reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 186 - Credit unions. › 186.34 - Federal share insurance.

186.34
Federal share insurance.
(1)
Insurance required. No credit union may accept any deposit from any person other than an incorporator before the credit union has received a certificate of share insurance issued by the national board.
(4)
Certificate filing. Every credit union that receives a certificate of insurance from the national board shall file a copy of the certificate with the office of credit unions within 30 days after the credit union receives the certificate.
(5)
Insurance to be maintained. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, every credit union, other than a corporate central credit union, shall take, and a corporate central credit union may take, every action lawfully required to maintain federal share insurance coverage in full force and effect, and shall refrain or desist from taking any action that is likely to cause termination of federal share insurance coverage.
History:  1985 a. 29; 1987 a. 27; 1995 a. 27; 1995 a. 151 ss. 278 to 282, 304.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 186 - Credit unions. › 186.36 - Sale of insurance in credit unions.

186.36
Sale of insurance in credit unions.
Any officer or employee of a credit union, when acting as an agent for the sale of insurance on behalf of the credit union, shall pay all commissions received from the sale of insurance to the credit union.
History:  1973 c. 243; 1993 a. 482; 1995 a. 151; 2003 a. 63.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 186 - Credit unions. › 186.45 - Non-Wisconsin credit union, Wisconsin offices.

186.45
Non-Wisconsin credit union, Wisconsin offices.
(1)
Definitions. In this section:
(a)
“Non-Wisconsin credit union" means a credit union organized under the laws of and with its principal office located in a state other than this state.
(b)
“Wisconsin credit union" has the meaning given in s. 186.41 (1) (bm).
(2)
Approval. A non-Wisconsin credit union may open an office and conduct business as a credit union in this state if the office of credit unions finds that Wisconsin credit unions are allowed to do business in the other state under conditions similar to those contained in this section and that all of the following apply to the non-Wisconsin credit union:
(a)
It is a credit union organized under laws similar to the credit union laws of this state.
(b)
It is financially solvent based upon national board ratings.
(c)
It has member savings insured with federal share insurance.
(d)
It is effectively examined and supervised by the credit union authorities of the state in which it is organized.
(e)
It has received approval to open an office and conduct business as a credit union in this state from the credit union authorities of the state in which it is organized.
(f)
It has a need to place an office in this state to adequately serve its members in this state.
(g)
It meets all other relevant standards or qualifications established by the office of credit unions.
(3)
Requirements. A non-Wisconsin credit union that opens an office and conducts business as a credit union in this state shall do all of the following:
(a)
Grant loans at rates not in excess of the rates permitted for Wisconsin credit unions.
(b)
Comply with this state's laws.
(c)
Designate and maintain an agent for the service of process in this state.
(4)
Records. As a condition of a non-Wisconsin credit union doing business in this state under this section, the office of credit unions may require copies of examination reports and related correspondence regarding the non-Wisconsin credit union.
History:  2003 a. 63, 326.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 186 - Credit unions. › 186.52 - Customer access to appraisals.

186.52
Customer access to appraisals.
If requested by an individual who is a customer, loan applicant or credit applicant, a financial institution, as defined in s. 705.01 (3), shall provide that individual with a copy of any written appraisal report which is held by the financial institution, which relates to residential real estate that the individual owns or has agreed to purchase and for which a fee is imposed.
History:  1991 a. 78.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 186 - Credit unions. › 186.53 - Customer access to credit reports.

186.53
Customer access to credit reports.
If requested by an individual who is a customer, loan applicant or credit applicant, a financial institution, as defined in s. 705.01 (3), shall provide that individual, at no additional charge, with a copy of any written credit report which is held by the financial institution, which relates to that individual and for which a fee is imposed.
History:  1993 a. 425.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 186 - Credit unions. › 186.71 - Reproduction and destruction of records; evidence.

186.71
Reproduction and destruction of records; evidence.
(1)
Any credit union may cause any or all records kept by such credit union to be recorded, copied or reproduced by any photostatic, photographic or miniature photographic process or by optical imaging if the process employed correctly, accurately and permanently copies, reproduces or forms a medium for copying, reproducing or recording the original record on a film or other durable material. A credit union may thereafter dispose of the original record.
(2)
Any photographic, photostatic, or miniature photographic copy or reproduction or copy reproduced from a film record or any copy of a record generated from optical disc storage of a credit union record is considered to be an original record for all purposes and shall be treated as an original record in all courts or administrative agencies for the purpose of its admissibility in evidence. A facsimile, exemplification, or certified copy of any such photographic copy or reproduction, copy reproduced from a film record, or copy generated from optical disc storage of a record shall, for all purposes, be considered a facsimile, exemplification, or certified copy of the original record.
History:  1997 a. 152; 2013 a. 277; 2015 a. 196.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 186 - Credit unions. › 186.80 - False statements.

