by or on behalf of the record shareholder and the person on whose behalf the shares are held;

4. The information that must be provided when the procedure is selected;

5. The period for which selection of the procedure is effective;

6. Requirements for notice to the corporation with respect to the arrangement; and

7. The form and contents of the beneficial ownership certificate.

C. The procedure may specify any other aspects of the rights and duties that may be included in a beneficial ownership certificate.

1985, c. 522; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-666. Quorum and voting requirements for voting groups.
A. Shares entitled to vote as a separate voting group may take action at a meeting only if a quorum of those shares exists for the meeting. Unless the articles of incorporation or this chapter provides otherwise, shares representing a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting by the voting group constitutes a quorum of that voting group for the meeting. Whenever this chapter requires a particular quorum for a specified action, the articles of incorporation may not provide for a lower quorum. Less than a quorum may adjourn a meeting.

B. Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of that meeting unless a new record date is or shall be set for that adjourned meeting.

C. If a quorum exists, action on a matter, other than the election of directors, by a voting group is approved if the votes cast within the voting group favoring the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action, unless the articles of incorporation or this chapter requires a greater number of affirmative votes. An abstention or an election by a shareholder not to vote on the action because of the failure to receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares shall not be considered a vote cast.

D. An amendment of the articles of incorporation adding, changing, or deleting a quorum or voting requirement for a voting group greater than specified in subsection A or C is governed by section § 13.1-668.

E. The election of directors is governed by § 13.1-669.

F. Whenever a provision of this chapter provides for voting of classes or series of shares as separate voting groups, the rules provided in subsection C of § 13.1-708 for amendments of the articles of incorporation apply to that provision.

Code 1950, § 13.1-31; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 2007, c. 165; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-667. Action by single and multiple voting groups.
A. If the articles of incorporation or this chapter provides for voting by a single voting group on a matter, action on that matter is taken when voted upon by that voting group as provided in § 13.1-666.

B. If the articles of incorporation or this chapter provides for voting by two or more voting groups on a matter, action on that matter is taken only when voted upon by each of those voting groups counted separately as provided in § 13.1-666. Action may be taken by different voting groups on a matter at different times.

1985, c. 522; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-668. Modifying quorum or voting requirements.
A. The articles of incorporation may provide for (i) a lesser or greater quorum requirement for shareholders or voting groups of shareholders, but in each case not less than one third of the shares eligible to vote or (ii) a greater voting requirement for shareholders, or voting groups of shareholders, than is provided by this chapter.

B. An amendment of the articles of incorporation that adds, changes, or deletes a quorum or voting requirement shall meet the same quorum requirement and be adopted by the same vote and voting groups required to take action under the quorum and voting requirements then in effect.

Code 1950, § 13.1-33; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 1986, c. 321; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-669. Voting for directors; cumulative voting.
A. Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in the election at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

B. Shareholders do not have a right to cumulate their votes for directors unless the articles of incorporation so provide.

C. A statement included in the articles of incorporation that "[all] or [a designated voting group of] shareholders are entitled to cumulate their votes for directors," or words of similar import, means that the shareholders designated are entitled to multiply the number of votes they are entitled to cast by the number of directors for whom they are entitled to vote and cast the product for a single candidate or distribute the product among two or more candidates.

D. Shares otherwise entitled to vote cumulatively may not be voted cumulatively at a particular meeting unless the meeting notice or proxy statement accompanying the notice states conspicuously that cumulative voting is authorized.

E. If a corporation's articles of incorporation authorize shareholders to cumulate their votes when electing directors, directors may not be elected by written consent pursuant to § 13.1-657 unless it is unanimous.

Code 1950, §§ 13-193 to 13-198, 13-203, 13.1-32; 1956, c. 428; 1958, c. 564; 1975, c. 500; 1984, c. 366; 1985, c. 522; 2005, c. 765; 2007, c. 165; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-670. Voting trusts.
A. One or more shareholders may create a voting trust, conferring on a trustee the right to vote or otherwise act for them, by signing an agreement setting out the provisions of the trust, which may include anything consistent with its purpose, and transferring their shares to the trustee. When a voting trust agreement is signed, the trustee shall prepare a list of the names and addresses of all voting trust beneficial owners, together with the number and class or series of shares each transferred to the trust, and deliver copies of the list and agreement to the corporation at its principal office.

B. A voting trust becomes effective on the date the first shares subject to the trust are registered in the trustee's name.