186.80
False statements.
(1)
No officer, director, or employee of a credit union may do any of the following:
(a)
Willfully and knowingly subscribe to or make, or cause to be made, a false statement or entry in the books of the credit union.
(b)
Knowingly subscribe to or exhibit false information with the intent to deceive any person authorized to examine the affairs of the credit union.
(c)
Knowingly make, state, or publish any false report or statement of the credit union.
(2)
Any person who violates sub. (1) is guilty of a Class F felony.
History:  2003 a. 63.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.02 - Existing societies confirmed; may reorganize.

187.02
Existing societies confirmed; may reorganize.
Every existing church, congregation or religious society heretofore incorporated is hereby established and confirmed and shall continue to be governed by the statutes now applicable thereto, notwithstanding the same are repealed by this statute, in the same manner as if not so repealed, until organized under this chapter; and every such church, congregation and society may, by five or more of its members thereunto duly authorized by and acting for all its members at the time, become a corporation under this chapter by making and recording the certificate provided herein, with an additional statement therein of the name by which such society and the corporation connected with it has before that time been known and called and that such society and corporation are reorganized under this chapter; but such reorganization shall not work a change of the ecclesiastical connection of any such society.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.03 - Failure to elect trustees.

187.03
Failure to elect trustees.
No failure to elect trustees at the proper time shall work a dissolution of any corporation formed under this chapter, and those once elected shall hold their offices until their successors are elected. In case of the dissolution of any such corporation the same may be reincorporated under the provisions of this chapter at any time within six years after such dissolution; and thereupon all the estate, real and personal, formerly belonging to the same and not lawfully disposed of shall vest in such corporation as if there had been no such dissolution.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.04 - Episcopal church.

187.04
Episcopal church.
The rectors, wardens and vestry being the trustees of each Episcopal church may be chosen at such times and in such manner as may be in conformity with the rules and usages thereof. Each such church heretofore or hereafter incorporated may take by purchase, devise, gift or otherwise and may forever hold any lands intended to be used for cemetery grounds or burial purposes, subject to the provisions and restrictions of subch. II of ch. 157; and any such church, by its trustees, officers or agents, who shall hold the temporalities thereof, may convey them with or without consideration to the trustees of the funds and property of the Episcopal church, however called, acting within this state, to be held, sold or conveyed according to the direction of the diocesan convention or council of the Episcopal church in this state; provided, however, that the trustees, the rector, wardens and vestry of St. Paul's Episcopal church of the city of Milwaukee and each and every one of them are hereby forbidden to sell, convey or in any manner transfer Forest Home cemetery in the city of Milwaukee or any part thereof to any person or persons except in the normal course of cemetery operations or in pursuance of an order of some court having jurisdiction thereof, made upon due notice granting leave to convey the same.
History:  1985 a. 316 s. 25; 1989 a. 307.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.06 - May take title to property.

187.06
May take title to property.
Every such corporation may be empowered by the body electing them to take and hold the title to church property, both real and personal, of the church and religious denomination for which it is created, which is used or designated to be used for missionary or other proper purposes of such church or religious denomination and not specially used for the purposes of any local religious society incorporated under the laws of this state; and to use, manage and convey the same to the extent and under such restrictions and limitations as may be prescribed by the proper ecclesiastical authority of their church or religious denomination.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.07 - Title to vest in trustees.

187.07
Title to vest in trustees.
(1)
All lands, tenements and hereditaments that have been or may hereafter be lawfully conveyed by demise, gift, grant, purchase or otherwise to any persons as trustees, in trust for the use of any religious society organized or which may be hereafter organized within this state either for a meeting house, burying ground or for the residence of a preacher, shall, with the improvements, vest in the trustees of such religious society as fully as if originally conveyed to them, and shall be held by them and their successors in trust for such society.
(2)
And all conveyances heretofore or hereafter made to any person or persons, intended to be in trust for, or for the benefit of, any such society, shall be deemed to vest the said real estate in such society, whether such person or persons be denominated therein as trustees or not.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.08 - Devolution of property of defunct societies.

187.08
Devolution of property of defunct societies.
If any such society, organized under ss. 187.01 to 187.07, owning any real estate in this state, shall be or become dissolved by removal, withdrawal or death of its members, so that there is no acting organization thereof for a period of six years, or by the majority vote of the members present at a regular meeting of said corporation, elect to transfer all of its real estate and personal property to a corporation of the same religious denomination, and there shall be within this state a corporation of the same religious denomination organized as provided in s. 187.05 (1), the title to such real estate so owned by such defunct society shall be vested in such corporation of the same religious denomination next higher in authority in such denomination.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.09 - Existing organizations legalized.

187.09
Existing organizations legalized.
Every religious or religious educational and charitable society organized or attempted to be organized under ch. 47, Revised Statutes of 1849, or ch. 66, Revised Statutes of 1858, or ch. 91, Revised Statutes of 1878, and the acts amendatory thereof, by filing or recording a certificate of the election of trustees or a certificate of organization designating the name of the church or society with the register of deeds of the proper county, and which, since such filing or recording, has acted as a religious or a religious educational and charitable corporation in pursuance thereof, shall be deemed to be legally incorporated and shall have all the powers and be subject to all the liabilities of religious corporations under the provisions of this chapter. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to affect any action or proceeding pending by or against any such corporation on April 19, 1895.
History:  1993 a. 301.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.11 - Property of Church of Christ or Christian Church.

187.11
Property of Church of Christ or Christian Church.
Whenever any local religious society of the denomination known as the Church of Christ or the Christian Church, which accepts the Wisconsin Christian Missionary Association as its missionary organization becomes defunct or is dissolved, the property thereof shall vest in the Wisconsin Christian Missionary Association, the state institution of said denomination, and if within 3 years from the date when such local society becomes defunct or is dissolved it is reincorporated in the manner prescribed in s. 187.01, the said property so belonging to such defunct or dissolved local corporation at the time of its dissolution shall vest in such new corporation. Any local religious society shall be deemed defunct within the meaning of this section when it shall have ceased to maintain at least one regular service per month for a period of 2 years. Section 187.03 shall not apply to or affect religious societies of the denomination known as the Church of Christ or the Christian Church.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.20 - Indemnification by incorporated Roman Catholic church; definitions.

187.20
Indemnification by incorporated Roman Catholic church; definitions.
In ss. 187.20 to 187.28:
(1)
“Director or officer" means any of the following:
(a)
An individual who is serving as a president, vice president, treasurer or secretary of an incorporated Roman Catholic church under s. 187.19 (4) or as a director of an incorporated Roman Catholic church under s. 187.19 (5).
(b)
An individual who, while a director or officer of an incorporated Roman Catholic church, is or was serving at the request of the incorporated Roman Catholic church as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member of any governing or decision-making committee, manager, employee or agent of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
(c)
An individual who, while a director or officer of an incorporated Roman Catholic church, is or was serving an employee benefit plan because his or her duties to the incorporated Roman Catholic church also imposed duties on, or otherwise involved services by, the person to the plan or to participants in or beneficiaries of the plan.
(d)
Unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or personal representative of a director or officer of an incorporated Roman Catholic church.
(2)
“Expenses" includes fees, costs, charges, disbursements, attorney fees and any other expenses incurred in connection with a proceeding.
(3)
“Incorporated Roman Catholic church" means a corporation organized under s. 187.19.
(4)
“Liability" includes the obligation to pay a judgment, settlement, forfeiture, or fine, including any excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan, plus costs, fees, and surcharges imposed under ch. 814, and reasonable expenses.
(5)
“Party" means a natural person who was or is, or who is threatened to be made, a named defendant or respondent in a proceeding.
(6)
“Proceeding" means any threatened, pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit, arbitration or other proceeding, whether formal or informal, which involves foreign, federal, state or local law and which is brought by or in the right of the incorporated Roman Catholic church or by any other person.
History:  1989 a. 306; 1993 a. 112; 2003 a. 139.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.21 - Indemnification of directors and officers.