C. Limits, if any, on the duration of a voting trust shall be as set forth in the voting trust, except that a voting trust that became effective prior to July 1, 2015, is valid for not more than 10 years after its effective date unless some or all of the parties to the voting trust extend it by signing a written consent to the extension.

D. Any consent to an extension signed by less than all of the parties to the voting trust binds only the parties signing it.

The voting trustee shall deliver copies of any consent to extension and the list of beneficial owners to the corporation's secretary at the corporation's principal office.

Code 1950, § 13.1-34; 1956, c. 428; 1975, c. 500; 1985, c. 522; 2005, c. 765; 2015, c. 611; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-671. Voting agreements.
A. Two or more shareholders may provide for the manner in which they will vote their shares by signing an agreement for that purpose. A voting agreement created under this section is not subject to the provisions of § 13.1-670.

B. A voting agreement created under this section is specifically enforceable.

Code 1950, § 13.1-34; 1956, c. 428; 1975, c. 500; 1985, c. 522.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-672. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1992, c. 802.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-672.1. Standing; condition precedent; stay of proceedings.
A. A shareholder shall not commence or maintain a derivative proceeding unless the shareholder:

1. Was a shareholder of the corporation at the time of the act or omission complained of, became a shareholder through transfer by operation of law from one who was a shareholder at that time, or became a shareholder before public disclosure and without knowledge of the act or omission complained of;

2. Was a shareholder at the time the shareholder made the written demand required by subdivision B 1; and

3. Fairly and adequately represents the interests of the corporation in enforcing the right of the corporation.

B. No shareholder may commence a derivative proceeding until:

1. A written demand has been made on the corporation to take suitable action; and

2. Ninety days have expired from the date delivery of the written demand was made on the corporation unless (i) the shareholder has earlier been notified that the demand has been rejected by the corporation or (ii) irreparable injury to the corporation would result by waiting for the expiration of the 90-day period.

C. If the corporation commences an inquiry into the allegations made in the demand or complaint, the court may stay any derivative proceeding for such period as the court deems appropriate.

1992, c. 802; 2007, c. 165; 2010, c. 782; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-672.2. Discontinuance or settlement.
A. A derivative proceeding may not be settled or discontinued without the court's approval. If the court determines that a proposed discontinuance or settlement will substantially and adversely affect the interests of the corporation's shareholders or a class or series of the corporation's shareholders, the court shall direct that notice be given to the shareholders affected.

B. Notice required by subsection A shall be given in such manner as the court shall determine, and the costs of such notice shall be borne in such manner as the court shall direct.

1992, c. 802; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-672.3. Foreign corporations.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 13.1-672.1 and 13.1-672.4, in any derivative proceeding in the right of a foreign corporation, subject to the court's determination of whether the courts of the Commonwealth are a convenient forum for such a proceeding, the matters covered by this article shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction of formation of the foreign corporation except for matters covered by subsection C of § 13.1-672.1 and §§ 13.1-672.2 and 13.1-672.5.

1992, c. 802; 2005, c. 765; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-672.4. Dismissal.
A. A derivative proceeding shall be dismissed by the court on motion by the corporation if one of the groups specified in subsection B or E has:

1. Conducted a review and evaluation, adequately informed in the circumstances, of the allegations made in the demand or complaint;

2. Determined in good faith on the basis of that review and evaluation that the maintenance of the derivative proceeding is not in the best interests of the corporation; and

3. Submitted in support of the motion a short and concise statement of the reasons for its determination.

B. Unless a panel is appointed pursuant to subsection E, the determination in subsection A shall be made by:

1. A majority vote of disinterested directors present at a meeting of the board of directors if the disinterested directors constitute a quorum; or

2. A majority vote of a committee consisting of two or more disinterested directors appointed by a majority vote of disinterested directors present at a meeting of the board of directors, regardless of whether such disinterested directors constituted a quorum.

C. If a derivative proceeding is commenced after a determination has been made rejecting a demand by a shareholder, the complaint shall allege with particularity facts establishing that the requirements of subsection A or B have not been met. With respect to any allegation that the requirements of subsection A or B have not been met, the plaintiff shall be entitled to discovery if, and only with respect to, facts that are alleged in the complaint with particularity.

D. The plaintiff shall have the burden of proving that the requirements of subsection A or B have not been met, except that the corporation shall have the burden with respect to the issue of disinterestedness under subsection B if the complaint alleges with particularity facts raising a substantial question as to such disinterestedness.

E. Upon motion by the corporation, the court may appoint a panel of disinterested persons to make a determination whether the maintenance of the derivative proceeding is in the best interests of the corporation.