187.21
Indemnification of directors and officers.
(1)
An incorporated Roman Catholic church shall indemnify a director or officer, to the extent he or she has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of a proceeding, for all reasonable expenses incurred in the proceeding if the director or officer was a party because he or she is a director or officer of the incorporated Roman Catholic church.
(2)
(a)
In cases not included under sub. (1), an incorporated Roman Catholic church may indemnify a director or officer against liability incurred by the director or officer in a proceeding to which the director or officer was a party because he or she is a director or officer of the incorporated Roman Catholic church, unless liability was incurred because the director or officer breached or failed to perform a duty he or she owes to the incorporated Roman Catholic church and the breach or failure to perform constitutes any of the following:
1.
A willful failure to deal fairly with the incorporated Roman Catholic church or its members in connection with a matter in which the director or officer has a material conflict of interest.
2.
A violation of criminal law, unless the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
3.
A transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal profit.
4.
Willful misconduct.
(b)
Determination of whether an incorporated Roman Catholic church will indemnify a director or officer under this subsection shall be made under s. 187.22.
(c)
The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of no contest or an equivalent plea, does not, by itself, create a presumption that indemnification of the director or officer is not permitted under this subsection.
(3)
A director or officer who seeks indemnification under this section shall make a written request to the incorporated Roman Catholic church.
(4)
(a)
The obligation of an incorporated Roman Catholic church to indemnify under sub. (1) and its authority to indemnify under sub. (2) may be limited by its articles of incorporation under s. 187.24.
(b)
A director or officer may not seek indemnification under this section if the director or officer has previously received indemnification or allowance of expenses from any person, including the incorporated Roman Catholic church, in connection with the same proceeding.
History:  1989 a. 306.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.22 - Determination of voluntary indemnification.

187.22
Determination of voluntary indemnification.
Unless otherwise provided by the articles of incorporation or bylaws or by written agreement between the director or officer and the incorporated Roman Catholic church, the director or officer seeking indemnification under s. 187.21 (2) shall select one of the following means for determining whether the incorporated Roman Catholic church will indemnify the director or officer:
(1)
By majority vote of a quorum of the board of directors consisting of directors not at the time parties to the same or related proceedings. If a quorum of disinterested directors cannot be obtained, by majority vote of a committee duly appointed by the board of directors and consisting solely of 2 or more directors not at the time parties to the same or related proceedings. Directors who are parties to the same or related proceedings may participate in the designation of members of the committee.
(2)
By independent legal counsel selected by a quorum of the board of directors or its committee in the manner prescribed in sub. (1) or, if unable to obtain such a quorum or committee, by a majority vote of the full board of directors, including directors who are parties to the same or related proceedings.
(3)
By an affirmative vote of members as provided in ss. 181.0722 and ss. 181.0723, if there are members having voting rights. Membership rights owned by, or voted under the control of, persons who are at the time parties to the same or related proceedings, whether as plaintiffs or defendants or in any other capacity, may not be voted in making the determination.
(4)
By any other method provided for in any additional right to indemnification permitted under s. 187.25.
History:  1989 a. 306; 1997 a. 79.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.23 - Allowance of expenses as incurred.

187.23
Allowance of expenses as incurred.
Upon written request by a director or officer who is a party to a proceeding, an incorporated Roman Catholic church may pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses as incurred if the director or officer provides the incorporated Roman Catholic church with all of the following:
(1)
A written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she has not breached or failed to perform his or her duties to the incorporated Roman Catholic church.
(2)
A written undertaking, executed personally or on his or her behalf, to repay the allowance and, if required by the incorporated Roman Catholic church, to pay reasonable interest on the allowance to the extent that indemnification is not required under s. 187.21 (1) and that it is ultimately determined under s. 187.22 that the incorporated Roman Catholic church will not indemnify the director or officer under s. 187.21 (2). The undertaking under this subsection shall be an unlimited general obligation of the director or officer and may be accepted without reference to his or her ability to repay the allowance. The undertaking may be secured or unsecured.
History:  1989 a. 306.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.24 - Authority to limit indemnification.

187.24
Authority to limit indemnification.
(1)
The obligation of an incorporated Roman Catholic church to indemnify under s. 187.21 (1) and its authority to indemnify under s. 187.21 (2) may be limited as follows:
(a)
If the incorporated Roman Catholic church is incorporated on or after May 8, 1990, by the articles of incorporation, including any amendments or restatements of the articles of incorporation.
(b)
If the incorporated Roman Catholic church was incorporated before May 8, 1990, by an amendment to, or restatement of, the articles of incorporation which becomes effective on or after May 8, 1990.
(2)
A limitation under sub. (1) applies if the first alleged act of a director or officer for which indemnification is sought occurred while the limitation was in effect.
History:  1989 a. 306.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.25 - Additional rights to indemnification and allowance of expenses.

187.25
Additional rights to indemnification and allowance of expenses.
(1)
Except as provided in sub. (2), ss. 187.21 and 187.23 do not preclude any additional right to indemnification or allowance of expenses that a director or officer may have under any of the following:
(a)
The articles of incorporation or bylaws.
(b)
A written agreement between the director or officer and the incorporated Roman Catholic church.
(c)
A resolution of the board of directors.
(d)
A resolution, after notice, adopted by a majority vote of members who are entitled to vote.
(2)
Regardless of the existence of an additional right under sub. (1), the incorporated Roman Catholic church may not indemnify a director or officer, or permit a director or officer to retain any allowance of expenses unless it is determined by or on behalf of the incorporated Roman Catholic church that the director or officer did not breach or fail to perform a duty he or she owes to the incorporated Roman Catholic church which constitutes conduct under s. 187.21 (2) (a) 1., 2., 3. or 4. A director or officer who is a party to the same or related proceeding for which indemnification or an allowance of expenses is sought may not participate in a determination under this subsection.
(3)
Sections 187.20 to 187.28 do not affect the power of an incorporated Roman Catholic church to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a director or officer in any of the following circumstances:
(a)
As a witness in a proceeding to which he or she is not a party.
(b)
As a plaintiff or petitioner in a proceeding because he or she is or was an employee, agent, director or officer of the incorporated Roman Catholic church.
History:  1989 a. 306.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.26 - Court-ordered indemnification.

187.26
Court-ordered indemnification.
(1)
Except as provided otherwise by written agreement between the director or officer and the incorporated Roman Catholic church, a director or officer who has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of a proceeding may apply for indemnification to the court conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. After receipt of an application, the court shall give any notice it considers necessary.
(2)
The court shall order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is entitled to indemnification under s. 187.21 (1). If the court also determines that the incorporated Roman Catholic church unreasonably refused the director's or officer's request for indemnification, the court shall order the incorporated Roman Catholic church to pay the director's or officer's reasonable expenses incurred to obtain the court-ordered indemnification.
History:  1989 a. 306.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.27 - Indemnification and allowance of expenses of employees and agents.

187.27
Indemnification and allowance of expenses of employees and agents.
An incorporated Roman Catholic church may indemnify and allow reasonable expenses of an employee or agent who is not a director or officer to the extent provided by the articles of incorporation or bylaws, by general or specific action of the board of directors or by contract.
History:  1989 a. 306.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.28 - Insurance.

187.28
Insurance.
An incorporated Roman Catholic church may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of an individual who is an employee, agent, director or officer of the incorporated Roman Catholic church against liability asserted against and incurred by the individual in his or her capacity as an employee, agent, director or officer, or arising from his or her status as an employee, agent, director or officer, regardless of whether the incorporated Roman Catholic church is required or authorized to indemnify or allow expenses to the individual against the same liability under ss. 187.21, 187.23, 187.25 and 187.27.
History:  1989 a. 306.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.30 - Definitions applicable to liability-related provisions.

187.30
Definitions applicable to liability-related provisions.
In ss. 187.30 to 187.33:
(1)
“Director" means an individual who is serving as a director of an incorporated Roman Catholic church under s. 187.19 (5).
(2)
“Incorporated Roman Catholic church" has the meaning given in s. 187.20 (3).
(3)
“Officer" means an individual who is serving as a president, vice president, treasurer or secretary of an incorporated Roman Catholic church under s. 187.19 (4).
History:  1989 a. 306.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.31 - Reliance by directors or officers.

187.31
Reliance by directors or officers.
Unless the director or officer knew or should have known that reliance was unwarranted, a director or officer, in discharging his or her duties to the incorporated Roman Catholic church, may rely on information, opinions, reports or statements, any of which may be written or oral, formal or informal, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by any of the following:
(1)
An officer or employee of the incorporated Roman Catholic church whom the director or officer believes in good faith to be reliable and competent in the matters presented.
(2)
Legal counsel, certified public accountants licensed or certified under ch. 442, or other professional persons or experts employed by the incorporated Roman Catholic church, as to matters the director or officer believes in good faith are within the person's professional or expert competence.
(3)
In the case of reliance by a director, a committee of the board of directors of which the director is not a member if the director believes in good faith that the committee merits confidence.
History:  1989 a. 306; 2001 a. 16.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.32 - Limited liability of directors and officers.