1992, c. 802; 1993, c. 233; 2005, c. 765; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-672.5. Payment of and security for expenses.
On termination of a derivative proceeding, the court may:

1. Order the corporation to pay the plaintiff's expenses incurred in the proceeding if it finds that the proceeding has resulted in a substantial benefit to the corporation; or

2. Order the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney to pay the corporation's or any defendant's expenses incurred in defending the proceeding if it finds that the proceeding was commenced or maintained arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith.

1992, c. 802; 1993, c. 233; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-672.6. Shareholder action to appoint a custodian or receiver for a public corporation.
A. The circuit court in any city or county where a public corporation's principal office is or was last located, or, if none in the Commonwealth, where its registered office is or was last located may appoint one or more persons to be custodians, or, if the corporation is insolvent, to be receivers, of and for a public corporation in a proceeding by a shareholder where it is established that:

1. The directors are deadlocked in the management of the corporate affairs, the shareholders are unable to break the deadlock, and irreparable injury to the corporation is threatened or being suffered; or

2. The directors or those in control of the corporation are acting fraudulently and irreparable injury to the corporation is threatened or being suffered.

B. The court:

1. May issue injunctions, appoint a temporary custodian or temporary receiver with all the powers and duties the court directs, take other action to preserve the corporate assets wherever located, and carry on the business of the corporation until a full hearing is held;

2. Shall hold a hearing, after notifying all parties to the proceeding and any interested persons designated by the court, before appointing a custodian or receiver; and

3. Has jurisdiction over the corporation and all of its property, wherever located.

C. The court may appoint an individual or domestic or foreign corporation, authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth, as a custodian or receiver and may require the custodian or receiver to post bond, with or without sureties, in an amount the court directs.

D. The court shall describe the powers and duties of the custodian or receiver in its appointing order, which may be amended from time to time. Among other powers:

1. A custodian may exercise all of the powers of the corporation, through or in place of its board of directors, to the extent necessary to manage the business and affairs of the corporation; and

2. A receiver (i) may dispose of all or any part of the assets of the corporation wherever located, at a public or private sale, if authorized by the court, and (ii) may sue and defend in the receiver's own name as receiver in all courts of the Commonwealth.

E. The court during a custodianship may redesignate the custodian a receiver, and during a receivership may redesignate the receiver a custodian, if doing so is in the best interests of the corporation.

F. The court from time to time during the custodianship or receivership may order compensation paid and expense disbursements or reimbursements made to the custodian or receiver from the assets of the corporation or proceeds from the sale of its assets.

2007, c. 165; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-672.7. Shareholder defined.
As used in this article, "shareholder" means a record shareholder, a beneficial shareholder, and a voting trust beneficial owner whose entitlement to bring the proceeding under this article is not inconsistent with the voting trust agreement.

2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-673. Requirement for and duties of board of directors.
A. Except as provided in an agreement authorized by § 13.1-671.1, each corporation shall have a board of directors.

B. All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of the board of directors, and the business and affairs of the corporation managed under the direction, and subject to the oversight, of the board of directors, subject to any limitation set forth in the articles of incorporation permitted by subdivision B 3 of § 13.1-619 or in an agreement authorized under § 13.1-671.1.

Code 1950, § 13.1-35; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 1990, c. 337; 2005, c. 765; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-674. Qualifications for directors or for nominees for director.
A. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may prescribe qualifications for directors or for nominees for director.

B. A requirement that is based on a past, current, or prospective action, or on an expression of an opinion, by a nominee or director that (i) relates to the discharge of a director's duties and (ii) could limit the ability of the nominee or director to discharge his duties as a director is not a permissible qualification for a nominee or director under this section. Permissible qualifications for a nominee or director under this section include the person's not being or having been subject to specified criminal, civil, or regulatory sanctions or not having been removed as a director by judicial action or for cause.

C. A director need not be a resident of the Commonwealth or a shareholder of the corporation unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws so prescribe.

D. A qualification for nomination for director that is prescribed before a person's nomination shall apply to the person at the time of his nomination. A qualification for nomination for director that is prescribed after a person's nomination shall not apply to that person with respect to such nomination.

E. A qualification for directors that is prescribed before a person's nomination for director may provide that it applies (i) only at the start of the director's term or (ii) during that person's term as director. A qualification for directors prescribed during a director's term shall not apply to that director prior to the end of that director's term.

Code 1950, § 13.1-35; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 2012, c. 706; 2015, c. 611; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-675. Number and election of directors.
A. A board of directors shall consist of one or more individuals, with the number specified in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws. The number of directors may be increased or decreased from time to time by amendment of, or in the manner provided in, the articles of incorporation or bylaws.

B. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may establish a variable range for the size of the board of directors by fixing a minimum and maximum number of directors. If a variable range is established, the number of directors may be fixed or changed from time to time, within the minimum and maximum, by the shareholders or by the board of directors.

C. Directors are elected at the first annual shareholders' meeting and at each annual meeting thereafter unless elected by written consent in lieu of an annual meeting as permitted by § 13.1-657 or unless their terms are staggered under § 13.1-678.

D. No individual shall be named or elected as a director without his prior consent.

Code 1950, § 13.1-36; 1956, c. 428; 1968, c. 87; 1973, c. 50; 1974, c. 662; 1977, c. 123; 1982, c. 104; 1985, c. 522; 1991, c. 112; 2005, c. 765; 2006, c. 330; 2010, c. 782; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-676. Election of directors by certain classes or series of shares.
If the articles of incorporation authorize dividing the shares into classes or series, the articles of incorporation may also authorize the election of all or a specified number of directors by the holders of one or more authorized classes or series of shares. A class or series, or multiple classes or series, of shares entitled to elect one or more directors is a separate voting group for purposes of the election of directors.

Code 1950, § 13.1-37; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-677. Terms of directors generally.
A. The terms of the initial directors of a corporation expire at the first shareholders' meeting at which directors are elected, unless their terms are staggered pursuant to § 13.1-678, in which case the term shall expire at the applicable second or third annual shareholders' meeting.

B. The terms of all other directors expire at the next, or if the terms are staggered pursuant to § 13.1-678, at the applicable second or third annual shareholders' meeting following their election, except to the extent a shorter term is specified in the articles of incorporation in the event of a director nominee failing to receive a specified vote for election.

C. A decrease in the number of directors does not shorten an incumbent director's term.

D. The term of a director elected by the board of directors to fill a vacancy expires at the next shareholders' meeting at which directors are elected.

E. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, despite the expiration of a director's term, the director continues to serve until the director's successor is elected and qualifies or until there is a decrease in the number of directors.

F. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the terms of the directors of a corporation registered under the federal Investment Company Act of 1940 shall expire according to, and otherwise be governed by, the provisions of the federal Investment Company Act of 1940.

Code 1950, § 13.1-36; 1956, c. 428; 1968, c. 87; 1973, c. 50; 1974, c. 662; 1977, c. 123; 1982, c. 104; 1985, c. 522; 1990, c. 228; 2005, c. 765; 2007, c. 165; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-678. Staggered terms for directors.
The articles of incorporation may provide for staggering the terms of directors by dividing the total number of directors into two or three groups, with each group containing one-half or one-third of the total, as near as may be practicable. In that event, the terms of directors in the first group expire at the first annual shareholders' meeting after their election, the terms of the second group expire at the second annual shareholders' meeting after their election, and the terms of the third group, if any, expire at the third annual shareholders' meeting after their election. At each annual shareholders' meeting held thereafter, directors shall be elected for a term of two years or three years, as the case may be, to succeed those whose terms expire.

Code 1950, § 13.1-37; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-679. Resignation of directors.
A. A director may resign at any time by delivering a written notice of resignation to the board of directors or its chairman, or to the secretary of the corporation.

B. A resignation is effective as provided in subdivision A 9 of § 13.1-610 unless the resignation provides for a delayed effectiveness including effectiveness determined upon a future event or events. If a resignation provides for a delayed effectiveness, the board of directors may fill the pending vacancy before the effectiveness of the resignation if the board of directors provides that the successor does not take office until the effectiveness of the resignation. A resignation that is conditioned upon failing to receive a specified vote for election as a director may provide that it is irrevocable.

C. Any person whose name is of record in the office of the clerk of the Commission as a director of a corporation, and who has resigned or whose name is incorrectly of record, may file a statement to that effect with the Commission.

D. Upon the resignation of a director, the corporation may file an amended annual report with the Commission indicating the resignation of the director and the successor in office, if any.

1985, c. 522; 1991, c. 124; 2005, c. 765; 2007, c. 165; 2019, c. 734; 2020, c. 1226.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-680. Removal of directors by shareholders.
A. The shareholders may remove one or more directors with or without cause, unless the articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

B. If a director is elected by a voting group of shareholders, only the shareholders of that voting group may participate in the vote to remove the director.