187.32
Limited liability of directors and officers.
(1)
Except as provided in sub. (2), a director or officer is not liable to the incorporated Roman Catholic church, its members or creditors, or any person asserting rights on behalf of the incorporated Roman Catholic church, its members or creditors, or any other person, for damages, settlements, fees, fines, penalties or other monetary liabilities arising from a breach of, or failure to perform, any duty resulting solely from his or her status as a director or officer, unless the person asserting liability proves that the breach or failure to perform constitutes any of the following:
(a)
A willful failure to deal fairly with the incorporated Roman Catholic church or its members in connection with a matter in which the director or officer has a material conflict of interest.
(b)
A violation of criminal law, unless the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
(c)
A transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal profit.
(d)
Willful misconduct.
(2)
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), this section does not apply to any of the following:
1.
A civil or criminal proceeding brought by or on behalf of any governmental unit, authority or agency.
2.
A proceeding brought by any person for a violation of state or federal law where the proceeding is brought pursuant to an express private right of action created by state or federal statute.
3.
If the incorporated Roman Catholic church operates a cemetery, the liability of a director or officer arising from a breach of, or failure to perform, any duty relating to the receipt, handling, investment or other use of perpetual care funds, maintenance funds or other funds held in trust in connection with the operations of the cemetery.
(b)
Paragraph (a) 1. and 2. does not apply to a proceeding brought by a governmental unit, authority or agency in its capacity as a private party or contractor.
History:  1989 a. 306.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.33 - Limited liability of volunteers.

187.33
Limited liability of volunteers.
(1)
Definition. In this section, “volunteer" means an individual, other than an employee of the incorporated Roman Catholic church, who provides services to or on behalf of the incorporated Roman Catholic church without compensation.
(2)
Immunity. Except as provided in sub. (3), a volunteer is not liable to any person for damages, settlements, fees, fines, penalties or other monetary liabilities arising from any act or omission as a volunteer, unless the person asserting liability proves that the act or omission constitutes any of the following:
(a)
A violation of criminal law, unless the volunteer had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
(b)
Willful misconduct.
(c)
If the volunteer is a director or officer of the incorporated Roman Catholic church, an act or omission within the scope of the volunteer's duties as a director or officer.
(e)
An act or omission for which the volunteer received compensation or anything of substantial value in lieu of compensation.
(3)
Exceptions.
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), this section does not apply to any of the following:
1.
A civil or criminal proceeding brought by or on behalf of any governmental unit, authority or agency.
2.
A proceeding brought by any person for a violation of state or federal law where the proceeding is brought pursuant to an express private right of action created by state or federal statute.
3.
Claims arising from the negligent operation of an automobile, truck, train, airplane or other vehicle by a volunteer.
4.
A proceeding against a volunteer who is licensed, certified, permitted or registered under state law and which is based upon an act or omission within the scope of practice under the volunteer's license, certificate, permit or registration.
5.
Proceedings based upon a cause of action for which the volunteer is immune from liability under s. 146.31 (2) and (3), 146.37, 895.475, 895.48, 895.4802, 895.4803, 895.482, 895.51, or 895.52.
(b)
Paragraph (a) 1. and 2. does not apply to a proceeding brought by or on behalf of a governmental unit, authority or agency in its capacity as a contractor.
History:  1989 a. 306; 1991 a. 318; 1993 a. 213; 2005 a. 155.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.40 - Definitions.

187.40
Definitions.
In this subchapter:
(1)
“Director" means an individual who is serving as a trustee or director of a religious organization or an individual who is serving in a similar capacity in a religious organization.
(2)
“Religious organization" means an association, conference, congregation, convention, committee or other entity that is organized and operated for a religious purpose and that is exempt from federal income tax under 26 USC 501 (c) (3) or (d) and any subunit of such an association, conference, congregation, convention, committee or entity that is organized and operated for a religious purpose, except that “religious organization" does not include any of the following:
(a)
A Roman Catholic church organized under s. 187.19.
(b)
A nonstock corporation organized under ch. 181.
(3)
“Officer" means an individual who is serving as a president, vice president, treasurer or secretary of a religious organization or who is serving in a similar office in a religious organization.
History:  1995 a. 260.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.41 - Reliance by directors or officers.