C. If cumulative voting in the election of directors is authorized by the articles of incorporation, a director may not be removed if, in the case of a shareholders' meeting, the number of votes sufficient to elect him under cumulative voting is voted against his removal and, if action is taken by less than unanimous consent, voting shares entitled to the number of votes sufficient to elect the director under cumulative voting do not consent to the removal. If cumulative voting in the election of directors is not authorized by the articles of incorporation, unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws require a greater vote, a director may be removed if the number of votes cast to remove the director constitutes a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at an election of directors of the voting group or voting groups by which the director was elected.

D. A director may be removed by the shareholders at a shareholders' meeting if the meeting is called for the purpose of removing the director. The meeting notice shall state that the purpose, or one of the purposes of the meeting, is removal of the director.

E. Upon the removal of a director, the corporation may file an amended annual report with the Commission indicating the removal of the director and the successor in office, if any.

Code 1950, §§ 13-205, 13.1-42; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 1991, c. 124; 2005, c. 765; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-681. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2010, c. 782, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-681.1. Removal of directors by judicial proceeding.
A. The circuit court in the county or city in which the principal office of the corporation is located, or, if none in the Commonwealth, in the county or city in which its registered office is located, may remove a director from office, and may bar the director from reelection for a period prescribed by the court, in a proceeding commenced by or in the right of the corporation if the court finds that (i) the director engaged in fraudulent conduct with respect to the corporation or its shareholders, grossly abused the position of director, or intentionally inflicted harm on the corporation and (ii) considering the director's course of conduct and the inadequacy of other available remedies, removal would be in the best interest of the corporation.

B. A shareholder proceeding on behalf of the corporation under subsection A shall comply with all of the requirements of Article 8.1 (§ 13.1-672.1 et seq.) except for those set forth in subdivisions A 1 and 2 of § 13.1-672.1.

2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-682. Vacancy on board of directors.
A. Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, if a vacancy occurs on the board of directors, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors:

1. The shareholders may fill the vacancy;

2. The board of directors may fill the vacancy; or

3. If the directors remaining in office are less than a quorum of the board of directors, they may fill the vacancy by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors remaining in office.

B. Unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, if the vacant office was held by a director elected by a voting group of shareholders, only the shareholders of that voting group are entitled to vote to fill the vacancy if it is filled by the shareholders and only the remaining directors elected by that voting group, even if less than a quorum of the board of directors, are entitled to fill the vacancy if it is filled by the remaining directors.

C. A vacancy that will occur at a specific later date, by reason of a resignation effective at a later date under subsection B of § 13.1-679 or otherwise, may be filled before the vacancy occurs but the new director may not take office until the vacancy occurs.

D. The corporation may file an amended annual report with the Commission indicating the filling of a vacancy.

Code 1950, § 13.1-38; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 1991, c. 124; 2007, c. 165; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-683. Compensation of directors.
Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, the board of directors may fix the compensation of directors.

Code 1950, § 13.1-35; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-684. Meetings of the board of directors.
A. The board of directors may hold regular or special meetings in or out of this Commonwealth.

B. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, the board of directors may permit any or all directors to participate in a regular or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through the use of, any means of communication by which all directors participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting. A director participating in a meeting by this means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

Code 1950, § 13.1-41; 1956, c. 428; 1975, c. 500; 1985, c. 522.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-685. Action without meeting of board of directors.
A. Except to the extent that the articles of incorporation or bylaws require that action by the board of directors be taken at a meeting, action required or permitted by this chapter to be taken by the board of directors may be taken without a meeting if each director signs a consent describing the action to be taken and delivers it to the corporation's secretary.

B. Action taken under this section is effective as the act of the board of directors when the last director signs the consent unless the consent specifies a different effective date, in which event the action taken is effective as of the date specified therein, provided that if such date precedes the date when the last director signs the consent states the date of execution by each director.

C. A director's consent may be withdrawn by a revocation signed by the director and delivered to the corporation's secretary before delivery to the corporation's secretary of unrevoked written consents signed by all the directors.

D. Any person, whether or not then a director, may provide that a consent to action as a director shall be effective at a future time, including the time when an event occurs, but such future time shall not be more than 60 days after such provision is made. Any such consent shall be deemed to have been made for purposes of this section at the future time so specified for the consent to be effective, provided that (i) the person is a director at such future time and (ii) the person did not revoke the consent prior to such future time. Any such consent may be revoked, in the manner provided in subsection C, prior to its becoming effective.

E. For purposes of this section, a written consent or revocation and the signing thereof may be accomplished by one or more electronic transmissions.