187.41
Reliance by directors or officers.
Unless the director or officer knew or should have known that reliance was unwarranted, a director or officer, in discharging his or her duties to a religious organization, may rely on information, opinions, reports or statements, any of which may be written or oral, formal or informal, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by any of the following:
(1)
An officer or employee of the religious organization whom the director or officer believes in good faith to be reliable and competent in the matters presented.
(2)
Legal counsel, certified public accountants licensed or certified under ch. 442, or other professional persons or experts employed by the religious organization, as to matters the director or officer believes in good faith are within the person's professional or expert competence.
(3)
In the case of reliance by a director, a committee of the governing body of the religious organization of which the director is not a member if the director believes in good faith that the committee merits confidence.
History:  1995 a. 260; 2001 a. 16.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.42 - Limited liability of directors and officers.

187.42
Limited liability of directors and officers.
(1)
Except as provided in sub. (2), a director or officer is not liable to the religious organization, its members or creditors, or any person asserting rights on behalf of the religious organization, its members or creditors, or any other person, for damages, settlements, fees, fines, penalties or other monetary liabilities arising from a breach of, or failure to perform, any duty resulting solely from his or her status as a director or officer, unless the person asserting liability proves that the breach or failure to perform constitutes any of the following:
(a)
A willful failure to deal fairly with the religious organization or its members in connection with a matter in which the director or officer has a material conflict of interest.
(b)
A violation of criminal law, unless the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
(c)
A transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal profit.
(d)
Willful misconduct.
(2)
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), this section does not apply to any of the following:
1.
A civil or criminal proceeding brought by or on behalf of any governmental unit, authority or agency.
2.
A proceeding brought by any person for a violation of state or federal law where the proceeding is brought pursuant to an express private right of action created by state or federal statute.
3.
If the religious organization operates a cemetery, the liability of a director or officer arising from a breach of, or failure to perform, any duty relating to the receipt, handling, investment or other use of perpetual care funds, maintenance funds or other funds held in trust in connection with the operations of the cemetery.
(b)
Paragraph (a) 1. and 2. does not apply to a proceeding brought by a governmental unit, authority or agency in its capacity as a private party or contractor.
History:  1995 a. 260.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 187 - Religious societies. › 187.43 - Limited liability of volunteers.

187.43
Limited liability of volunteers.
(1)
In this section, “volunteer" means an individual, other than an employee of the religious organization, who provides services to or on behalf of the religious organization without compensation.
(2)
Except as provided in sub. (3), a volunteer is not liable to any person for damages, settlements, fees, fines, penalties or other monetary liabilities arising from any act or omission as a volunteer, unless the person asserting liability proves that the act or omission constitutes any of the following:
(a)
A violation of the criminal law, unless the volunteer had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
(b)
Willful misconduct.
(c)
If the volunteer is a director or officer of the religious organization, an act or omission within the scope of the volunteer's duties as a director or officer.
(d)
An act or omission for which the volunteer received compensation or any thing of substantial value in lieu of compensation.
(3)
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), this section does not apply to any of the following:
1.
A civil or criminal proceeding brought by or on behalf of any governmental unit, authority or agency.
2.
A proceeding brought by any person for a violation of state or federal law where the proceeding is brought pursuant to an express private right of action created by state or federal statute.
3.
Claims arising from the negligent operation of an automobile, truck, train, airplane or other vehicle by a volunteer.
4.
A proceeding against a volunteer who is licensed, certified, permitted or registered under state law and which is based upon an act or omission within the scope of practice under the volunteer's license, certificate, permit or registration.
5.
Proceedings based upon a cause of action for which the volunteer is immune from liability under s. 146.31 (2) and (3), 146.37, 895.475, 895.48, 895.4802, 895.4803, 895.482, 895.51, or 895.52.
(b)
Paragraph (a) 1. and 2. does not apply to a proceeding brought by or on behalf of a governmental unit, authority or agency in its capacity as a contractor.
History:  1995 a. 260; 2005 a. 155.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 188 - Fraternal societies. › 188.01 - Election of trustees.