F. A consent signed under this section has the effect of action taken at a meeting of the board of directors and may be described as such in any document.

Code 1950, § 13.1-41.1; 1964, c. 419; 1975, c. 500; 1985, c. 522; 2005, c. 765; 2015, c. 611; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-686. Notice of board of directors' meetings.
A. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, regular meetings of the board of directors may be held without notice of the date, time, place or purpose of the meeting.

B. Special meetings of the board of directors shall be held upon such notice as is prescribed in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, or when not inconsistent with the articles of incorporation or bylaws, by resolution of the board of directors. The notice need not describe the purpose of the special meeting unless required by the articles of incorporation or bylaws.

Code 1950, § 13.1-41; 1956, c. 428; 1975, c. 500; 1985, c. 522; 2002, c. 285; 2005, c. 765; 2010, c. 782.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-687. Waiver of notice by director.
A. A director may waive any notice required by this chapter, the articles of incorporation, or bylaws before or after the date and time stated in the notice, and such waiver shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. Except as provided in subsection B, the waiver shall be in writing, signed by the director entitled to the notice, and delivered to the corporation's secretary for filing by the corporation with the minutes of the meeting or corporate records.

B. A director's attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to the director of the meeting unless the director at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon the director's arrival objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not after objecting vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.

Code 1950, § 13.1-27; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-688. Quorum and voting by directors.
A. Unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws require a greater or lesser number for the transaction of all business or any particular business, or unless otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, a quorum of the board of directors consists of:

1. A majority of the fixed number of directors if the corporation has a fixed board size; or

2. A majority of the number of directors prescribed, or if no number is prescribed the number in office immediately before the meeting begins, if the corporation has a variable-range size board.

B. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may authorize a quorum of a board of directors to consist of no fewer than one-third of the specified or fixed number of directors determined under subsection A.

C. If a quorum is present when a vote is taken, the affirmative vote of a majority of directors present is the act of the board of directors unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws require the vote of a greater number of directors or unless otherwise expressly provided in this chapter.

D. A director who is present at a meeting of the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors when corporate action is taken is deemed to have assented to the action taken unless:

1. The director objects at the beginning of the meeting, or promptly upon the director's arrival, to holding it or transacting specified business at the meeting;

2. The director's dissent or abstention from the action taken is entered in the minutes of the meeting; or

3. The director delivers written notice of the director's dissent or abstention to the presiding officer of the meeting before its adjournment or to the secretary of the corporation or meeting immediately after adjournment of the meeting. The right of dissent or abstention is not available to a director who votes in favor of the action taken.

E. Except as may be provided in an agreement authorized by § 13.1-671.1, a director shall not vote by proxy.

F. Whenever this chapter requires the board of directors to take any action or to recommend or approve any proposed corporate act, such action, recommendation, or approval shall not be required if the proposed action or corporate act is adopted by the unanimous consent of shareholders.

Code 1950, §§ 13-206, 13-207, 13.1-39, 13.1-44; 1956, c. 428; 1966, c. 131; 1985, c. 522; 1992, c. 471; 2005, c. 765; 2019, c. 734.
Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-690. General standards of conduct for director.
A. A director shall discharge his duties as a director, including his duties as a member of a committee, in accordance with his good faith business judgment of the best interests of the corporation.

B. Unless a director has knowledge or information concerning the matter in question that makes reliance unwarranted, the director is entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by:

1. One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the director believes, in good faith, to be reliable and competent in the matters presented;

2. Legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the director believes, in good faith, are within the person's professional or expert competence; or

3. A committee of the board of directors of which he is not a member if the director believes, in good faith, that the committee merits confidence.

C. A director is not liable for any action taken as a director, or any failure to take any action, if he performed the duties of his office in compliance with this section.

D. A person alleging a violation of this section has the burden of proving the violation.

Code 1950, §§ 13-206, 13-207, 13.1-44; 1956, c. 428; 1985, c. 522; 2019, c. 734.

Code of Virginia — Title 13.1 (Corporations), Chapter 9 (VIRGINIA STOCK CORPORATION ACT)
§ 13.1-690.1. Director of open-end management investment company deemed disinterested.
A director of a corporation that is an open-end management investment company, as defined by the federal Investment Company Act of 1940, who with respect to the corporation is not an interested person, as defined by the federal Investment Company Act of 1940, shall be deemed to be disinterested when making any determination or taking any action as a director of the corporation.

2006, c. 330; 2019, c. 734.