188.01
Election of trustees.
The members of any grand lodge or division or of any subordinate lodge or division acting under the authority of any grand lodge or division of Free Masons, Odd Fellows, Hermann's Sons, or Sons of Temperance, Grand Army of the Republic, or of the State Grange, or any subordinate grange of the order of Patrons of Husbandry acting under the authority of a state or national grange, or of the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union, or any county, district or local Woman's Christian Temperance Union, or of any other society constituted in a manner generally similar to either of the foregoing, whether acting under the jurisdiction of a grand lodge or division or not, may assemble at their usual place of meeting and, in pursuance of the rules of their society, elect not less than 3 nor more than 9 of their number trustees to take care of the property, real and personal, belonging to the society and transact all the business relative to the investment and disposal of the society's property.
History:  1997 a. 254.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 188 - Fraternal societies. › 188.02 - Powers of trustees.

188.02
Powers of trustees.
The trustees of a society that is subject to this chapter:
(1)
May have a common seal that may be altered at the trustee's pleasure.
(2)
Shall be considered a corporation for all purposes for which they are authorized to act.
(3)
In pursuance of the rules and regulations of the society and in conformity with the rules and regulations of the grand lodge, division or society from which they derive their charter, may take possession of, manage, control, purchase, lease, receive, recover, hold, sell, convey, mortgage, demise and improve all of the property thereof or necessary therefor, real and personal, including all burial places belonging to the society, and may erect and keep in repair all buildings necessary therefor.
(4)
May sue and be sued in all matters pertaining to the property and the debts, claims, demands and liabilities of the society, and the name in which they shall sue or be sued shall be “The trustees of .... (insert name of the grand lodge, lodge, division, grange or society of which they are trustees)".
History:  1997 a. 254.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 188 - Fraternal societies. › 188.03 - In whom property to vest.

188.03
In whom property to vest.
All of the real and personal property that shall have been conveyed by devise, gift, grant, purchase or otherwise to any society that is subject to this chapter or to any person as trustee for the use of the society shall vest in the society's trustees and their successors in office as fully as if originally conveyed to them, and shall be held by them and by their successors in trust for the society in the manner aforesaid.
History:  1997 a. 254.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 188 - Fraternal societies. › 188.04 - Election, term and removal of trustees.

188.04
Election, term and removal of trustees.
(1)
The trustees of a society that is subject to this chapter shall be elected annually at the time and place and in the manner prescribed by the rules or bylaws of the society. The trustees shall severally hold their offices for one year and until their successors are elected.
(2)
Any society, at the first or any subsequent election, may classify its trustees so that the term of office for one-third of them shall expire each year. When so classified, the term of office of the trustees thereafter elected shall be 3 years and until their successors are elected. Any trustee may be removed in accordance with the rules or bylaws of the society, and all vacancies may be filled for the residue of the term.
(3)
Any 2 trustees may call a meeting of the society, and a majority of them being convened may transact any business authorized to be done by them.
(4)
Whenever any subordinate grange of the Patrons of Husbandry shall from any cause cease to exist, the trustees then in office shall immediately sell the property of the grange and divide the proceeds proportionally among its members.
History:  1979 c. 110 s. 60 (12); 1997 a. 254.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 188 - Fraternal societies. › 188.05 - Council of granges.

188.05
Council of granges.
Any members of subordinate granges of the Patrons of Husbandry, not less than 5, located in any county or in adjoining counties may unite and be known and designated by some especial name as a council of granges of the Patrons of Husbandry, and may, as such, elect trustees as provided in this chapter. The trustees shall have all of the powers and privileges in respect to the property of the council of granges that are conferred by this chapter upon the trustees of a subordinate grange.
History:  1997 a. 254.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 188 - Fraternal societies. › 188.06 - Powers of trustees.

188.06
Powers of trustees.
The powers conferred by this chapter upon the trustees of a subordinate grange or council of granges of the Patrons of Husbandry shall not be exercised until the chief officers of such grange or council of granges shall make and sign a certificate setting forth the name, number and date of organization of such grange or council and the number and names of its trustees first elected, and record the same in the office of the register of deeds in the county in which such grange or council is located; nor, in case of the state grange, until the like officers thereof shall have made, signed and filed a like certificate with the department of financial institutions.
History:  1993 a. 301; 1995 a. 27.